'Catch a Creepy Specimen' is a citizen science project by ASN Bank and the Dutch sustainability organization 'Nature & Environment'. Recent environmental studies concluded that the water quality in the larger bodies of water within the Netherlands is becoming quite worrisome; consecutively affecting the overall biodiversity as well. In addition, the research exposed a significant gap within the existing data: many of the smaller lakes, canals and creeks remained untested, which prevented researchers from gaining a more conclusive insight on the overall water quality across the country.

Catch a Creepy Specimen activated Dutch citizens by ordering a measuring kit free of charge from our dedicated website. The kit contained a test-strip, a how-to manual and a test tube for taking water samples in the bodies of water near the participants. A booklet called 'Little Guppy and the Water Monsters' contributed towards the study's accessibility. The story revolved around a brave Guppy on a quest for clean water. During his journey, he encounters monsters based on real life pollutants, such as the 'pollutant mutant', 'Pillzilla' and 'The Turdy Troll'. Through free publicity and small social media campaigns presented in the vibrant, recognizable and distinct graphic style that ASN Bank is known for, the measuring kits were gone in just a mere few days. Over 4000 people requested the kit.

Thanks to the valuable data shared by the participants, 'Nature & Environment' has gained helpful insights on the water quality all across the Netherlands, and concluded that the water quality in many smaller bodies of water were insufficient due to high levels of nitrogen and phosphates. The results allowed for the troubled areas to be properly mapped, future action to be taken, and to further tackle the pollution at the source.

Project Role: 2D Animator, 3D Animator, Offline/Online Editor, Motion Graphics Designer

Agency: Selmore Creative Agency, Amsterdam

Client: ASN Bank