UK studios for 2D animation
The best 2D animation studio for a project is one whose design and storytelling suit the message. Buff Motion, Move Animation Studio, Golden Wolf and Moth offer different approaches, from graphic brand animation to illustrated worlds and character-led films.
This guide introduces each studio and a project to watch. A hand-drawn film, an animated brand identity and a character explainer can all fall under 2D, so it helps to know which part of a studio’s work appeals to you.
Buff Motion — Brighton
Buff Motion are a Brighton studio specialising in motion design for brands and agencies. Their portfolio is particularly relevant to businesses that need several pieces of animation to feel connected, from individual campaign films to a broader moving identity.
The Starling project demonstrates that approach through a motion framework used across a collection of product films. It is a helpful example for a brand with several messages to explain while keeping the same visual personality throughout.
A good fit for: graphic motion, brand campaigns and consistent animation across multiple formats.
Move Animation Studio — Brighton
Move Animation Studio in Brighton combine illustration, character animation and graphic motion. Their work covers concept development and storyboarding as well as production, which sutheir clients who have a message to communicate but still need to establish the visual direction.
The Audible project features an illustrated world built around listening, while Spotify offers an example of graphic event animation. Together, they show different ways of using 2D design to give a brand’s message a recognisable personality.
A good fit for: illustrated brand films, character-based 2D and projects needing design and storytelling support.
Golden Wolf — London and New York
Golden Wolf has teams in London and New York and a portfolio covering brands and entertainment. Their animation is a useful reference for clients looking for lively storytelling and a strong graphic identity, including projects that combine animation with filmed footage.
The Rugby World Cup spot for ITV, co-directed with Keith McCarthy, combines live action with anime-inspired 2D sequences. It provides a concrete example of how different techniques can work together within one campaign film.
A good fit for: energetic 2D, entertainment campaigns and mixed-media storytelling.
Watch Rugby World Cup for ITV — Golden Wolf and Keith McCarthy · Visit Golden Wolf
Moth — London
Moth are a London animation studio with a portfolio spanning illustration, character and motion design. Their work is worth exploring when the look of a film needs to be developed alongside the story, rather than added after the script is finished.
CNN: Blue, made with CNN and Dr James Fox, shows an illustrated approach to an editorial subject. It offers a useful reference for organisations looking to turn information into visual storytelling, with a clear design language connecting the sequence.
A good fit for: illustrated storytelling, editorial animation and films with a distinctive design approach.
What kind of 2D animation do you need?
2D can involve frame-by-frame drawing, rigged characters, moving typography or a combination of techniques. Similar-looking films can take different amounts of work to produce, so ask how the proposed approach affects the schedule and future changes.
Send a few references with a sentence explaining what you like about each. Is it the drawing, the humour, the movement or the clarity? This gives the studio a direction to respond to while leaving room for an original idea.
Send your brief to your top three studios
Once you have found three studios whose work feels right, send each the same project brief. You do not need a finished script to start a conversation, but you do need enough information for them to suggest a realistic approach.
- Purpose and audience: what should people understand, feel or do after watching?
- Format: where will it appear, how long should it be and which versions will you need?
- Starting materials: share any script, brand guidelines, existing artwork and a few useful references.
- Budget and timing: give a realistic budget range, the intended launch date and any fixed approval deadlines.
- Scope: explain whether you need help with the concept, writing, design, animation, voice-over or sound.
Compare the proposals, then meet the team
Ask each studio to explain their approach, the people involved and what the quote includes. Compare the scope before comparing the totals: one proposal may include writing, sound and several versions, while another covers only the main animation.
An introductory call is a chance to see whether the team understand the problem and explain their thinking clearly. Ask what they need from you, who collects feedback and what happens if the brief changes. The right fit should feel like a productive working relationship, not just an impressive portfolio.
- Check the review stages and how many rounds of changes are included.
- Confirm the final files, versions, usage rights and any editable assets you expect to receive.
- Ask for a schedule that includes time for your team to review and approve the work.
- For an unfamiliar visual approach, discuss a small paid design or animation test before committing to the full production.
