nbc Archives - Santasombra

Demo Reels • Motion Graphics & Generative AI Portfolio

Victor — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 17:00:09 +0000

Santasombra’s Demo-reels

Welcome, and thank you for visiting. This page features two curated demo reels that represent the core of my creative practice: motion graphics and generative AI.

The Motion Graphics reel brings together a selection of broadcast, branded, and freelance work developed over the years. It reflects a strong foundation in design, animation, compositing, and storytelling, with projects that move from concept through execution with clarity and craft.

The Generative AI reel expands this practice into emerging creative territory. It showcases work created using tools such as Figma Weavy, ImagineFlow (Meta), Midjen (Meta), Midjourney, Runway, Kling, ElevenLabs, HeyGen, ComfyUi, Stable Diffusion, Fal, Higgsfield, Wonder Dynamics, Freepik Studio, and other AI driven systems, integrated within traditional pipelines like After Effects and Premiere. These pieces explore new visual languages, rapid ideation workflows, and scalable content creation, where direction, prompting, and iteration become central to the creative process.

Together, these reels represent a hybrid approach that combines artistic intuition with technical systems. My process often moves fluidly between sketching, design, animation, and AI experimentation, allowing each project to evolve through both control and discovery. If you are interested in a deeper breakdown of specific projects or workflows, I am always open to sharing more. You can reach me at:
victor@santasombra.com

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Paris Olympics 2024 • NBC Opening Primetime

Victor — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 21:12:37 +0000

The Primetime in Paris main title served as the opening sequence for NBC’s primetime broadcast of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Designed by Imaginary Forces for NBC Olympics, the cinematic title sequence introduced each evening of Olympic coverage and established the visual tone for the Games across NBC and Peacock.

My role focused on compositing and preparing the athlete shots that appear throughout the sequence. A key requirement of the broadcast workflow was the ability to update the opening daily as new competitions and standout moments emerged across the Games. This meant integrating new athlete footage and disciplines quickly while maintaining visual continuity with the established design system.

To support this rapid turnaround pipeline, we built an AI assisted compositing workflow inside Adobe After Effects using the plugins Mask Prompter 3 and Lockdown 3. These tools allowed for faster rotoscoping, surface tracking, and precise compositing of athletes into the evolving sequence. The system made it possible to adapt the opening throughout the Games, ensuring that the title reflected the latest Olympic highlights and performances in near real time.

This production approach balanced cinematic design with broadcast practicality. The result was a dynamic opening that evolved throughout the Paris Games while preserving the visual identity developed by Imaginary Forces.

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Paris Olympics 2024 Illustrations / Paintings / Bumpers

Victor — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:16:03 +0000

Paris Olympics 2024 Digital Illustrations / Acrylic Paintings / TV Bumpers

Paris Olympics 2024: A Visual Tribute to Golden Greatness

In collaboration with NBC Olympics, I had the privilege of creating a captivating project that showcases the excellence of U.S. athletes predicted to shine at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This comprehensive project encompasses:

Six digital illustrations, each highlighting a gold medal contender
Matching acrylic paintings, serving as the conceptual and visual driving force behind the TV bumpers
Six TV bumper templates, designed to captivate audiences worldwide, featuring the paintings in the end cards

Meet the Featured Athletes

This project puts the spotlight on six exceptional athletes, each poised to make history in Paris:

Caeleb Dressel – Swimming – Aiming for another golden performance
Sha’Carri Richardson – Track & Field – Speed and determination personified
Noah Lyles – Track & Field – Talent and charisma on full display
Simone Biles – Gymnastics – A legend in motion, seeking another golden milestone
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone – Track & Field – Unstoppable force, chasing gold
Katie Ledecky – Swimming – A champion’s spirit, propelling her to greatness

A Visual Celebration of Excellence

The acrylic paintings, with their vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, form the heart of this project. They serve as the conceptual foundation for the TV bumpers, distilling the essence of each athlete into a powerful visual statement. As the bumpers conclude, the paintings reappear in the end cards, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. Through this project, I aimed to capture the dedication, skill, and passion of these remarkable athletes, creating a visual tribute that honors their pursuit of excellence.

