Oregon Duck Beats: Nothin’ But Nest

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 🙌

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