How do y’all Cook Out

Concept

Storyboard

Illustration

Animation

Music

Sound Design

— Branded Animation

Overview

What if Cook Out ran ads on Twitch? As a North Carolina-based motion designer and lifelong fan of the brand, I set out to explore that idea with a 30-second animated spec ad. Designed specifically for Twitch’s late-night audience, this piece connects Cook Out’s Southern charm and comfort food with the energy of “real gamer hours”—those after-midnight moments when hunger hits hardest and Cook Out always delivers.

Client

Portfolio

Year

2025

Why Cook Out?

I’m usually not a brand loyalist kind of guy… but Cook Out isn’t just a fast-food chain to me…it’s a part of my home.

I spent my early 20s in Greensboro, NC playing music and wrapping up many late nights with a BBQ sandwich tray, hushpuppies + fries, all washed down with one of their aquarium sized sweet teas.

When I briefly lived in Florida and I would talk to my friends and family back home… there was a running joke of me always requesting them to “mail me a tray”. Cook Out was the first place I ate whenever I visited, and the first meal I had after I moved back.

Why TWITCH?

As a former Twitch streamer, I feel like I understand their audience well. There’s a shared language among streamers and viewers… like the concept of being up during “real gamer hours” (aka way too late)

So when I started thinking about brands that naturally align with Twitch culture, it was pretty obvious as Cook Out caters to that kind of lifestyle perfectly.

This project was my way of combining two very familiar spaces in my life into one seamless narrative, speaking to an audience I know from the inside out.

The Concept

The ad was inspired by a post I once saw that stuck with me:
“ **** your zodiac sign, what’s your Cook Out tray order?”
I’ve even used it as an icebreaker, jokingly analyzing people’s answers like tarot cards.

That sense of fun, identity, and community drove my concept of how to approach this piece… eventually leading to the tagline-

" HOW DO Y'ALL COOK OUT?"

which I believe comes across as a love letter to Cook Out’s Southern roots and its ability to bring everyone together.

Story Approach

The ad follows three short vignettes of uniquely styled characters, each representing a slice of Cook Out & Twitch’s shared audience:

A Twitch Streamer ( playing a “fortnite” style game )
A Student doing homework (watching the twitch steamer)
A Skater on their way to Cook Out ( skating the streets outside their dorm window)

Their stories intertwine through quick transitions and a shared love of Cook Out, trying to show that no matter your race, gender, or background—Cook Out unites us all.

Process

Proof of Concept
I began with a short animation test of the skater character to nail down a style that was fun, expressive, and achievable solo.
Storyboarding & Animatic
I created a full storyboard and animatic to ensure the story fit within Twitch’s 30-second ad format, dividing time evenly among the characters.
Original Soundtrack
As a musician, I composed a custom track to elevate the narrative and hit all the emotional beats in sync with each transition.
Animation & Design
Using a mix of hand-drawn animation, motion graphics, and stylized 3D backgrounds, I crafted a vibrant, kinetic world that reflected both brands.