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Stills Bumpers Tokyo 2020

Victor — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 15:52:55 +0000

Stills Bumpers Tokyo 2020 (21) Olympics

Stills Bumpers Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Capturing the Essence of the Games

I had the privilege of creating a series of stills bumpers for NBC Olympics’ television coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. These visually striking graphics were designed to capture the spirit of the Games, showcasing the excitement, drama, and triumph of the world’s top athletes.

A Visual Narrative

The stills bumpers series tells a story of dedication, perseverance, and achievement, highlighting the unique aspects of each Olympic sport. With a focus on bold typography, vibrant colors, and dynamic compositions, these graphics aim to engage viewers and enhance their overall Olympic experience.

Creative Collaboration

This project was a collaborative effort with the NBC Olympics design team, ensuring a cohesive visual identity that aligns with their broadcast standards. My role involved conceptualizing and designing the stills bumpers, working closely with the team to refine the creative direction.

A Lasting Impression

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics stills bumpers series stands as a testament to the power of effective design in elevating the viewer experience. I’m proud to have contributed to NBC Olympics’ coverage, creating visuals that will be remembered long after the Games have concluded.

A Showcase of Artistry

This project allowed me to showcase my skills in motion graphics, blending technical expertise with creative vision. The stills bumpers series demonstrates my ability to work within established brand guidelines while injecting innovative flair, making it a standout addition to my portfolio.

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Rio Olympics USA Basketball Interstitial

Victor — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 09:41:46 +0000

Rio Olympics USA Basketball Interstitial

Rio Olympics USA Basketball Interstitial: Bringing the Court to Life

During my time in Brazil for the Rio Olympics 2016, I had the privilege of collaborating on the NBC Olympics Basketball Interstitial series. My role involved meticulous attention to detail, as I focused on keying, rotoscoping, and compositing for all live-action shots.

Creative Process

Working closely with the production team, I ensured seamless integration of visual elements, enhancing the overall viewing experience. My tasks included:

Keying: isolating players and objects from the background
Rotoscoping: tracing and animating intricate player movements
Compositing: combining elements into a cohesive, dynamic visual narrative

Bringing the Game to Life

Through my work on the interstitial series, I helped capture the energy and excitement of the Rio Olympics basketball tournament. The finished product showcased the skill and athleticism of the players, while also highlighting the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

A Memorable Experience

This project allowed me to combine my passion for sports and visual storytelling, working on a global stage with top-notch talent. The experience remains a highlight of my career, and I’m proud to have contributed to the success of NBC’s Olympic coverage.

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Bumpers Rio Olympics 2016

Victor — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 15:37:36 +0000

Bumpers Rio Olympics 2016

Rio Olympics 2016 NBC Bumpers: A Visual Showcase

During my time in Brazil, I had the opportunity to create engaging bumpers for the Rio Olympics 2016, as part of NBC’s broadcast package. Using the template designed by a Senior Designer, I crafted visually stunning samples that showcased my skills in motion graphics and animation.

Project Details:

Created bumpers for NBC’s Rio Olympics 2016 broadcast
Utilized template designed by a Senior Designer
Developed samples that demonstrated my expertise in motion graphics and animation

Creative Process:

Working within the established template, I focused on bringing the bumpers to life through:

Animating dynamic graphics and text elements
Incorporating Olympic footage and imagery
Ensuring seamless integration with NBC’s brand identity

Project Outcome:

The resulting bumpers were a showcase of my creative skills and attention to detail, highlighting my ability to work within established design guidelines while injecting energy and visual interest into the final product. This project allowed me to be part of the Olympic broadcast experience, connecting with a global audience and celebrating the world’s top athletes.

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Fruit of the Loom

Victor — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 21:43:05 +0000

Fruit of the Loom

Fruit of the Loom Olympic Campaign

In 2012, I had the opportunity to work on a captivating series of advertising pieces for Fruit of the Loom, a proud sponsor of the London Summer Olympics. As the sole designer and animator, I utilized my expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Cinema 4D to bring these vibrant pieces to life.

