Animation has become increasingly popular over the years and is now considered a powerful tool for businesses and brands to scale their business. As business owners or even marketers, you might already have ideas on how you can utilise animation to further grow your business. Whether it’s for a marketing campaign or a showroom display, animation has the ability to help you stand out from the competition and engage your viewers instantaneously.

Key Takeaways

  • Vancouver animation studios provide diverse animation services like explainer videos, 2D/3D animation, and whiteboard animation, offering engaging ways to enhance brand visibility and communication.
  • Choosing the right animation studio hinges on factors like experience, specialization, communication, responsiveness, and understanding of the project’s vision.
  • Prioritise animation studios with a strong portfolio, attention to detail, and a track record of producing high-quality work to ensure impactful visual storytelling.

Vancouver is home to some of the best and most reputed animation and Visual Effects (VFX) studios in the world. Although they may not be originally founded in Canada, they do have offices set up in Vancouver. Among these animation production companies, they have become the powerhouses of some of the most popular animated feature films released in cinemas, TV shows on Netflix and even the ads you see online.

However, some companies may have trouble looking for the right animation production company to work with to get their money’s worth for high-quality work. Well, look no further, this article will provide you the tips and tricks to finding the right animation production company in Vancouver along with our top 12 best animation studio recommendations.

Top 12 reputed animation studios in Vancouver, Canada

SuperPixel

SuperPixel is a professional animation studio founded in Singapore that recently expanded its services to the North American region. They have worked with notable brands in Southeast Asia and specialise in a wide range of animation services such as 2D, 3D and motion graphics animation. They mainly produce animated content for video marketing such as marketing videos, video ads and explainer videos.

Mainframe studios

A veteran studio that has been in the industry since 1977, Mainframe Studios has worked on a wide variety of projects including the Barbie Epic Road Trip and the SpiderMan series.

Bardel Entertainment

One of the leading animation service providers for 2D and 3D animation. They have been in the industry for decades and have worked on a number of popular animated series like Rick & Morty alongside the biggest names in the industry like Dreamworks and Disney.

Atomic Cartoons

A studio that specialises in 2D animation and has worked on a number of popular animated series seen on Nickelodeon which includes The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom.

WildBrain

A studio that produces a wide variety of children’s content, including animated series, live-action series as well as digital shorts. They have also worked on a number of popular films such as Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs.

Animal Logic

Animal Logic is an award-winning design, animation and visual effects studio that has been at the forefront of the animation industry for over 30 years. They have worked with some of the biggest brands like Mattel and DC to produce films like The LEGO Movie as well as DC League of Super-Pets.

Sony Pictures Imageworks

One of the most well-known animation production companies globally, Sony Pictures Imageworks has worked on some of the leading animated feature films including Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass and Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy.

Titmouse

A studio with an outstanding portfolio, Titmouse has produced one of the most inspiring animated featured films of this year which is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse as well as animated series like Big Mouth and Beavis and Butthead on Netflix.

Walt Disney Animation Studios

An animation studio that needs no introduction, Walt Disney Animation Studios is one of the leading names in the industry and has produced the animated classics we all know and love. They have just recently opened up a studio hub in Vancouver in 2022.

Buzzflick

A professional video animation agency that specialises in 2d animation, explainer videos and product demo videos.

Global Mechanic

This Canadian-based animation studio was established in 2000 and has produced a wide range of animated works. Their film Feral has also been nominated for the Emmy and Oscar awards for the best animated short film.

DNEG

One of the world’s leading visual effects and animation studios for feature film and television, DNEG has had over 20 years of industry experience and won several awards over the years. They have recently produced an animated film Nimona that is currently streaming on Netflix.

Explore the different types of animation services most common for businesses

Here are some of the most common animation services that most animation studios in Vancouver provide and why brands love them:

Animated explainer videos

An animated explainer video is a short video that aims to introduce and explain how a product or service works through animated video content. Explainer videos are quick, concise and informative yet easy to understand – which is why it is one of the best ways companies can pitch what their business offers to the target audience in the shortest amount of time.

An explainer video is usually placed on a company’s website homepage because of its power to positively influence customers purchasing decisions. In addition, explainer videos have the ability to increase the amount of time visitors spend on the website – improving engagements and consequently boosting Search Engine Optimization (SEO) rankings.

3D and 2D animated videos

3D animation is the process of using motion to bring images to life within a three-dimensional space with a lot more depth and dimension. 3D animation has the ability to portray realistic settings, character animations and objects – allowing for a more immersive type of animation. Hence, making it one of the most applicable animation styles for any type of industry. Not to mention how eye-catching the visuals are that can make your animated video memorable and engaging.

