Panic Studio Teams Up with The Luka Dončić Foundation to Inspire Young Ballers
Animation studio Panic has teamed up with The Luka Dončić Foundation (TLDF) to bring the power of play to life in a series of bold and dynamic illustrations. The visual universe represents the diversity of youth basketball and the essence of Luka’s Total Hoops Approach.
TLDF is on a mission to help children use playtime to grow on and off the court, and since Panic love nothing more than getting their hands dirty, they caught the opportunity with both hands and slam-dunked it home.
The Total Hoops Approach
At the heart of this project was TLDF’s Inside Youth Basketball Report, a deep dive into the state of youth basketball in the US and the Balkans. The insights highlighted their differing approaches, like a focus on team-driven play in the Balkans versus individual star power in the US.
Panic translated these insights into visuals that celebrate both perspectives, capturing the essence of each culture and the emotional highs of the game.
“A fascinating part of the Total Hoops approach was the idea that “unstructured play” would foster creativity and enjoyment,” says Panic Co-owner and CEO Rita Alika Šteimane “It’s something we really embrace here at Panic, encouraging creatives to find their own way to solutions by taking chances and having fun with their work.”
Drawing Outside the Lines
Kids never sit still, especially when they're having a ball. Panic captured this energy by illustrating characters that radiate excitement and attitude. Using exaggerated, abstract forms, the players leap out from the screen. Their bold black outlines nod to classic cartoons and sticker art, while simple, rounded shapes keep them soft and approachable.
It’s a Lay-Up Every Time
The Luka Dončić Foundation believes every child deserves the chance to play. Through these illustrations, Panic helped visualize a world where their possibilities are endless. They spotlight children in an exciting, diverse environment, not just shooting for glory but for the love of the game.
