Motion Club — Playful 2D Animation & Illustration Studio, UK

Motion Club is a UK-based animation and illustration studio focused on creating imaginative and playful 2D animation and illustration work. There’s a sense of fun and energy in everything they do, which has led to a range of intriguing projects for some of the world’s best-known commercial brands. Specialising in 2D animated content and illustration for print and digital formats, Motion Club was founded in Brighton by directors Catharine Pitt and Mark Davis. Both have years of experience working with creative teams in design agencies to produce impactful print and digital campaigns. Everything they create is fresh and has an artful touch to it, and their inspiration comes from all kinds of interesting places, from new trends in material design through to the thriving indie magazine scene. Other influences include the director Jannik Hastrup, creator of Birdland, and the incredible French cartoonist Jean-Jacques Sempé. Motion Club’s work has been screened at numerous film festivals, and has been nominated for a Motionographer award.

Approach

“Play is at the core of our approach, both in the initial development stages and in the narrative of each project,” explains Catharine. “Much of our work centres around character design, were playful qualities help engage a viewer and communicate key messages in a memorable, human way.” Using TVPaint, Adobe Animate and After Effects, Motion Club creates 2D animation, often frame-by-frame, for a handcrafted feel. Their illustrations usually involve Illustrator, Photoshop and a Wacom Cintiq, but they also love working by hand with ink.

Styles

Motion Club works in a variety of styles, depending on the requirements of the project. But whether it’s illustration or animation, what always shines through is a playful and characterful quality, often alongside a handcrafted feel.