portfolio > MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION
ANIMATION, VIDEO & Digital Strategy

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Online | LinkedIn | Social Media
Video Production • Motion Graphics • Digital Engagement • Government Communications

Credits
Will Johnson

ROLE
Creative Director
Production Manager
Animation Direction + Production
Video Direction + Production
Multimedia Designer
Audio Engineer

SPECS
May 2019-2021

PRINCIPALS
RYAN PHILLIPS | Creative Director
BRIAN RUSSELL | Multimedia Designer
ERIKA FLEEGLE | Managing Producer
LYNDON ORINION | Managing Producer
KATHRYN SCHMITT, PMP | Project Manager

  • Project Overview

    U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
    Digital Modernization Tactics
    Online | LinkedIn | Social Media

  • BLUF

    From 2019 to 2021, I led multimedia design initiatives for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information and Technology (OIT), directing creative strategy and media production for executive communications, veteran outreach, and digital modernization efforts.

  • Mission

    My work included high-impact motion graphics, video productions, and digital marketing materials designed to educate and engage veterans while supporting VA leadership in effectively conveying key initiatives.

  • Outcomes

    By leveraging visual storytelling, I helped bridge the gap between veterans and the VA’s evolving digital services, ensuring accessibility and engagement for diverse veteran communities.

  • Impacts

    This approach ensured that the VA’s digital transformation was welcoming, informative, and actionable for veterans nationwide.

Key Contributions

  • Cinematography, Creative Direction & Studio Production

    Directed high-profile video initiatives to enhance veteran engagement and adoption of VA digital tools and services.

  • Motion Graphics & Animation

    Designed dynamic explainer videos simplifying complex policy and technology concepts for a broad audience.

  • Executive Messaging

    Produced video content and creative assets supporting C-suite leadership and congressional briefings.

  • Cross-Agency Collaboration

    Worked across departments to align messaging, strategy, and branding for digital modernization efforts.

  • Digital Accessibility, Compliance & UX Design

    Ensured media assets were compliant with federal accessibility guidelines (e.g. Section508, ADA, USWDS), improving user experience.

Challenge

The VA needed to improve communication with veterans about its modernization efforts, digital healthcare tools, and expanded services. However, veterans represent a diverse population spanning multiple generations, each with different levels of digital literacy and engagement habits. The challenge was to simplify complex information while ensuring clarity, accessibility, and cultural resonance.

Additionally, working within a government agency required strict compliance with accessibility, branding, and regulatory guidelines, while also meeting tight deadlines for national campaigns.

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Solution

To address these challenges, I developed a multi-platform media strategy that blended engaging storytelling with user-friendly visual design:

Veteran-Focused Video Content
Created compelling, human-centered videos featuring real veterans to build trust and encourage engagement.

Accessible Motion Graphics
Designed easy-to-understand animated explainers breaking down VA benefits, technology updates, and policy changes.

This approach ensured that the VA’s digital transition was welcoming, informative, and actionable for veterans online and nationwide.

Cross-Channel Digital Outreach
Developed branded video content optimized for web, social media, and live events, ensuring maximum reach.

Data-Driven Refinement
Used analytics and veteran feedback to refine messaging and improve effectiveness over time.

Outcomes
& Impacts

Increased Engagement
Veteran interaction with VA digital tools improved significantly, with measurable increases in web traffic and video viewership.

Higher Adoption Rates
Strategic video campaigns contributed to a boost in sign-ups for VA’s online healthcare services and benefits platforms.

Stronger Veteran Trust
Personalized and accessible storytelling fostered a greater sense of connection and confidence in VA services.

Enhanced Executive Communications
C-suite leadership gained more effective messaging tools to advocate for modernization initiatives at congressional briefings and public events.

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