Everyday Objects Get Surreal Motion Design

04/16 — 2025

by abduzeedo

Explore Sebastian Marek's "The Secret Life Of Everyday Things," a surreal 3D motion design piece where household items come alive.

Ever wondered what your household objects get up to when you're not looking? Freelance 3D artist Sebastian Marek gives us a peek into a possible secret world with his latest personal project, "The Secret Life Of Everyday Things." It’s a delightful, slightly surreal animated short that’s pure eye candy for anyone who loves clever motion design.

Based in Warsaw, Marek has worked with big names like Adobe, Ubisoft, and Mercedes-Benz. That experience shines through here. This isn't just animation; it's storytelling through movement.

When Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary

The concept is simple yet captivating: what if everyday items broke free from their usual roles? Marek takes this idea and runs with it, creating a seamless visual journey. The animation flows beautifully from one scene to the next, blurring the lines between the real and the imagined.

It kicks off with a steam iron. But instead of smoothing wrinkles, it glides across fabric like a boat, leaving little waves in its wake. It’s a simple, unexpected twist. The camera work is smooth, almost drone-like, pulling you into this miniature world. This sets the stage for the motion design magic to follow.

Choreographing Household Items

The transitions are where Marek's motion design skills really pop. The iron's cord pulls the plug, leading us smoothly into a bathroom scene. Here, a washing machine doesn't just sit there – it rolls along the floor with a surprising grace. Its door pops open and closes rhythmically, perfectly timed to transition us into the next scene.

Next, we're in the kitchen. A microwave door closes, but instead of heating things up, it starts to freeze. An icy blue light flickers, frost crawls across the glass, and spaghetti inside gets a dusting of snow. It’s a cool (pun intended) subversion of the object’s function, told entirely through visuals and smart motion design.

From Accordion Radiators to Dancing Fans

The scene shifts again, this time to a moody living room. A red radiator detaches from the wall and starts moving like an accordion. It expands and contracts, creating a visual rhythm that’s oddly mesmerizing. The camera then dives inside the radiator, twisting through its internal structure before emerging into an office space.

Here, a group of desk fans plugged into a power strip come to life. They lift off, hovering and spinning in formation like tiny drones. It's a beautifully choreographed sequence, showcasing playful motion design. But the fun doesn't last – the cords tangle, the power cuts, and the fans fall silent. It’s an abrupt, slightly melancholic end to the whimsical journey.

The Artist Behind the Magic

Sebastian Marek handled the design, direction, and animation himself, with Giovanni Dubini providing the perfect atmospheric music and sound design. Marek’s ability to blend photorealistic 3D art with imaginative motion design makes the ordinary feel genuinely extraordinary. His portfolio shows a real comfort with different styles, and this project is a testament to that versatility.

"The Secret Life Of Everyday Things" reminds us that creativity can be found anywhere. Even the most mundane objects can spark wonder if you look at them differently. It’s a fantastic piece of motion design that’s both technically impressive and creatively inspiring.

Go check out the full animation – it's worth your time.