Compared to 3D animation, 2D animation is more flat and two-dimensional and can be produced at a much faster rate than the former. 2D animation is a popular animation style used especially for marketing purposes as it allows messages to be conveyed easily whilst still keeping it visually engaging. Moreover, because of its reasonable prices, 2D animation is a budget-friendly option for smaller businesses who are looking to use animation services and get the best bang for their buck.

Both 2D and 3D animated videos are visually appealing and captivating – effectively grabbing audience’s attention and keeping them engaged throughout the entire video. They are also excellent for video storytelling. Just like animated explainer videos, 2D and 3D animated videos can simplify complex concepts, making them easier to understand and allowing for better information retention.

Whiteboard animation

Whiteboard animation features an illustrator physically drawing static images on a whiteboard or a white background in real time where information is presented in smaller chunks – making it easier to take in and understand. The drawings are often created in a step-by-step manner, making it look like the content is being hand drawn in real-time. This animation service is quick, clear and simple yet extremely effective at presenting information. It is an easy way to relay information since people tend to learn better when a topic is visually explained.

Animated video ads

Animated video ads are short promotional videos that use animation, motion graphics and sometimes narration or music to advertise a product, service or brand. These ads are designed to capture the audience’s attention, convey the key marketing message and persuade viewers to take a specific action, such as making a purchase or visiting a website. Well-crafted animated video ads can lead to higher conversion rates as they can effectively communicate product benefits, evoke emotions and create a sense of urgency to take action.

Our top tips for choosing the right animation studio for your business

Choosing the right video animation company can be a tricky feat as not every animation studio is a good fit for your project. There are many factors you need to determine: the animation style, the type of video you need, the budget, the goals you want to achieve from your project and so much more.

Whether you intend to go for an explainer video or a 3D animated video, you will need to look through several animation studios that specifically create animation in that particular niche.

Ask for a portfolio

Start by reviewing the studio’s portfolio and showreel. Look for projects similar to your requirements to assess their style, quality, and expertise. A strong portfolio is a significant indicator of the studio’s capabilities which can help you determine whether or not they are the right match for your business needs.

Identify the studio’s specialisations

Ensure that the animation studio specialises in the type of animation you need. Some studios may be more skilled in 2D animation, while others excel in 3D or stop motion. Whether it’s for marketing purposes or long-form content, choose an animation studio that aligns with your project’s requirements.

Check out how many animation projects the studio has made

Another good way to find the best animation studios for your business is by checking the studio’s experience in the industry. Established studios with a good reputation are more likely to deliver quality work and exceptional results.

Review client testimonials

When researching an animation company, it is crucial to read reviews and testimonials of other clients that have worked with them in the past. This can provide you with a better understanding of how the company operates and its work conduct. You can even find reviews on other websites or online forums that may have more information about the animation company.

Responsiveness and communication

Effective communication is essential during the animation process. Choose a studio that is responsive, open to feedback, and willing to collaborate with you to achieve your vision. One of the most important factors is to make sure that you are able to communicate with the animation production Vancouver team without any language barriers.

Production timeline

Inquire about their project management process and estimated timelines. A studio that can provide a clear project plan and adhere to deadlines is crucial for the success of your project. This is an important aspect to pay attention to when choosing an animation studio.

Passion and creativity

Seek out studios that demonstrate creativity and the ability to create unique and original animations. You want your project to stand out and not look like a generic template that another video production agency can easily produce. Look for enthusiasm and passion, if they don’t love what they do, chances are they are not providing you with their best work.

Quality of Animation and Attention to Detail

Pay attention to the quality of animation in their portfolio. Look for studios that pay attention to detail, fluid movements, and smooth transitions. You should choose a studio that produces high-quality animated videos to get the best bang for your buck and ensure your project is a success.

Budget and Pricing

Request detailed quotes from the studios you are considering. Compare their pricing with the scope and quality of work they offer. Be wary of exceptionally low prices, as it may indicate compromising on quality.

Understanding of Your Vision

A good animation studio will take the time to understand your project’s goals and target audience. They should be able to translate your ideas into a compelling visual story.

In summary, choosing the best animation studio depends on your project’s needs. What kind of animation are you looking for? What is your target audience? What is your budget? Once you know what you need, you can start to narrow down your options.

Your best full-service animation studio | SuperPixel

At Superpixel, we are an animation studio that specialises in a wide range of video animation services including 2D and 3D animation, character animation, infographics, explainer videos, product animation and so much more.

Whether you aim to showcase a product, tell a story, or simply grab the attention of your target audience, our experienced team of animators will guarantee you the best video animation services. Visit our website to view our latest works and client success stories to see why you should consider using our animation services to grow your brand.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you visualise your brand through the power of animation today!

Also read: 12 Reasons Why 2D Animation Is Beneficial For Business Development