What does the Duck’s nest (aka dorm room) smell like? You don’t wanna to know. But that questionable aroma inspired my second contribution to the University of Oregon’s annual family calendar. As a proud UO grad, I had the honor (again!) of contributing to the 2023–24 edition. Meet Mr. February.
Later that year, I pitched adapting the illustration to create the first Oregon Duck Beats. The animated version and accompanying soundtrack, titled “Nothing but Nest” (nod to basketball superstar and “double duck,” Sabrina Ionescu), launched in the week leading up to spring finals—bringing the chillest vibes to those frantic late-night cram sessions.
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Stats: 11k views on Youtube, 2.4k hours watched, 9k 💚s on Instagram
Best Comment: @user-eb5wl5le7r "This room looks like it smells so sweaty."
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Client: University of Oregon
Year: 2023
Project Credits:
Concept, creative direction, copywriting, and illustration by Leah Olson
Animation by Chris Larsen 🦆
Special thanks to Ryan McBride for initial concept sketches 🙌
Special thanks to Ryan McBride for initial concept sketches 🙌
Oh, hey there. Look who’s here and ready to put in the work. Join the Duck as he crams for spring finals. Because nothing says “I got this” like snoozing the afternoon away while sour milk slowly drips to the floor. Tune in for two hours of chill beats to get in the zone, finish that project, ace that exam, and maybe even catch some z’s.
P.S. You’re in good company because, even when he is not on task, he is still quieter than your roommate.
I Spy
✓ Rubber ducky sheets ✓ Duck crossing sign ✓ Floofy slippers ✓ Plant that can survive the apocalypse (and dorm life)
✓ Dorm-approved pet ✓ Built-in box tickets to TrackTown™ USA ✓ Chair? Egg? Both?
✓ Sabrina love ✓ Pool (not dorm-approved) ✓ Rubber ducky ✓ SCO Ducks! ✓ Humble art ✓ More humble art
Delight is in the details.
Key frames and animation by Chris Larsen
Hittin' the books
Everything O
You're the one
Dorm Pet 2
Hayward Field all lit up 1
Hayward Field all lit up 2
Love on Social:
"We need more of these, for the endless study grinds! :)"
@emelilopez8049
"This room looks like it smells so sweaty"
@user-eb5wl5le7r
"I play duck beats for my students all the time, they love it 💚💛🫶🏽"
@ilianaadr
💛💚