The 10 Best Animation Studios in Edinburgh - 2024 Reviews

Top Animation Studios in Edinburgh

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Unleash your creative vision with Edinburgh's premier animation studios and agencies. Our curated selection showcases the Scottish capital's finest talent in bringing stories to life through captivating visuals. From traditional 2D animation to cutting-edge 3D and motion graphics, these expert teams cater to diverse project needs. Explore each studio's portfolio and client testimonials to gauge their artistic prowess and technical expertise. Whether you're planning an animated commercial, explainer video, or full-length feature, you'll find the perfect partner to breathe life into your ideas. Ready to start your animation journey? Post your project requirements on Sortlist, and let Edinburgh's top animation professionals reach out with tailored proposals that align with your creative goals and budget.

All Animation Agencies in Edinburgh

  • (0 review)

    A design that will last forever.

    A graphic design studio with expertise in designing unique, functional and amazing-looking logos, graphics for social media, cover arts, stationery, YouTube thumbnails, icon sets and more.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English, Polish
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • 4.9
    (7 reviews)

    Simply effective

    Highly recommended
    BRAND | CREATIVE | DIGITAL We’re simply effective. Founded in 2007, we’re an independent creative marketing agency based in Edinburgh. From building brands to rebuilding websites, creating campaigns to curating content, we’ve worked with big and small clients from a wide range of sectors. As a trusted agency partner of public, private, and 3rd sector organisations throughout the UK, we consistently deliver projects on time and within budget. We’re full of ideas, not ourselves. With our strategic approach, creative problem-solving, and pragmatic way of working, we’ll help you achieve your marketing goals in a way that’s simply effective. Get in touch to learn more about our work; let’s chat.
    8 works in Animation
    Located in City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Worked in Retail (+7)
    Speaks English
    11-50 members
  • (0 review)

    A story-driven Animation Studio

    We help brands big and small connect with their audience and tell their unique stories through the power of animated videos. We're a small team that loves working on big ideas. And if you have ideas that can improve the world in some way, we're sure we're the right fit. Started in the south of Italy and now based in Edinburgh, UK, Fab Design was founded by Annarita Milella and Francesco D'Ambrosio, a creative wife-husband duo with a passion for great stories, characterful design, and pixel-perfect animation. With 10+ years of experience and a collection of work for companies all around the world, we love working on anything that moves, be that Explainer videos, Social Media or Advertising campaigns, Apps and more. We can take care of the entire process from beginning to end, or jump in to help you with a more specific need. Either way, we love what we do, and we love perfecting the details of everything we touch, so you can be sure the final product is as good as it can be, every time.
    3 works in Animation
    Located in Midlothian, United Kingdom
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Worked in Technology Hardware & Equipment (+2)
    Speaks English, Italian
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)

    Social First, Bespoke video production company based in Glasgow.

    A Glasgow based video production company. Our mission is to take your brand into the Creative Era, through the creation of video content. We are super passionate about creating visual content that will engage with your audience across all platforms. From product commercials, to instructional learning videos. We’ve got you covered!
    3 works in Animation
    Located in Glasgow, United Kingdom
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Worked in Clothing & Accessories (+3)
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • 5
    (11 reviews)

    Telling stories that sparkle

    Highly recommended
    Top awarded
    Hocus Pocus is an animation studio and animation production company in London, UK. We make distinctive films for brands, broadcasters, businesses and agencies across the world. We have a colourful style and a devotion to the craft that we hope leads to some great work. We’re a fiercely independent animation studio who are lucky enough to work with some of the world’s greatest brands and broadcasters. Our core animation specialities are 2d animation, 3d animation, character animation and motion graphics. We make distinctive films for broadcast, finance, gaming, tech and finance. We love what we do, and hope you will too!
    10 works in Animation
    Located in London, United Kingdom
    From €10,000 for Animation
    Worked in Household Products (+7)
    Speaks English
    11-50 members
  • (0 review)

    We are a small team with big ideas. We are quick, skilled, no-nonsense designers based in Edinburgh.

    We are a small team with big ideas. Our work encompasses logo design, graphics and identity, marketing and advertising, products and packaging, websites and digital experiences, motion graphics and animation, and more… We are quick, skilled, no-nonsense designers and our clients say we are great to work with. Keeble Creative Ltd is a design company based out of 83 Princess Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)

    Embedded video partners for those who care across any platform, anywhere.

