STUDIO POINK / SERVICES
Character animation with personality
Character-led animation by Studio Poink: original illustration, cut-out and frame-by-frame approaches for brand stories, explainers and commercials.
A character can turn a brand idea into someone the audience wants to follow. Studio Poink creates character-led animation for expressive brand stories, product explanations and commercials, combining illustration with movement, timing and sound.
A role in the story, not just a mascot
A useful character has something to do: encounter a problem, make a choice, react or guide the viewer. That role helps connect personality to the message. The creative brief should explain the intended audience and tone, along with any existing character rules, brand assets or references.
For a technology story, a character can make an abstract process more relatable. In a commercial, it may carry a joke or become the center of a visual world. The aim is to support the story; not every product needs a character, and not every character needs to represent a real person.
Cut-out, frame-by-frame and mixed approaches
Cut-out animation moves separate illustrated elements, while frame-by-frame animation builds movement through successive drawings. They offer different creative possibilities and can be combined within one film. The right approach depends on the acting, texture, transformations and production scope the idea needs.
PecanAI combines both techniques in a character-driven explanation. Klondike is a series of frame-by-frame commercials. KOI brings cut-out and frame-by-frame animation together in a flying-fish story.
Build a coherent world
Character design, environments, color and proportions need to work together. Storyboards establish action and framing before animation adds gesture and performance. Decisions about voice, music and sound can reinforce the tone, whether the film is playful, cinematic or quiet.
Plan for future uses
Tell us if a character must appear across multiple films, markets or campaign formats. Ownership, usage rights, reusable rigs, source files and future adaptations should be described in the agreement. They are not assumptions to leave until delivery.
Explore the guide to animation techniques or share your character animation idea.
See it in motion
Frequently asked questions
Can a character help explain a technology product?
A character can give viewers a relatable way into a technical story. PecanAI is one published example. The treatment still needs accurate messaging and a clear relationship between the character’s actions and the idea being explained.
What is cut-out character animation?
Cut-out animation moves separate parts of an illustration, often using a digital rig. It can support expressive poses and repeatable elements. The result depends on the drawing, rig, timing and performance, rather than on the technique alone.
What is frame-by-frame animation?
Frame-by-frame animation creates movement through successive drawings. It can support fluid gestures, changing shapes and distinctive drawn motion. The amount of bespoke drawing is one factor in production scope.
Can we bring an existing character?
Share the character artwork, model sheets, previous animation and the rights you hold. The studio can review the material and discuss what preparation or new artwork the project needs.
Will we own the character and receive source files?
Ownership, usage rights, source files and reusable production assets must be agreed in the proposal or contract. Tell the studio about planned future uses so the delivery and licensing terms can address them.
LET’S MAKE IT MOVE
A complex idea. A clear story.
Tell us what you’re making, who it’s for and where the animation will live.