Project Highlights:

Conceptualized and designed a range of engaging advertising materials, including graphics, animations, and motion graphics
Successfully animated all pieces, ensuring seamless integration of 2D and 3D elements
Effectively incorporated Fruit of the Loom’s brand identity and messaging throughout the campaign

Technical Skills:

Proficiently used industry-leading software, including:
- Photoshop for image manipulation and design
- Illustrator for vector graphics and illustration
- After Effects for motion graphics and animation
- Cinema 4D for 3D modeling and animation

Project Outcome:

The final campaign was a resounding success, showcasing Fruit of the Loom’s commitment to quality and comfort while resonating with Olympic fans worldwide. My contributions as a designer and animator helped create an unforgettable visual experience, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Olympic Games.

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Vancouver 2010 – NBC Olympics

Victor — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:23:07 +0000

Vancouver 2010 – NBC Olympics

Vancouver 2010 – NBC Olympics Graphic Package

I had the privilege of contributing my skills as a freelance graphic designer to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, marking my second Olympic project. The captivating graphic package was produced and broadcast by NBC Olympics, bringing the excitement of the Games to life on television screens across the nation.

Key Team Members:

Creative Director: Mark Levy
Senior Designers: David Barton and John Schleef
Integration Specialists: Matt Celli and Craig Wilkie
Designers:
- Ian Bonilla
- Borys Jarymovych
- Victor Ruano
- Jon Berry
- Cathy Krebs
- Dana Stephenson

As part of this talented team, I played a role in creating a visually stunning and cohesive graphic package that enhanced the viewer experience, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Olympic Games. The team’s hard work and dedication ensured that the graphics were not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, providing clear and concise information to audiences worldwide.

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Anatomy of Michael Phelps

Victor — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:17:04 +0000

Anatomy of Michael Phelps (Beijing 2008)

The Anatomy of Michael Phelps: Unveiling the Secrets of a Swimming Legend

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, NBC Olympics presented a captivating TV show that delved into the extraordinary physical attributes that propelled Michael Phelps to unparalleled success in the pool. Produced by Jack Felling and edited by Phil Parrish, this insightful program featured innovative design and animation by David Barton and Victor Ruano, offering a fascinating examination of the factors that distinguished Phelps from his rivals.

A Scientific Exploration

Through a combination of engaging visuals, expert analysis, and captivating storytelling, “The Anatomy of Michael Phelps” revealed the unique physiological characteristics that contributed to his dominance in swimming. From his exceptional wingspan and flexible ankles to his powerful core and streamlined body position, the show provided an in-depth look at the physical advantages that enabled Phelps to shatter records and capture the hearts of fans worldwide.

A Visual Showcase

The design and animation elements, crafted by David Barton and Victor Ruano, played a crucial role in bringing this compelling narrative to life. By utilizing cutting-edge graphics, 3D models, and dynamic animations, the team created a visually engaging presentation that not only enhanced the viewer experience but also helped to simplify complex scientific concepts, making them accessible to a broad audience.

A Lasting Legacy

“The Anatomy of Michael Phelps” stands as a testament to the power of innovative storytelling and design in sports broadcasting. This groundbreaking show continues to inspire and educate audiences, offering a unique perspective on the remarkable physical attributes that have cemented Michael Phelps’ status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

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Beijing 2008 – NBC Olympics

Victor — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:16:19 +0000

Beijing 2008 – NBC Olympics

Beijing 2008 Olympics Graphic Package

For the Beijing 2008 Olympics, NBC Olympics produced a comprehensive graphic package for television, showcasing the network’s commitment to innovative and engaging broadcast design. This project was led by Creative Director Mark Levy, with Senior Designers David Barton and John Schleef, and Designer Borys Jarymovych.

Collaborative Effort

The team’s collective expertise resulted in a visually stunning package that enhanced the viewer experience. Integration specialists Matt Celli and Craig Wilkie ensured seamless technical execution, while Junior Designer Victor Ruano contributed to the design process.

A Visual Spectacle

The graphic package featured a range of elements, including lower-thirds, full-screen graphics, and animations, all carefully crafted to capture the spirit of the Olympics. The design blended traditional Chinese motifs with modern, dynamic typography, creating a unique visual identity for the broadcast.

A Memorable Broadcast

The Beijing 2008 Olympics graphic package played a significant role in making the NBC Olympics broadcast a memorable one. The team’s dedication to creative excellence and technical precision helped bring the excitement of the Games to a global audience.

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