Hot@Dot: Trusting the Process (Even When It’s Weird and Slow)

Hot@Dot is a blog series where the Red Dot team explores what’s catching our attention—and why it matters. From emerging tools to standout ideas, we connect inspiration with real-world impact. In a crowded comms landscape, these are the sparks that lead to smarter strategies, stronger brands, and better business decisions.

By Laura Bruggeman, Motion Graphic Designer

A mysterious corporation. A surgically split consciousness. And one of the most striking title sequences in modern television.

If you’ve seen the hit Apple TV+ show Severance, you know the vibes: eerie, brilliant, and unsettling in the best way. I was hooked not just by the plot or cinematography but by the opening title sequence. It’s haunting and beautiful and perfectly off-kilter.

And once I dug into how it was made, I became even more inspired.

When artist Oliver Latta began work on the season one title sequence, he didn’t have a script. No visual references. Just a loose concept to start from.

So what did he do? He started building. A library of strange, surreal ideas. Animating for the sake of exploration. Giving the work space to evolve over time. And it worked. The sequence took over a year to finish—and every frame of it feels intentional, complex, and emotionally spot-on.

And guess what? The opening title sequence went on to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design at the 2022 Creative Arts Emmys. And while Severance became a viral sensation for a lot of reasons—its concept, performances, writing, and aesthetic—each piece carries the same thread: deep, deliberate intentionality.

That level of recognition and success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of deep craft, trust in the process, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what thoughtful design can do.

That process really stuck with me. Sometimes, I fall into the trap of wanting to nail it right away—like I need a polished storyboard on day one. But, the Severance example reminded me that play is part of the process. So is trusting my instincts and giving myself the creative space to explore without judgment.

When I’m working on motion projects at Red Dot, that mindset helps me step back and give things space. Because when we’re not rushing the outcome, we’re making room for better, more thoughtful work.

And that matters for our clients, too. Because this isn’t just about beautiful—it’s about what happens when work is truly thoughtful. When every detail is intentional, the end result does more than look good, it resonates. It sticks with people. It captures emotion. And it makes your story impossible to ignore.