    We're not your usual video agency. We love working with people who love working with us, people who share the same values, people who are driven to do things differently. We're relationship builders, a trusted extension of existing teams, in it for the long haul and there when you need us most. We care deeply about the work we do and the way we do it, driven by knowledge, playfulness, integrity, and a desire to support the growth of our people and partners.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)

    Video Communication Specialists

    Welcome to the online home of Dangerous Studio - Creators of video, digital content and so much more… From our Studio in Edinburgh, we provide professional video production and digital services to businesses of all sizes. Whether you are representing an internationally famous brand or a local social
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)

    Award Winning Creative Production Studio. Making beautifully crafted TV/Cinema, Branded Film, Animation & Photography.

    Infinite is an award-winning production studio. We have an intimate understanding of how best to collaborate with your business, brand or agency to make effective, compelling and beautifully crafted content. Including film, TV/Cinema commercials, branded video, animation, photography and lots more.​ Get in touch to see how we can bring your stories to life.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)

    An animation and design freelancer with 15 years of experience working with clients such as the BBC, NHS Scotland & Ch4

    Freelance UK Animator, Designer, Illustrator with over 15 years of experience. Clients include the BBC, Channel 4 and NHS Scotland.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)
    3D Architectural Visualisation and Illustration | Edinburgh | CGI | Marketing | Planning Submissions | Competitions | Design Development.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)

    We provide cinematic, art driven, 2D animation, VFX for the film, television, games, corporate and music industries.

    The 2D workshop is an Edinburgh based animation company specialising in 2D animation. We cover everything from the design process through storyboarding, animation, VFX and post production for the online, TV and film industries
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • Muckle Hen's award-winning Edinburgh-based team will help you to create an effective corporate video with flair and originality.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • 4.9
    (6 reviews)

    The Acceleration Agency | Certified B Corp 💙 🌍

    Recommended
    Top awarded
    Outfly is London's leading acceleration agency, helping corporates innovate and guiding startups to scale. Since 2012, we have positioned, branded, launched and scaled 100+ businesses from our home in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at Europe’s largest innovation hub. We’re not here to deliver a brief. But to spot and unlock true potential and ROI. From brand and strategy to product and growth, we join the team, look under the hood, and get involved in everything you do. Our blend of left/right brain design thinking, along with our history of award-winning brands, campaigns, strategies and serial-entrepreneurship allow us to help businesses to understand and reach their potential. We work with organisations of various scales, from early stage startups to larger scaleups raising Series A. We also provide innovation consulting services to global corporations. Sector agnostic, our team has accelerated growth across Mobility, Cybersecurity, F&B, Climate, Health, AI, Social Impact, Telco, Tourism and Wellbeing, to name but a few. If you're looking to build a long-term, win-win relationships, get in touch.
    11 works in Animation
    Located in Greater London, United Kingdom
    From €10,000 for Animation
    Worked in Others (+12)
    Speaks English
    11-50 members
  • (0 review)
    Independent Animation, Motion Graphics and Illustration artist based in Edinburgh. Mixes traditional and digital techniques to create tailored animated content.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)
    This is the website of the artist Sally-Ann Johns. She creates beautiful gold art with bird motifs. Also home of the art studio - Studio 48 in Edinburgh. Art classes for all ages.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)

    Without a slogan since 1999. Brands and communications. Glasgow - Amsterdam - Hong Kong

    We are an independent creative partner for ambitious brands seeking a competitive edge. With offices in Glasgow, Amsterdam and Hong Kong, we work with brands across the globe to make them more visible, memorable and, ultimately, more effective irrespective of channel or geography. We are planners, strategists, designers, developers, project managers, animators, writers, marketers and illustrators and our clients include the BBC, Remy Cointreau, ScottishPower, GORE-TEX, AIA, Glasgow School of Art and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. To discuss a new project, or just for a chat, contact: James Young: [email protected] David Shanks: [email protected] Ross McDonald: [email protected]
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
  • (0 review)
    Cadpeople is a visual communication agency, specialising in digital marketing & digital learning through compelling storytelling and cutting-edge technologies.
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    From €1,000 for Animation
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English, Danish
    51-200 members
  • (0 review)
    Looking for work in Animation
    Located in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
    Budget on request
    Works in multiple industries
    Speaks English
    1-10 members
12

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Your Visual Story Starts Here: Meet the Best Animation Studios in Edinburgh

In today's fast-paced digital era, animation has become an important part of business storytelling. It is used to create engaging visual content to communicate your brand's message in a fun and clear way. Businesses are increasingly turning to animation to boost their customer engagement, improve the visibility of their products or services and make a lasting impact with memorable content.

