30 Years of Dance Culture
has created a visual language of its own.
For the Canva × AMF show, our visuals helped tell the story of thirty years of creativity in dance culture. Artwork inspired by the ’90s, ’00s and ’10s became part of the show’s visual narrative, connecting the music with the graphic styles, textures and imagery associated with each era.
Neon wireframes, paper collages, chrome objects and bold typography came to life through animation. Familiar elements from club culture—including vinyl, speakers and dancers—brought the campaign’s Celebrate Creativity message into the live setting, celebrating the people and ideas behind the scene.
Created together by Zender (Sander Pappot) and Danny Merk, the work combined shared art direction and design with Zender’s illustration and graphic design, and Danny’s 3D, motion design and animation.
As part of the Canva × AMF campaign, this project translates that energy into three visual worlds inspired by the ’90s, ’00s and ’10s. Each has its own character, textures and rhythm. Neon and wireframes, torn paper and layered collages, polished chrome and fluid 3D forms come together in a contemporary interpretation of dance culture’s visual history.
The designs combine bold typography with familiar elements from nightlife. Speakers, vinyl, cassettes, computers and dancing figures become a collection of individual building blocks, brought to life through animation. At the center of every composition is the same message: Celebrate Creativity.
Designed for both still and moving images, the visual language extends across digital out-of-home advertising and online communication. Its individual elements allow compositions to be rearranged and each visual world to grow.
Canva’s role is to provide tools for the next generation of makers. The project celebrates the imagination that has driven dance culture forward for decades and invites people to contribute something of their own.
