Mates of State: Palomino

The aesthetic of the video is a result of the process behind it: rotoscope animation.We first filmed the live-action material, and then I digitally hand-painted all 3,240 frames using Wacom's Cintiq pen tablet. There are no filters or dragging-and-dropping going on. There's more than 300 brush strokes for every frame. The movement of the brush strokes gives an organic feel that, to me, is irreplaceable since no two frames are alike in their execution — just value and hue stay the same. This gives the video a distinctive look that cannot be duplicated. Most frames have at least two passes of work, and that doesn't include the matte backgrounds. I am very proud we committed to such an ambitious video on such a short deadline, and I am also honored to have worked with Mates of State, who gave me a huge opportunity to take a risk with an idea which was completely hypothetical before we began. I developed my process as I worked on this video, which was stressful, demanding and subsequently now the only way I wish to work ever again — pushing boundaries, teetering on complete success or complete failure. I think more art and musicians should leave nothing for the swim back. Mates of State certainly don't.

-Jimi Patterson (Director)

Mates of State - Palomino