Healeon
Healeon
Migration has long been a part of human history, shaping societies through the exchange of people, culture, and language. Moving across borders brings not only opportunities for growth but also moments of confusion, isolation, and adaptation to unfamiliar worlds. For many young immigrants, this transition period becomes a defining chapter of identity one that is both challenging and transformative. The Missing Piece is a motion video project that visualizes the emotional journey of teenage immigrants as they navigate the complexities of cultural displacement and belonging. Through metaphor and visual storytelling, the project seeks to evoke empathy and awareness, giving voice to those who are often unheard. It aims to help young immigrants recognize that their fragmented experiences are not signs of loss, but essential pieces that form a greater, evolving whole.
Migration has long been a part of human history, shaping societies through the exchange of people, culture, and language. Moving across borders brings not only opportunities for growth but also moments of confusion, isolation, and adaptation to unfamiliar worlds. For many young immigrants, this transition period becomes a defining chapter of identity one that is both challenging and transformative. The Missing Piece is a motion video project that visualizes the emotional journey of teenage immigrants as they navigate the complexities of cultural displacement and belonging. Through metaphor and visual storytelling, the project seeks to evoke empathy and awareness, giving voice to those who are often unheard. It aims to help young immigrants recognize that their fragmented experiences are not signs of loss, but essential pieces that form a greater, evolving whole.
Date : 11 / 2025
Type : Individual Project
Tools : Procreate Dream, After effect, Procreator
Project timeline : 16 weeks
My Story
“The moment I moved to New Zealand, my life completely changed”
When I was a child, I grew up in Korea, surrounded by Korean culture, language, and daily life. I never imagined living in another country and had no information about foreigners. But one day, my parents told me that our family would be immigrating to New Zealand. At the time, I was only 13 and had no power to refuse or object. In July 2014, I left for New Zealand with my family on a long journey. In New Zealand, I encountered different experiences, cultures, and people. However, as a young teenager in a foreign country, I often felt anxious and insecure.The unfamiliar culture, language, and diversity of people made me feel small and overwhelmed. Over time, and thanks to a few good friends, I slowly adjusted to life in New Zealand. Their support helped me adapt, and I’m still doing my best to live and grow here today.
When I was a child, I grew up in Korea, surrounded by Korean culture, language, and daily life. I never imagined living in another country and had no information about foreigners. But one day, my parents told me that our family would be immigrating to New Zealand. At the time, I was only 13 and had no power to refuse or object. In July 2014, I left for New Zealand with my family on a long journey. In New Zealand, I encountered different experiences, cultures, and people. However, as a young teenager in a foreign country, I often felt anxious and insecure.The unfamiliar culture, language, and diversity of people made me feel small and overwhelmed. Over time, and thanks to a few good friends, I slowly adjusted to life in New Zealand. Their support helped me adapt, and I’m still doing my best to live and grow here today.
Problem Statement
Many teenage immigrants find it hard to adjust to a new culture and languages.
They often feel lonely and confused.
However, their experiences also carry deep emotions and meaningful stories.
Many teenage immigrants find it hard to adjust to a new culture and languages.
They often feel lonely and confused.
However, their experiences also carry deep emotions and meaningful stories.
Research Question
“How can I turn these personal immigration experiences into stories that everyone can understand and feel together?”
Storyboard
Storyboard
Animatic
Based on the initial storyboard I created, I developed the first draft of the animation. Once the final story and script were confirmed, I collaborated with a member of the graphics team to receive drawings in a new style. Using these drawings, I proceeded to produce the final animation.
Based on the initial storyboard I created, I developed the first draft of the animation. Once the final story and script were confirmed, I collaborated with a member of the graphics team to receive drawings in a new style. Using these drawings, I proceeded to produce the final animation.
The video aimed to delicately capture the emotions experienced by parents at Starship, while clearly communicating the benefits offered by the Sensory Garden. To highlight the unique advantages of each section, the distinct colors of each area were incorporated into the video. Additionally, slow-motion effects were utilized to enhance the overall visual experience.
The video aimed to delicately capture the emotions experienced by parents at Starship, while clearly communicating the benefits offered by the Sensory Garden. To highlight the unique advantages of each section, the distinct colors of each area were incorporated into the video. Additionally, slow-motion effects were utilized to enhance the overall visual experience.
Further Impact
Moving forward, this project holds strong potential for development beyond the motion piece. The narrative and puzzle-metaphor visual language can expand into interactive and educational formats supporting young Korean immigrants adapting to a new culture. Possible directions include an interactive web experience where users place and transform puzzle pieces to reflect emotions and identity, as well as a short animated series or visual toolkit for schools and cultural youth programs. A printed booklet or visual journal could also be produced, offering guided storytelling exercises and symbolic puzzle imagery for emotional reflection. Supplementary materials such as stickers, postcards, and short clips may further increase accessibility and engagement. Ultimately, this project aims to continue growing as an emotional and visual bridge, providing young immigrants a space to see themselves, understand their journey, and feel supported through storytelling.
Moving forward, this project holds strong potential for development beyond the motion piece. The narrative and puzzle-metaphor visual language can expand into interactive and educational formats supporting young Korean immigrants adapting to a new culture. Possible directions include an interactive web experience where users place and transform puzzle pieces to reflect emotions and identity, as well as a short animated series or visual toolkit for schools and cultural youth programs. A printed booklet or visual journal could also be produced, offering guided storytelling exercises and symbolic puzzle imagery for emotional reflection. Supplementary materials such as stickers, postcards, and short clips may further increase accessibility and engagement. Ultimately, this project aims to continue growing as an emotional and visual bridge, providing young immigrants a space to see themselves, understand their journey, and feel supported through storytelling.
Aaron Lee ©2025