The 10 Best Animation Studios in Chicago - 2024 Reviews

Top Animation Studios in Chicago

All Animation Agencies in Chicago

  • Audio Book Publishing

    Audio Book Publishingcertified-flagverified-flag

    5
    (18 reviews)

    Professional Audiobook Recording Services To Give Your Books A Voice!

    Recommended
    Audiobooks are becoming more and more popular as time goes on. You can listen to an audiobook while you're working out, cleaning the house, or driving. They're also perfect for people who like to read but don't have a lot of time. Audio Book Publishing offers audiobook recording services for just that reason. Here is where your books are brought to life!
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Ajax Creative Inc.

    Ajax Creative Inc.certified-flagverified-flag

    5
    (2 reviews)

    Working with brands to create emotionally compelling campaigns, commercials & branded content.

    Ajax Creative is a dynamic and innovative commercial production company that creates visually stunning and emotionally compelling moving images. Rooted in the principles of boldness and bravery, Ajax Creative thrives on taking creative risks and pushing the boundaries of storytelling through film, commercials, and video content.
    7 works in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Canvas Reply

    Canvas Replycertified-flagverified-flag

    (0 review)

    Design, develop, deliver.

    Award-winner
    In a landscape of rapidly shifting digital culture, we find opportunities in change . We strive to stay ahead so that our clients do, too. We design world-class digital experiences for some of the world’s biggest brands. With services including UX Research, UI & Creative Design, Bespoke Development, and Project Delivery, we combine insight, creativity, and technical expertise to deliver all-encompassing digital solutions. We believe in results. Our job is to ensure not only the success of your project but your continued success post-delivery. We work with you as partners in knowledge sharing and common goals, providing the resources, processes, tools, and mindset to achieve and exceed your expectations. We have a global team of dedicated specialists from a variety of backgrounds . Each member of our team brings a unique skill set to the table, allowing us to uncover opportunities through different lenses . Because a project is more than just a product – it’s the people behind it.
    3 works in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Vision One Agency

    Vision One Agencycertified-flagverified-flag

    (0 review)

    At Vision One Agency, we believe one thing above all: Storytelling Matters.

    Award winning full service creative video agency that focuses on commercials, social videos, documentary, & short films.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €3000 for Motion Design
  • Kindle has four primary areas of expertise that collaborate constantly: Live & Virtual Events, Learning Programs, Digital Solutions, Media & Campaigns. Each plays an essential role in our ability to create bold ideas for deeper, more meaningful engagement between you and your communities. We believe in calibrating our capabilities and expertise to best serve the needs of our clients. This means our interrelated practices are always evolving. Whether your project requires one or all four of our practice groups, you have access to an extremely powerful communications resource at your fingertips.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Vis

    Vis

    (0 review)

    We bring brands to new heights.

    A branding agency for the digital age, Vis-à-vis Creative offers end-to-end brand building solutions, including naming, market strategy & support, social media, content creation, video, animation, mobile, SEO, websites, and online & offline advertising.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Landgraf Consulting Group, Inc.

    Landgraf Consulting Group, Inc.

    (0 review)

    The Landgraf Consulting Group is a uniquely qualified and assembled team industry production expert

    Landgraf Consulting Group, Inc.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • AnswersMedia

    AnswersMedia

    (0 review)

    Collaborate And Create

    AnswersMedia is a fully integrated production studio specializing in creative content for broadcast and the web. As a visual communications company, our strongest partnerships are built upon our unique ability to combine film and video, design, animation and digital expertise all under one roof. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, we occupy 25,000 square feet with fully equipped stages, seven Avid editing suites, sound studio, control room and technical core complete with satellite and fiber connectivity. Our staff of filmmakers, motion graphics artists, seasoned editors and producers allows you to take advantage of a wide range of creative services and solutions for any media platform. Let us help you craft the stories and messages that connect your brand to its audience.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Giannini Creative

    Giannini Creative

    (0 review)

    Anything is possible.

    Creative Retouching. 3D/CGI. Animation. Guitars. Rock.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Demo Duck

    Demo Duck

    (0 review)

    Let's make a video

    We build handcrafted animated explainer videos that explain your company in 60 seconds. Our 200+ happy clients include Netflix, Dropbox, BCBS, and more.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • TSO Creative

    TSO Creative

    (0 review)

    Marketing & design agency.

