Motion designer Mike Russo in Brooklyn (currently at Block & Tackle): “‘Guessmas’ began last year as a way for me to round out the year with a personal project, and stretch creative muscles in the process. I have a huge love for the holidays and making content that relates to Christmas really brings a smile to my face.

“The films usually start around the first week of December and wrap on the 23rd before I leave for break. I design, animate, and work with sound engineers, with the bulk of the work completed after work hours and on the weekends.

“For this second year, I had three goals: to establish a new and polished art direction that felt refreshing from last year, to maintain a consistent tone to the overall project, and to achieve high-quality animation with attention to detail.

“Each piece goes through a critique process with my CD’s and other valued individuals I know in the industry. I rely heavily on my peers and mentors to make sure each post is living up to a high level of design, and animation.

Watch the original Guessmas below:
 

1. Let it snow
2. Frosty the Snowman
3. Rocking around the Christmas Tree
4. Jingle Bells
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

 
Director/animator: Mike Russo
Music/sound design/mix: Jeff Moberg (Guessmas 2)
Sound design/mix: John Poon (Guessmas 1)
Music: Lena Orsa (Guessmas 1)