Educational explainers
Short animations and interactives that teach difficult concepts in physics, chemistry, mathematics or engineering.
For: Educational publishers, schools, edtech companies
Work: Moon Phase Explorer; What is Gerrymandering?
Science and health explainers: animation, illustration and interactives
I make complex subjects clear, through animation, illustration and interactive explainers built with the people who know the subject best.
Pick a line to switch the work below
What is a Community Health & Power Hub?
Overview: Vaccine Hesitancy in Michigan
Understanding the Transmission
What is Gerrymandering? Borders in Michigan
Power Hubs: Assess and Plan
Power Hubs: Partner and Prepare
Power Hubs: Communicate, Practice and Improve
Having Questions
The PAST Model
What is an Energy Service Agreement (ESA)?
Why should community facilities invest in microgrids?
How Financial Guarantees Work
ESG Materiality Process
ESG Key Sustainability Goals
The ESG Journey
Dormakaba Pocket Door Repair Kit
Who We Are
EV Rebate
School districts save time and money with MESSA
Vote Early
Make a Voting Plan
Make a Voting Plan: Flint
Early Voting in Michigan
Earthright
Social Promo
Who’s a member of AIAG
Save to Win
1-minute spot
Smart Marketing Automation
Promotional Video
What I make
Technical explainers
Visual explanations of machinery, manufacturing processes, engineering systems and technology.
For: Engineering firms, manufacturers, industrial technology companies
Work: Understanding a Transmission, in 3D; Community Health & Power Hub series for NACHC; microgrids for The Kresge Foundation
Data storytelling
Animated graphs, maps, timelines, statistics and findings that show why the numbers matter.
For: Nonprofits, research organizations, environmental groups
Work: Michigan vaccine waiver rates for I Vaccinate; Autokiniton ESG series; redistricting maps for Voters Not Politicians
Health and medical communication
Animation and illustration that explain health, medicine and biology to patients, families and care providers.
For: Medical schools, biotech, healthcare communications
Work: Community Health & Power Hub series for NACHC; three-part provider series for I Vaccinate
Research explained
Animations explaining a research paper, discovery or scientific concept.
For: University labs, research institutes, scientific journals
Work: Epsilon Aurigae illustration for Citizen Sky, featured in two NationalGeographic.com articles
Museum and exhibit media
Looping animations, interactive displays, exhibit explainers and educational projections.
For: Museums, science centers, cultural institutions
Work: Moon Phase Explorer; publications outreach with the Warren Astronomical Society
About
Hi there! My name is Brian Thieme (tee-me) and I help people understand complicated things.
For more than 15 years I’ve worked as an animator and illustrator in southeast Michigan, on subjects from energy systems and public health to astronomy. I work closely with subject experts to get the details right, then make them clear for everyone else.
My tools are primarily After Effects, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Cinema 4D, Davinci Resolve, and Blender.
As a member of the Warren Astronomical Society, I also participate in amateur astronomy and public outreach events around southeast Michigan. I edited the society’s newsletter, which won the Astronomical League’s Mabel Sterns Newsletter Editor Award, and occasionally I take pictures of things in the sky.
If you have a subject, a process or an idea that needs explaining, or just want to say hi, I’d be happy to hear from you.
Below are some astronomy images I’ve taken and eyepiece sketches. Thanks for taking a look!
Why does the Moon change shape? Try the Moon Phase Explorer →