With a diverse range of high-quality options to choose from, finding the best animation studio for your needs can be overwhelming. We've compiled a list of some of the most talented and respected animation studios in Edinburgh, to help you find the ideal creative partner for your project.

Leverage our list of leading companies offering bespoke and innovative solutions to help tell your brand story in the most effective and captivating way possible.

Edinburgh Animation Studio: Your Partner in Creating Compelling Animated Media

Whether you're looking to create an explainer video for your business, develop a feature film, or craft amazing visual effects, an animation studio is a critical resource. Based in the heart of the city, an Edinburgh animation studio provides expert services across all aspects of animation production and post-production.

Animation studios specialise in the creation of animated media. These types of studios can work on a variety of projects from television shows to video games, commercials to feature films. At their core, these studios are filled with talented artists and professionals who bring stories to life through the use of animation. With a wide range of skills and expertise, they can use different techniques such as 2D hand-drawn animation, 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI), stop motion, or even mixed media.

In Edinburgh, which boasts a vibrant creative scene, the animation studios have nurtured a strong reputation for quality and innovation. They provide top-notch services in 2D and 3D animation, character design, storyboarding, layout design, and background art among others.

When you engage an animation studio, it's not just about getting some animations done; it's about creating compelling narratives that captivate your audience and communicate your message effectively. The process usually involves pre-production where ideas are fleshed out and plans are made, production involving the actual creation of the animations, and post-production where the project is finessed with editing and sound design. This comprehensive approach ensures that every project delivered is engaging, high quality and meets the specific needs of the client.

An Edinburgh animation studio doesn't just serve clients within the city but extends its services globally due to advancements in technology and communication capabilities.

Different Types of Services Provided by an Animation Agency in Edinburgh

An animation agency plays an integral role in a diverse range of industries, from advertising to filmmaking, and offers numerous types of services for their clients. These services are usually grouped into different categories based on the specific tasks they entail.

The first type of service is 2D animation. This involves creating movement in a two-dimensional artistic space. Agencies specialising in this type of animation often produce advertisements, explainer videos, and television shows in Edinburgh.

Next is 3D animation, which brings objects to life in three-dimensional space. This is used extensively in creating visual effects for movies and video games. These agencies utilise sophisticated software to create realistic movements and sequences.

A third kind of service is whiteboard animation. Here, the story is drawn on a whiteboard or something that resembles a whiteboard (like a digital simulation). They are commonly used in 'explainer' videos or to illustrate interviews because of their simplistic and easy-to-understand visuals.

Another type is the motion graphics services. This form of animation is graphics that use video footage or animation technology to create the illusion of motion or rotation. Motion graphics are usually combined with audio for multimedia projects.

Finally, a new but growing field is virtual reality (VR) animation. These animations immerse the user in a 360-degree view of simulated realities. It's most utilised in gaming, real estate walk-throughs, and interactive learning environments.

In conclusion, the type of service provided by an animation agency largely depends on your business needs. By understanding these different offerings, you'll be able to better communicate your requirements and work with an agency in Edinburgh to bring your vision to life.

Boost Your Business with an Animation Agency in Edinburgh

In the dynamic world of modern business, nothing captures attention quite like a compelling and engaging animation. As such, hiring an animation agency in Edinburgh can make a significant and positive impact on your business. Animation helps to bring ideas to life in a way that text or static images simply cannot match. When done professionally, it can be a uniquely effective tool for delivering persuasive presentations, enhancing website appeal, and boosting marketing campaigns.

An animation agency can offer both 2D and 3D animations that can illustrate complex concepts in a simple and easily digestible manner. Whether you are looking to promote a product, train staff, or enhance branding efforts, a professional agency offers the creative talent, technical tools, and industry expertise needed to execute all these tasks at a high quality. They understand the best ways to connect with target audiences, driving engagement and facilitating clearer communication.

