Small animation studios often fly under the radar, but they're hidden gems in the creative world.
With their unique styles, cost-effectiveness, and swift delivery, they're an ideal choice for any project.
And here's an insider tip: even big agencies turn to these studios for their expertise. So, why not consider them for your next project?
In this article, we'll introduce you to 10 of the best small animation studios that are making big waves.
1. Yans Media
Have you heard about Yans Media?
It's this cool little animation boutique tucked away in Armenia, which, by the way, is in the eastern part of Europe. But don't let their location fool you – they've got clients from all corners of the globe!
What really sets Yans Media apart is how they strike this perfect balance between cost and quality. They're not just about making pretty animations; they really get the marketing side of things too. They understand that video production isn’t just an art – it’s a business.
And guess who’s noticed? Big names like Roche, DoorDash, Solana, Databricks, VISA, and other top-tier brands are on their client list. Pretty impressive, right?
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
- motion graphics
- 2D animation
- mixed media
Types of Projects:
- Explainer videos
- Product videos
- Brand videos
- Demo videos
- Launch videos
- And a variety of other business videos, each tailored to meet specific needs.
2. Cub Studio
Next up on our list is Cub Studio, a gem of a small animation company nestled in Brighton, England. They’ve got a compact team of just 5-6 people, but don’t let their size fool you – they create some seriously stunning animations. It's no wonder they're a favorite among creators and the art community.
Their work has caught the eye of some pretty big names. We're talking about clients like the NFL, FOX News, and the International Olympic Committee. Yep, those giants!
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
- 2D & 3D animation
- cell animation.
Types of Projects:
- Brand animations
- Short funny animations
- Sport videos, like teasers and short stories, that capture the thrill of the game.
- Production for TV
Their ability to blend humor, storytelling, and top-notch animation makes them a standout in the animation world.
3. Noodle
When we chat about small animation companies making big waves, we've got to talk about Noodle. They're this cool, small team of creatives based out of Chicago.
And guess what?
You're probably familiar with their work without even realizing it. Ever seen Storybots on Netflix? That's right, that's Noodle's magic at play!
But hey, they're not just about animation series. Noodle is this dynamic motion design studio that's all about creating animations that are not just eye-catching but really make you think.
Now, let's dive into what they're best at:
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
- 2D & motion designs.
Types of Projects:
- Animation series (Yep, like Storybots!)
- Short animated videos
- TedEd content, making learning fun and engaging.
Their knack for blending educational content with entertaining animation is what sets Noodle apart in the animation world.
4. Nerdo
Talking about small animation studios, we simply can't skip Nerdo. Calling them just an animation studio doesn't do justice to the magic they create. They're a creative powerhouse, and a must-mention in our list of top small animation studios.
Nerdo is based in Italy, with their roots in the charming city of Turin. This country, known for its rich artistic and design heritage, is the perfect backdrop for a team as innovative as Nerdo.
They've got this unique talent for handling a wide range of projects – from slick ads to festival opening animations, and they've even brought to life a poem by Charles Bukowski.
Talk about versatility! They're not just animators; they're an inspiration to all creatives out there.
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
- Frame by frame animation (also known as cell animation), and motion design.
Types of Projects:
- Animated commercials
- Creative projects
- Production for TV, TedEd content
5. Squarefish
Squarefish creates various types of animations, but there's one area where they really shine: non-profit videos.
Creating videos for non-profit organizations might seem straightforward since they usually have powerful stories to tell. However, turning these stories into engaging animations that capture attention is a whole different ballgame. And in my opinion, they do it pretty well.
But there's more to Squarefish than just non-profit videos. They're not just a motion studio; they're creators who bring unique ideas to life, even dabbling in design for comic books.
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
- Primarily motion design.
Types of Projects:
- Non-profit explainer videos
- Commercial animations
6. Racecar
If you're from Norway or the Scandinavian region, there's an animation studio you've got to check out. They've teamed up with some of the top animators and creatives right from Norway, crafting videos that are not only interesting but also authentically resonate with the local vibe.
What makes Racecar stand out? It's their approach to creating content that feels genuine and speaks directly to the Scandinavian audience. Their productions are a blend of local flavor and universal appeal.
Now, let's dive into the kinds of work they excel in:
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
- They specialize in animation production, bringing stories to life with vivid visuals.
Types of Projects:
- Animated commercials
- Animated explainer videos
- TV commercials
7. Niceshit Studio
Ever thought about going experimental with your brand? Maybe trying something a bit out of the box? Well, then you've got to check out the Niceshit Animation Team. And yes, their name is as intriguing and provocative as it sounds!
Based in Barcelona, a city that's practically pulsating with culture, this small animation company knows how to make a splash. These guys have a knack for creating videos that are not only visually appealing but also rich in concept.
The best part?
Their work doesn't compromise on creativity.
A little piece of advice if you decide to work with them: trust their process and let them do their magic. They really know their stuff.
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
- They're all about traditional animation and motion design.
Types of Projects:
- Short films
- Animated business videos
8. Picnic Studio
Let's talk about another gem from England – Picnic Studio. And let's clear the air: there's a stereotype out there that studios based in England only focus on sports-themed videos. But really, that's just a stereotype.
Picnic Studio may have some awesome sports animations, but they're far from one-trick ponies. These talented creators are skilled at making animated ads, explainer videos, and even anime.
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
- They're adept in 2D animation
- have a special touch with anime,
- pros at mixing media for that unique effect
Types of Projects:
- TV commercials
- Sport videos
- Anime
9. Clim Studio
When it comes to picking an animation house, going for one with a speciality can be a real game-changer. Take Yans Media, for instance, they're the go-to for explainer video production. And then there's Clim – if you're looking for top-notch 3D product videos, they're your crew.
Here's a tip: 3D animation is a fantastic choice if you've got a prototype and you want to showcase it in all its glory. And if you're looking to highlight the benefits of your product, 2D or 3D animation can really make it shine, especially if you've got a budget of up to 10K USD.
So, the bottom line? If 3D animations, particularly 3D product videos, are what you need, Clim should definitely be on your radar.
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
- Their forte is in 3D animation.
Types of Projects:
- 3D product
- 3D commercials
10. DRASIK STUDIO
Let's shine a spotlight on another awesome small collective from Barcelona – Drasik Studio. One thing you'll immediately notice when you check out their projects is the diversity in styles. They're like chameleons, adapting their style to perfectly suit each project's goal.
Whether it's diving into the world of anime, recreating nostalgic 90s game visuals, crafting sleek modern flat animations, or producing stunning 3D animations – these guys have got it all covered. And the best part? They can apply their versatile skills to almost any scenario.
In short, Darsik Studios is a powerhouse with a remarkable portfolio and a creative approach that's evident in every project they tackle.
Production styles and types of videos:
Styles:
They master cell animation and motion graphics, bringing a unique flair to each project.
Types of Projects:
- Business animations
- 3D product videos
Final words
In conclusion, our exploration of small animation studios highlights a key takeaway: their unique styles and flexibility in production speed.
These studios, from Yans Media to Clim, and Darsik Studios to Niceshit, showcase that smaller teams often bring distinct creativity and a personalized touch to their work.
The main advantage of partnering with such collectives is their capacity to quickly adapt and deliver, ensuring that your story is not just told, but vividly brought to life.
