Janelle Kung
Video Editor + Motion Graphics Designer
TanTao Video Essays
These are Vox-style explainer videos that transform complex concepts, ranging from the science of inner psychology to media critique on Asian American representation, into engaging short-form video essays. For each piece, I am responsible for translating the written transcript into visuals by sourcing compelling footage, creating custom vector artwork in Illustrator, animating in After Effects, and bringing everything together in Premiere Pro through editing and sound design.
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The Psychology of Inner Speech
Focus: Explored a wide range of 2D animation techniques to create kinetically diverse motion that is unified through a cohesive light-blue color palette.
Summary: Examines the science of inner speech, explaining Lev Vygotsky's theory, the difference between internal dialogue and monologue, and how inner speech differs across individuals. Covers the brain regions involved, cognitive functions supported by inner speech, and mental experiences, like ADHD and autism.
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Tools/Techniques: Texture & Grit Overlays, Track mattes, Puppet Tool, Wiggle Expressions, CC Burn, Repeaters, Trim Paths (Lines & Outlines), Animated Typography (Typewriter, Character Offset, Highlighter)
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Oryx and Crake:
The Art of Withholding
Focus: Emphasized key novel ideas with icons, color-changing text, and Vox-style highlighter animations.
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Summary: Analyzes how Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake withholds key details to create suspense and immersion. Shows how delayed description and indirect world-building shift focus toward story, proving that “less is more” strengthens narrative impact.
Tools/Techniques: Texture & Grit Overlays, Typography (Color-Changing Text, Highlighter, Typewriter)
IFS and Pop Culture:
The Mind is Naturally Multiple
Focus: Designed Kurzgesagt-style characters and icons in Illustrator and animating them with simple, expressive motion.
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Summary: Explores Richard Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems model, showing how the mind is naturally composed of multiple “parts” that interact with each other. Uses examples from Inside Out, The Boys, and The Joy Luck Club to illustrate these abstract psychological concepts.
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Tools/Techniques: 2D Illustration, Light Character Rigging, Trim Path Arrows, CC Page Turn, CC Spotlight, Typography (Tracking Text)
Avatar vs American Dragon:
Asian Representation
Focus: Curated and edited video the best clips from early-2000s televisions shows (Avatar: The Last Air Bender and American Dragon: Jake Long).
Summary: Juxtaposes children's television shows, Avatar: The Last Airbender and American Dragon, to highlight how Avatar draws authentically from Asian traditions and philosophies, while American Dragon relies on stereotypes and shallow portrayals.
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Tools/Techniques: Video editing, Trim Path (Line & Text)
Frank Sinatra and TikTok's Hopecore Movement
Focus: Intentionally created glitchy graphics to mirror TikTok’s fast-paced visual language.
Summary: Investigates how TikTok’s hopecore trend reinterprets Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” as an anthem of resilience and underdog triumphs. Connects Sinatra’s iconic individuality with modern collective hope through uplifting video edits.
Tools/Techniques: Posterize Time, Easy Ease, Trim Path (Line & Text), Typography (Character Offset)