When it comes to local businesses in Edinburgh, hiring an animation agency has several key advantages. Not only does it support local economy but also ensures an understanding of local culture and market dynamics; crucial elements when crafting relatable and impactful animations. It's not just about having content; it's about having content that speaks to your audience.

Moreover, working with an agency allows businesses to leverage time and resources more effectively. Professional animators solve the problem of producing consistently good material while allowing companies to focus on what they do best - running their business. The return on investment from hiring an animation agency goes beyond measurable monetary value; it's about creating lasting impressions and sharing powerful narratives that resonate with audiences.

In short, hiring an animation agency in Edinburgh represents an invaluable investment for any business seeking to elevate its presence, market its products or services more effectively, and connect with its audience in an engaging and meaningful way.

Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Prospective Animation Studio

  • What type of animation styles does your animation studio specialise in?
  • Could you share some examples of previous projects your Animation Studio has worked on?
  • What is your process for creating a unique and compelling animated content?
  • How does your Animation Studio ensure the integration of clients' ideas and feedback in the animation process?
  • What is the typical timeline for a project completion at your Animation Studio?

7 Key Services an Animation Studio Can Provide for Your Project

An animation studio can provide an extensive range of creative and technical services to bring your ideas to life. From concept to final production, an animation studio delivers the following:

  • Storyboarding: This initial stage includes creating detailed sketches that represent each scene in your animation project.
  • Character Design: The studio develops unique characters that align with your brand and message.
  • 3D Modelling: With advanced software, animation studios design three-dimensional models of characters and objects.
  • Motion Graphics: Animation studios create dynamic visuals that convey complex information swiftly and effectively.
  • Visual Effects (VFX): They enhance live-action footage, ensuring seamless integration between real-life elements and computer-generated imagery.
  • Post-Production: Animation studios handle editing, colour correction, sound design, voice-over recording and mixing to provide a polished final product.
  • Creative Consultation: They contribute their creative expertise to help guide the direction of your project, ensuring it achieves its objectives and resonates with its intended audience.

Discover what other have done.

Get inspired by what our studios have done for other companies.

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Scenic: Rebrand and Relaunch

VIVIDA: Strategy, Brand Family and UI

VIVIDA: Strategy, Brand Family and UI

Moonhub: Brand, Website and Marketing Assets

Moonhub: Brand, Website and Marketing Assets


Frequently Asked Questions.


Animation agencies in Edinburgh, like those across the UK, approach storytelling in unique ways that set them apart from traditional media. Here's how they differ:

1. Visual freedom and creativity

Animation studios have the liberty to create entire worlds and characters from scratch, allowing for unlimited visual possibilities. This freedom enables them to tell stories that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive in live-action media.

2. Condensed storytelling

Animated content often needs to convey complex ideas in shorter timeframes, especially in advertising. Edinburgh's animation agencies excel at distilling stories into concise, impactful narratives that capture audience attention quickly.

3. Symbolism and metaphor

Animation lends itself well to abstract concepts and metaphorical storytelling. Agencies in Edinburgh often use visual symbolism to convey complex ideas or emotions that might be difficult to express in traditional media.

4. Emotional connection through stylization

By using different animation styles, from 2D to 3D or stop-motion, Edinburgh's animation studios can evoke specific emotional responses and create unique atmospheres that resonate with their target audience.

5. Breaking physical limitations

Unlike traditional media, animation can easily defy physics, transform objects or characters, and seamlessly transition between scenes. This allows for more dynamic and engaging storytelling techniques.

6. Cross-cultural appeal

Animation often transcends language barriers more easily than live-action media. Edinburgh's animation agencies can create content with universal appeal, which is particularly valuable in our globalized world.

7. Evergreen content

Animated characters don't age, allowing for timeless storytelling. This is particularly useful for long-running campaigns or brand mascots that Edinburgh agencies might develop for their clients.

8. Interactive storytelling

With the rise of digital media, Edinburgh's animation studios are increasingly incorporating interactive elements into their storytelling, allowing audiences to engage with the narrative in ways traditional media cannot match.

Edinburgh's animation agencies leverage these unique storytelling approaches to create compelling content for various industries, from entertainment to education and advertising. Their ability to blend traditional Scottish storytelling heritage with modern animation techniques results in distinctive and effective narrative strategies.



