What I’ve Learned Running an Animation Studio in Brisbane

Summary

• Brisbane’s animation scene combines top-tier creative work with local collaboration
• Clear messaging beats complex visuals when it comes to animation
• Success often depends on early scoping and strong client relationships

Running an animation studio in Brisbane gives you a front-row seat to what’s working - and what’s not - in local creative industries.

At Explanimate!, we’ve been creating explainer videos and branded content here for over a decade. And while the animation tools have changed, the most important lessons we’ve learned aren’t technical. They’re about people, projects and communication.

1. Brisbane’s Creative Scene is High Quality - and Close-Knit

Unlike bigger cities where the industry can feel fragmented, Brisbane’s creative network is surprisingly connected. We've worked with clients across government, tech, education, health and the arts - and each project tends to lead to the next.

That close-knit feel is an advantage. It means we’re always accountable, and our reputation matters. But it also means standards are high. Clients expect work that can hold up nationally - because their audience almost always is.

2. Animation Should Make Messages Clearer - Not More Complicated

The most effective videos we’ve made start with a very clear message. Animation can be beautiful, funny, clever - but if it confuses the core idea, it’s not doing its job.

A lot of our work involves helping clients simplify what they want to say. We often start projects not by animating, but by editing down the script to its most useful point. From there, we design visuals that support and amplify that message.

3. Strong Production Processes Make All the Difference

Every creative brief is different, but the production pitfalls are often the same. Scope creep, unclear approvals, vague feedback - we’ve seen it all.

That’s why we focus heavily on pre-production. We use styleframes and animatics to align expectations early. We agree on timelines and review rounds up front. And we keep a consistent producer on each job so nothing gets lost in translation.

4. Trust Enables Better Creative

Brisbane clients are increasingly open to creative risks - as long as the process feels stable. That’s been a shift over the last five years, especially with more digital-first businesses coming through.

We’ve found that once trust is there, clients are more likely to back animation ideas that stand out. Sometimes it’s humour. Sometimes it’s a bold visual treatment. But almost always, those are the projects that get the best audience response.

If you're looking for an animation studio in Brisbane, or trying to decide how animation might help explain your service or product, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to share what we’ve learned.