Hakan Acarel has carved a distinctive path in the world of 3D motion design, emerging as a renowned Senior 3D Motion Designer and Creative Director. With more than two decades of experience, Acarel has lent his talent to top VFX and production companies, including Pixomondo, Amazon Studios, Endemol Shine, and Paramount Pictures. His expertise spans from intricate product animations for major brands to striking visual effects and title sequences for popular film and television productions. Acarel’s work, characterized by a unique blend of technical prowess and creative vision, has made a notable impact on both European and U.S. markets.
Acarel has created visually captivating 2D and 3D animations for some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including LG Electronics and Sennheiser. His ability to bring products to life through sophisticated animation and motion design techniques sets him apart. Beyond product animations, his work includes designing graphics packages and title animations for television programs like Big Brother Germany and Amazon Prime’s Celebrity Hunted. This versatility has allowed Acarel to maintain an impressive client roster, cementing his reputation as a highly sought-after motion designer.
Acarel’s technical skills are matched by his commitment to mastering the tools of his trade. He holds certifications that reflect his deep knowledge and expertise: as a Maxon Certified Pro User for Cinema4D and an Adobe Certified Professional in Video Design. His proficiency with industry-standard tools like Cinema4D, After Effects, and Premiere Pro enables him to execute complex projects with a high level of precision and creativity. Acarel’s accomplishments even brought him to Adobe’s official YouTube channel, where he represented a trailer-editing competition for the film Terminator: Dark Fate in collaboration with Paramount Pictures. This public acknowledgment of his expertise speaks volumes about his influence within the motion design community.
One of Acarel’s standout projects was his collaboration with LG Electronics to create custom 3D animations for their massive Times Square billboard. This high-profile project required adapting visuals to fit the billboard’s unique, curved anamorphic screen. He developed a specialized rig within his 3D software to adjust and stretch animations to align with the billboard’s structure, a technical feat that highlights his adaptability and problem-solving skills. Reflecting on the experience, Acarel notes, “Last year, I had the chance to work for the in-house agency of LG Electronics located in New York City to work on their Times Square billboard. I created a rig in my 3D program to convert animations accordingly.” The success of this project demonstrates Acarel’s capacity to bring ambitious visions to life on some of the world’s most visible stages.
Based in Germany, Acarel’s career has largely unfolded remotely, connecting him to clients worldwide. Now, however, he is planning a move to Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment and design industries. “I currently live in Germany, and we are planning to move to Los Angeles,” he says. “That’s the world capital for motion design and title animation work, and I already have a pretty strong (virtual) network there because of my remote work.” Acarel’s extensive experience working with U.S.-based clients has provided him with a foundation that will make his transition to Los Angeles both seamless and strategic.
Currently, Acarel serves as an external vendor for prominent international brands, including the Texas-based audio company Sennheiser and eyewear brand WileyX. His work with these brands involves creating high-end 3D product animations that capture the essence of each product while delivering memorable visual experiences. In each campaign, Acarel’s ability to adapt his design approach to the specific goals and style of the brand shines through. Beyond product-focused animations, he also crafts title animations for KodaTribeEntertainment, a production network in California currently developing a project with Oscar-winning producer Lesley Paterson, known for All Quiet on the Western Front.
Acarel’s dedication to his craft is evident in every project he undertakes. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with his drive to push creative and technical boundaries, has allowed him to consistently deliver impactful work. From designing compelling animations for digital displays to producing sleek visuals for commercial campaigns, he has developed a reputation as an artist who can transform even the simplest concepts into immersive visual stories.
By staying on the cutting edge of motion design technology, Acarel has positioned himself as a leader in the field. His certified expertise in Cinema4D and Adobe software is not just a testament to his technical abilities but also an indicator of his commitment to maintaining a high standard of work. This dedication allows him to create visually engaging projects that are as technically proficient as they are artistically impressive. His skill set enables him to handle complex, multi-layered projects with ease, meeting the demands of clients and viewers alike.
With his relocation to Los Angeles on the horizon, Hakan Acarel is poised to enter a new chapter in his career. This move will allow him to expand his professional network, collaborate more closely with industry peers, and continue evolving his craft in a vibrant creative environment. His journey from Germany to Hollywood’s doorstep is the next step for an artist whose work has already made a substantial mark on the world of motion design.
As he prepares for this transition, Acarel remains focused on his mission: to create visually compelling and technically refined work that captures the imagination. With a portfolio that spans product animations, title sequences, and digital displays, he has proven that he is a true master of his craft. His career exemplifies what is possible when talent, dedication, and innovation come together, and his future in Los Angeles promises to be as impactful as his work has been so far.