One Year Older is a 3D animation exploring the fear of the unknown that comes with growing older. The story follows a lone fish in a tank, struggling with the existential weight of what lies beyond his bowl. As he spirals into a breakdown, he ultimately decides that growing up means facing the world—taking a leap, despite the fear.

This piece reflects the anxieties that surface with every birthday, the looming pressure to step into the unknown. By blending my personal style with 3D animation, I created a nostalgic character designed to evoke deeper emotions—making his struggle, and his choices, hit even harder.

An alternate ending offers a different perspective: the same fish, but no longer alone. Surrounded by others, he realizes that maybe he doesn’t need to know what’s out there just yet. Support can make the unknown less terrifying. Through this piece, I wanted to explore both the fear of isolation and the comfort of connection, capturing the conflicting emotions of growing up.