Based on a Rorschach inkblot test, the video opens on a white sheet of paper. Complementing the hypnotic, rolling beat, black ink blooms into expressive, dynamic forms. The ink shifts and repours into symmetrical “tests”, subtle hints of the lyrics buried within each. The duo that make up Gnarls Barkley, Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse, recur throughout: the side of a face, a crooning mouth. We slide from one to the next, the barrier between each vignette indistinct, in a firm, accelerating ride through the narrative. The forms evolve and new ideas are introduced: hints of color add an emotional subtlety, a swarm of scattering insects burst from a splattered drop.

To create and control the remarkable organic effect of ink, Blind used a combination of technical wizardry, and good old-fashioned getting their hands dirty. In a studio environment, they created and shot hundreds of ink splats, splashes, and everything in-between.

Creative director: Vanessa Marzaroli; Executive producer: Santino Sladavic; Line producer: Susan Harris; Designers: Christine Kim, Bryan Louie; Atsusuhi Ishisuka; Lawrence Wyatt, Vanessa Marzaroli; Animators: Atsushi Ishisuka, Lawrence Wyatt, David Yan, Trevor Shepard, Andre Salyer, Jesse Franklin, Benji Schuup, Bill Sneed, John Robson; Production artist: Lin Wilde; Flame: Joel Ashman; Mattes: Owen Hammer; Editor: Erik Buth

Client: HSI / Robert Hales; Director: Robert Hales; Line producer: Coleen Haynes; DP: Damien Avecedo; Editor: Ken Mauwe

Robert Hales (UK). His experience in the music world, coupled with his visual creations of iconic, cool and original images, has made him the consummate musician’s director – apparent in his work for the likes of Richard Ashcroft, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Stone Temple Pilots. Since joining HSI in 2004, he has been building on these strong foundations and broadening his horizons, directing videos for Fort Minor, Stereophonics, Oasis, Snow Patrol, Scissor Sisters and Gnarls Barkley.

Vanessa Marzaroli (US), award-winning creative director of Blind, has worked on some of the most identifiable designs on television, including, most recently the music video Crazy by Gnarls Barkely, which earned a Telly Award, and a 2006 VMA award for best direction in a music video. Born in Bangkok, Vanessa earned a BFA from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.