    Turning Strategy into Opportunity - TSO Creative is an independently-owned boutique marketing and design studio that specializes in marketing for small business. Whether you are a physician who wants to build your practice, or a start-up ready to take your website to the next level – we love creating custom marketing materials to help you achieve your business goals. Our services include: Marketing Plans, Competitive & Industry Research, Focus Groups & Primary Patient/Customer Research, Branding & Guidelines, Creative Design for Marketing Collateral, Point of Sale, Infographics, Patient Takeaways, Company Brochures, Business Cards, Website Design and Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Hype Media Chicago

    Hype Media Chicago

    (0 review)

    Your Nonprofit Media Solution. We bring awareness to your nonprofit organization

    Hype Media is a dynamic video production company which specializes in promoting non profit and corporate organizations through video. Locate in Chicago, IL
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Evolve Creative, LLC

    Evolve Creative, LLC

    (0 review)

    Advertising Services Chicago, Illinois

     
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • The MarComm Store

    The MarComm Store

    (0 review)

    You've got a message - We make it stick

    The MarComm Store offers a unique suite of training, communications and marketing products and services designed to give our client companies an edge in the marketplace. These include e-learning solutions, audio, video, graphic design and web design. Also included are customized incentive programs designed to boost sales.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • The Puma Productions

    The Puma Productions

    (0 review)

    If you’ve got a story to tell, product to launch, or image to build, let us help bring your vision to life!

    The Puma Productions, Chicago. 1 024 J’aime · 1 en parlent. We are a creative company offering a wide range of content marketing and video services. For...
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Wolf Promotions

    Wolf Promotions

    (0 review)

    Staffing, models, Brand Ambassadors, Brand Apprentice, Host, EMcee's, Actors, Talent

    Home Page
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • See3 Communications

    See3 Communications

    (0 review)

    See3 is the digital agency for do-gooders.

    See3 is a digital strategy consulting agency that helps nonprofits unleash the power of storytelling to change the world. We strengthen organizations with digital strategies that bust silos, maximize efficiencies and end the reliance on short-term tactical thinking. And we make our digital strategies real by building websites, producing videos and creating digital tools that carry stories and move people to action. Like our clients from the worlds of nonprofits and social good, we are guided by our core values: - Do good - Create impact for what we believe in - Always work with collaboration, candor, and respect - Strive for creativity and quality - Live and work with optimism - Oh, and have fun! Since 2005, we've helped hundreds of different nonprofits and social causes improve their digital communications strategies, better connect with constituents, and magnify their impact.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Liz Laine Reps, Inc.

    Liz Laine Reps, Inc.

    (0 review)

    Liz Laine Reps specializes in the representation of animation companies and their directors.

    All Things Animation. A full-scale rep house, specializing in the representation of animation production companies and their directors. 2013 Liz Laine Reps. All rights reserved.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  •  
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
  • Bright Bright Great is a full-service creative strategy agency located in Chicago, IL focused on improving visual culture through creativity and functional problem solving.
    No work in Motion Design
    Active in Chicago, United States
    From €1000 for Motion Design
12

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Expert Chicago Animation Studio: Bringing Ideas to Life

An animation studio is a professional production company specializing in creating animated media. These studios develop a variety of media, such as films, television shows, animated videos in games, and advertisement commercials, using different animation techniques like 2D, 3D, stop motion, and more.

A typical animation studio comprises several departments, including storyboarding, design, modeling, rigging, layout, animation, rendering, and compositing. Each step in this process is vital to bringing characters and stories to life in a way that is both visually stunning and emotionally compelling.

It begins with an idea, which gets fleshed out through scriptwriting and storyboarding. Based on these initial sketches, the concept art team then designs the characters, props, and environments. Once the designs are approved, they're passed on to the modeling department, where 3D models are created. The models are then rigged with skeletal structures that allow animators to manipulate their movements.

The storyboard artists or layout team stages the shots and finalizes camera movement while the animation team meticulously creates the character's movements scene by scene. After the animation, the rendered team adds lighting, texture, and color to scenes. Lastly, the compositing department refines details before the final outputs are delivered.

Thanks to its strategic location in one of the country's vibrant creative hubs, a Chicago-based animation studio has access to a diverse pool of talent and cutting-edge technology to produce high-quality animations. The city's rich artistic culture and tech-savvy milieu contribute significantly to the innovative atmosphere required for inspiring work in spirit.

Whether you want to create an engaging advertising campaign or bring a new animated series to life, a Chicago-based Animation Studio provides comprehensive services from conceptualization to post-production. Their deep understanding of animation's transformative power can help bring any creative concept to life and captivate audiences worldwide.

Types of Animation Agencies Found in Chicago

Animation is a fast-growing industry that continues to evolve with technology and artistic exploration. Numerous animation agencies provide diverse services to satisfy businesses' varied needs for corporate videos or TV commercials, educational institutions, film studios, and more. Chicago, known for its vibrant creative scene, hosts myriad animation agencies with unique specialties.

The first type is a 2D Animation Agency. They use two-dimensional space to create movements, typically in a flat environment. This style harks back to traditional hand-drawn animations but has been modernized through digital platforms. 2D animation is ideal for projects requiring straightforward storytelling or explainer animated videos and remains popular due to its cost-effectiveness.

Next up are 3D Animation Agencies, which construct characters and environments in a three-dimensional space, adding depth and realism. This type is widely used in animated video games, films, virtual reality applications, product demonstrations, and architectural visualizations. It requires specialized skills and software mastery but delivers stunning, immersive results.