Animation agencies in Edinburgh have developed sophisticated approaches to adapt their workflows for various client industries. This flexibility is crucial in a city known for its diverse economic landscape, from finance and technology to tourism and the arts. Here's how Edinburgh's animation studios customize their processes:

  1. Industry-specific research and immersion: Edinburgh animation agencies often begin by thoroughly researching the client's industry. For example, when working with Edinburgh's thriving fintech sector, animators might spend time understanding complex financial products to create accurate and engaging explainer videos.
  2. Tailored pre-production processes: Agencies adjust their initial planning and storyboarding phases based on the industry. For instance, a project for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe might require a more creative and experimental approach compared to a corporate video for a local law firm.
  3. Specialized team allocation: Many Edinburgh animation studios have team members with expertise in specific industries. They may assign animators with relevant background knowledge to projects, ensuring a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
  4. Customized visual styles: Agencies adapt their visual approaches to suit different industries. An animation for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh might use organic, nature-inspired graphics, while a tech startup might prefer a sleek, minimalist style.
  5. Industry-compliant content creation: For regulated industries like healthcare or finance, Edinburgh animators ensure their content adheres to specific guidelines and regulations, such as those set by the Financial Conduct Authority for financial services animations.
  6. Flexible project management: Agencies in Edinburgh often tailor their project management methodologies to align with client industries. For example, they might use agile methodologies for tech clients or more traditional waterfall approaches for government institutions.
  7. Collaborative tools and processes: Edinburgh animation studios employ various collaboration tools to accommodate different client preferences. They might use secure file-sharing platforms for confidential projects or real-time collaboration tools for clients requiring frequent input.
  8. Industry-specific quality assurance: Agencies implement tailored quality checks depending on the industry. For instance, animations for the Scottish education sector might undergo additional scrutiny for educational accuracy and age-appropriateness.

By adapting their workflows in these ways, Edinburgh's animation agencies demonstrate their versatility and commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-specific content. This adaptability has contributed to the city's reputation as a hub for creative and technical excellence in animation.

According to a 2023 Creative Scotland report, 78% of Edinburgh-based animation studios reported increasing their industry-specific expertise to better serve diverse clients. This trend highlights the importance of tailored approaches in the competitive animation market.



Animation agencies in Edinburgh employ various strategies to stay innovative and competitive in the global market. These strategies are crucial for maintaining their edge in a rapidly evolving industry. Here are some key approaches:

  1. Embracing Cutting-Edge Technology: Edinburgh's animation agencies are quick to adopt and master new technologies. This includes:
    • Utilizing advanced 3D animation software like Autodesk Maya and Blender
    • Incorporating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into their offerings
    • Exploring machine learning and AI-assisted animation tools
  2. Fostering Creative Talent: The city's agencies focus on nurturing and attracting top talent by:
    • Collaborating with local institutions like Edinburgh College of Art and Edinburgh Napier University
    • Offering internships and mentorship programs
    • Creating a stimulating work environment that encourages creativity and innovation
  3. Diversifying Service Offerings: To stay competitive, agencies expand their services beyond traditional animation:
    • Providing motion graphics for digital marketing campaigns
    • Offering character design and development for video games
    • Creating animated content for e-learning platforms
  4. Leveraging Edinburgh's Cultural Heritage: Agencies tap into the city's rich history and vibrant arts scene:
    • Drawing inspiration from local folklore and traditions
    • Participating in events like the Edinburgh International Film Festival
    • Collaborating with local artists and filmmakers
  5. Focusing on Sustainable Practices: With growing environmental awareness, agencies are:
    • Implementing eco-friendly production processes
    • Creating content that promotes sustainability
    • Partnering with environmentally conscious clients and organizations
  6. Building Global Networks: Edinburgh's agencies are expanding their reach by:
    • Attending international animation festivals and conferences
    • Collaborating with studios from other countries
    • Utilizing online platforms to showcase work and attract global clients
  7. Investing in Research and Development: Agencies allocate resources to R&D, focusing on:
    • Developing proprietary animation techniques
    • Experimenting with new storytelling formats
    • Improving production efficiency through innovative workflows

By implementing these strategies, Edinburgh's animation agencies are not only staying competitive but are also positioning themselves as leaders in the global animation industry. Their ability to blend traditional Scottish creativity with cutting-edge technology and global trends ensures they remain at the forefront of innovation in the animation field.