PETALS

  • Motion Design
  • Research and Development
  • 3D Animation

PETALS

Petals was created to explore how far we can push organic motion design inside Blender.

In our previous projects, we mainly focused on hard-surface modeling and bringing static objects to life. With Petals, we deliberately shifted toward softness, flow, and organic movements. This meant diving deep into research and development, building custom setups for organic deformation, procedural growth, layered animation, and detailed shading to bring these flowers to life.

abstract_flower_01
flowers_comp
abstract_flower_02

In Search of Inspiration

Since the beginning of this project we knew we wanted to create something elegant, something that stops you from scrolling.

To accomplish this goal we researched, and looked at a lot of different flower types. Especially saving the ones that made us stop scrolling. What we found most eye-catching were the images with bright flowers, shot with deep contrast.

Something that also stood out to us were details breaking up the silhouette of the organic shapes. Purely recreating the flower itself gave us very round and hard-to-read silhouettes. By using morning dew and trichomes (flower hairs) we could break up the edges in a very subtle manner, giving us that extra step to visual satisfaction.

Bourso arrow, launching out of a phone
Bourso arrow, launching out of a phone
Bourso arrow, launching out of a phone

The Power of a Procedural Workflow

To achieve the movement of the petals, we used the procedural power of Geometry Nodes inside Blender 5.0. This workflow allowed us to maintain a balance between mathematical precision and the soft, natural "imperfections" that make floral motion feel alive.

glowing_alien_flower

Shading

The shading for both states of the flower was achieved entirely procedurally. By using multiple custom mask maps, we controlled the scale and curvature of the petal veins, allowing them to grow larger and taper naturally toward the edges.

This layered procedural approach enabled us to stack textures for depth, ensuring the model remains crisp and highly detailed even in extreme close-up shots.

2026 clay render
2026 clay render
2026 clay render

Made for Valentine's Day

While this project was born out of a technical desire to master organic motion, it found its heart in the season of love.

We timed the release of PETALS for Valentine's Day as a digital tribute to the elegance and fleeting beauty of nature. Proving that even in Blender 5.0, there's always room for a little romance.

Credits

  • Creative Direction
    • Kay Hilman
    • Boris Bouwmeester
  • Production
    • Kay Hilman
    • Boris Bouwmeester
  • Music & Sound
    • Boris Bouwmeester

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  • 3D Animation
  • Motion Design