Kia Ora , I’m Colin, a motion designer based in Otautahi Christchurch, running my independent studio, colomotion.

I create bold, refined, and purposeful design that connects. By blending motion graphics, branding, and storytelling, I craft visuals that resonate and bring ideas to life. With 15+ years’ experience, I’ve worked with clients ranging from start-ups to global agencies. Guided by simplicity, impact, and craft, my expertise spans motion graphics, editing, colour grading, brand films, plus design and animation for digital and social platforms. Above all, I aim to create meaningful, effective work — and enjoy the process along the way.

✦ People I’ve worked with

  • Australian Government

  • Bayleys

  • BNZ

  • Brand New You

  • The British Museum

  • Chello Sydney

  • Cygnett Tech

  • Ergon Properties

  • Elbow Productions

  • Hotel Arts Barcelona/G4S Security

  • GuardLab

  • Hype Republic

  • Hyundai

  • Imperial War Museum

  • Jack Daniels

  • Kita Alexander

  • Leo Burnett

  • Luxury Real Estate NZ

  • Mediaworks NZ/NewsHub

  • Mercer Bank

  • MKTG (Dentsu Aegis Network)

  • MLC

  • Museum of Somerset

  • NAB Bank

  • Newsthink (YouTube)

  • National Museums of Scotland

  • Nomos One

  • NovaLab

  • onedotzero

  • One Four Productions

  • The Project Australia (Channel 10)

  • The Project New Zealand (WBD)

  • Red Bull Media House

  • Quayola (Bordeuax Beinalle)

  • Red Bull Media House

  • Sky Sport New Zealand

  • Sony Australia

  • Sutton Young

  • Six Black Pens

  • Synergy Group

  • TVNZ/Blacksand

  • Telstra

  • Tira

  • Toll Group

  • Touch of Spice

  • We Test Bio

  • Wunderman Thomson

  • WHSmith

  • Zen Energy Australia

✦ What people have said

“Was great to work with Colin on a Māori All Blacks promo for Sky NZ. The motion graphics he made were awesome, he really put in the mahi designing the story / pepeha of the team's jersey. Was blown away with the results, highly recommend using Colin.”

Clayton Barnett, Sky Sport Creative @Sky Sport, Auckland, NZ

“I had the pleasure of working with Colin Johnston on The Project NZ, where he contributed as a freelance graphic designer. Colin consistently delivered high-quality, creative work under tight deadlines, demonstrating both reliability and exceptional design skills. His communication was excellent throughout, and he always met or exceeded expectations. I highly recommend Colin for any design work—he’s a true professional and a great asset to any team.”

Calkin Rameka, Post Production Lead @The Project NZ (Warner Bros Discovery), Auckland, NZ

“I had a fantastic experience working with Colin. His animations were beautifully done, especially his map work. I also really appreciated the thoughtful sound effects. Everything was delivered on time with zero changes needed. Communication was smooth throughout. I’m very satisfied with his work and would happily work with him again.”

Cindy Pom, Creator, YouTuber & Host @Newsthink, Toronto, ON

“I had the pleasure of working with Colin on a client’s ESG Report. He not only brought the cover to life with compelling animation but also demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout the project. Colin collaborated seamlessly with my other partners and delivered an outstanding outcome within a tight deadline. I would highly recommend him and look forward to working together on future projects.”

Terri Reeves, Corporate Marketing Strategy & Consulting @Brand New You, Adelaide, AU

“I've worked with Colin several times and he is simply one of the best designers I have worked with. He is not only incredibly artistically talented and technically astute, but his ability to translate what you require into a final finished piece of content, quickly and with very few revisions stands him out from the rest. He is a great guy too, with a fun but laser focused approach to his work. I would definitely recommend Colin.”

Jeff Arnold @GuardLab, Sydney, AU

I was thrilled with the animated corporate video that Colin put together for us - as was the executive board. Colin followed the vision and brief we gave him and also built upon it with some exciting creative elements that really pulled together the project. We'll certainly use him in future and would recommend him to others.

Dr Kimberley Pearce @Cygnett Tech, Melbourne, AU

“Colin has helped us out in our Studio a few times when we have required a great designer with digital expertise to jump in the hot seat and get the job done. I therefore had the opportunity to work with him closely on a few projects and he was excellent - quick, responsive, adaptive, flexible and had some great input and ideas. I'd recommend Colin to anyone whom he is looking to work with - he's terrific.”

Kylie Green, Managing Director @MKTG Dentsu Aegeis Network, Sydney, AU

“Colin freelanced for us recently creating an amazing motion graphics piece for the launch of MKTG in record time. It was great to have him as part of our team. Truely professional and committed to creating excellent work. I highly recommend him as a freelance designer and hope we get the opportunity to work together again soon.”

Yvette Mahon, Design Manager @MKTG Dentsu Aegeis Network, Sydney, AU

“Colin is a creative motion designer who always delivers on brief, on time, and beyond expectations. He thinks outside the square, adds real value to every project, and works seamlessly with clients once designs are approved. Professional, reliable, and innovative — a true asset to any team.”

Jeremy Tapper, Director @Sutton Young, Auckland, NZ