First-Ever VFX Artist Named “One to Watch” on Ad Age’s Gen Z List!
Kris Theorin, a viral VFX-driven storyteller whose content has amassed over a billion views across social media platforms, is redefining what it means to build a career in visual effects and animation.
For the first time, a VFX artist and animator, usually dominated by traditional agency creatives or studio executives, has been named a “One to Watch” on Ad Age’s Gen Z List, which highlights 24 young professionals already making an outsized impact on the advertising and media industry.
Kris is entirely self-taught and builds his craft through experimentation, online resources, and relentless iteration. What began as creating stop-motion animated shorts in his family’s Philadelphia basement using Lego bricks – which led to several YouTube campaigns with The LEGO Group , has evolved into a distinctive creative that now attracts global brand partnerships.
Kris has been creating content for brands including Samsung, Warner Bros., Disney, LG, and Mattel, and original IP projects as part of Something’s Awry Productions, a family-owned animation studio, based in New York and Philadelphia.
Samsung commissioned Kris to create content for the launch of their new Galaxy Flip 7. The VFX-packed 15-second video garnered over 530 million views and 1.8 million likes.
Kris’ creative campaign for Xfinity, promoting their high-speed internet, led to over 20.5 million views and 55,000 likes on TikTok.
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♬ original sound - Kris Theorin
His inclusion on Ad Age’s Gen Z “One to Watch” list marks a significant shift: it’s the first time a digital creator working independently in visual effects and animation has been recognized alongside traditional industry players. It signals a broader evolution in how VFX, animation and creative careers are built, and how brands are sourcing talent.
The 2026 honorees featured on Outfront Media billboards in Times Square and at the Ad Age Gen Z Career Forum on March 3 in New York.
About Something’s Awry Productions
Something’s Awry was founded in 2017 and specializes in brand storytelling, content, and original IP. A family-run studio, the core team includes Amy Theorin (Executive Producer), Kris Theorin – Creative Director, Kurtis Theorin – Creative Director and Head Writer and Nik Theorin – Writer and Designer. Core projects include brand content for Samsung, Warner Bros., Disney, LG, and Mattel, and original IP projects including animated shorts Grump in the Night, Cyber Kicks, and Unlucky Charms.