Motion Graphics Agencies deal mainly with animated graphic design. This style combines text with moving images, perfect for promotional animation videos, title sequences, logo animations, and event visuals. Motion graphics can engage in complex information, making them excellent for educational animation videos or infographics.

Stop Motion Animation Agencies offer an entirely different animation style where the physical objects are manipulated incrementally and photographed frame by frame to simulate motion when played in sequence. It's time-consuming and labor-intensive but provides a charming hands-on aesthetic that computer-based animations can't replicate.

Lastly, Mixed Media Animation Agencies employ various animation styles to create visually exciting and unique content. This approach offers unlimited creative possibilities and allows for narrative flexibility.

Why Hiring an Animation Agency in Chicago is Beneficial for Your Business

Expanding your business in Chicago requires implementing innovative strategies to captivate your target audience. One such method is employing the expertise of an animation agency. Animation can bring life to your brand and make it easier for customers to understand what you do.

The uniqueness of animated content helps you stand out in the competitive market. It's not just about creating animations but ensuring they are professional, appealing, and purposeful to achieve desired results. Therefore, hiring a service with appropriate skills and experience is vital.

A professional animation agency in Chicago benefits businesses aiming for growth and success. These agencies have teams of experts equipped with advanced tools and techniques required to create engaging animations. They keenly understand the local market trends and audience preferences, enabling them to develop campaigns that resonate with Chicago residents.

Animation agencies add value by translating complex business ideas into simple, attractive visual narratives that viewers can effortlessly relate to. These agencies also can customize animations based on target demographics, making the content more personalized and impactful. Animated content created this way encourages viewer engagement, boosting conversion rates and ROI for businesses.

The unifying aspect of animation videos is another reason to hire an animation studio. It caters to all age groups and has universal appeal. This makes energy a vital marketing tool that transcends language barriers and cultural differences.

Moreover, businesses in Chicago will have regular access to fresh, creative ideas for their marketing campaigns by partnering with an animation agency. These agencies are constantly improving their skills and staying up-to-date with technological advances, ensuring that clients receive only the best quality service.

In summary, animating your brand can provide a competitive edge and set you apart. Hiring an experienced animation agency in Chicago to enrich your marketing strategy with compelling animated content is more than worth the investment.

5 Essential Questions to Ask Potential Studios Aside from Their Animation Techniques

When seeking a professional animation video production, you must know what questions to ask to ensure they fit your project. Here are five essential questions you should consider asking an animation studio:

  • What kind of animation styles does your studio specialize in?
  • Can you share examples of past projects similar to the type of animation I want?
  • How do you manage deadlines and ensure projects stay on track with the scheduled timeline?
  • Can you explain your process for developing unique, engaging animated content?
  • What input will I have in the animation production process?

7 Key Services Offered By an Animation Studio: Discover Their Full Potential

An animation studio is a service provider that can offer numerous benefits for various businesses. Here are seven things an Animation Studio can do:

  • Create custom animations: An animation studio can tailor animations to suit the specific needs of a project or company.
  • Storyboarding: They can help you create a visual representation of your idea before the animation process begins.
  • Voice-over services: Many studios provide voice-overs for animated characters or presentations.
  • Post-production editing: After the animation is complete, Animation Studios can offer post-production editing to fine-tune and improve the final product.
  • 3D Modelling: If you need 3D animations, many studios possess this specialized skill.
  • Motion graphics design: Animation Studios can also create motion graphics, perfect for introductions, business presentations, and promotional animated videos.
  • Sound design: The best animations include high-quality sound effects and music. Animation Studios often have this in their range of services.


Frequently Asked Questions.


Some animation studios in Chicago may specialize in specific types of animation such as 2D animation, 3D animation, or motion graphics, while others may offer services to businesses across various industries including entertainment, advertising, education, healthcare, or gaming.



Yes, many animation studios in Chicago have experience working on both short-form projects such as commercials, explainer videos, and social media content, as well as long-form projects such as animated series, feature films, and documentaries.



Yes, most animation studios in Chicago offer pre-production services including storyboarding, concept art, character design, and environment design to help clients visualize their ideas and concepts before moving into the production phase.



Yes, many animation studios in Chicago offer full-service animation production including sound design, voiceover recording, music composition, and audio post-production to deliver a complete and polished final product.



Animation studios in Chicago typically follow a structured process for client projects which may include initial consultation and project briefing, concept development and visualization, production planning and scheduling, animation production, client feedback and revisions, and final delivery of the project.



Animation studios in Chicago use a variety of software and tools for animation production including Autodesk Maya, Blender, Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, Cinema 4D, and various plugins and third-party software for specific effects or techniques.



The duration of a project with an animation studio in Chicago can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, the length of the animation, the level of detail required, and client feedback and revisions. Some projects may be completed within a few weeks or months, while others may take longer for larger or more complex animations.



The benefits of hiring an animation studio in Chicago include access to expertise and resources, high-quality animation production, professional project management and client communication, creative collaboration and problem-solving, and ultimately, delivering engaging and impactful animated content that meets the client's objectives.