Growing up, I’d always sit cross-legged in front of the TV watching wonderful cartoons.
Animation for me wasn’t just entertainment—it was a portal to the dream world where teacups danced, robots used to turn into monster cars, there were fairly planet, and heroes used to appear from scribbled lines.
As an artist, that dream like world and magic never left me. And, these studios prove animation isn’t just for kids; it’s a masterclass in visual storytelling.
While giants like Pixar & Studio Ghibli creates masterpieces and are our admiration, there’s a universe of smaller underrated animation studios who’s works are equally appreciable, but often overlooked.
Today we will know about six of those underrated studio gems(Maybe not completely, but deserve more attention) that’ll inspire you like never.
Let’s get started!
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1. Cartoon Saloon
The first on our list is Cartoon Saloon. They are known for their Celtic tapestry meets watercolor dreams.
This Irish studio’s films look like illuminated manuscripts come to life. The Secret of Kells uses spirals and knots inspired by medieval art, while The Breadwinner contrasts muted Afghan landscapes with vivid storybook sequences.
And what’s their secret? Every frame they create feels hand-painted, blending folklore with emotional gut-punches.
Few may say that Cartoon Salon were in Oscar nominations, their films like “The Secret of Kells,” “Songs of the Sea,” and “Wolfwalkers” haven’t really become star in public eyes.
2. LAIKA Studios
The Hauntingly beautiful stop-motion with a 3D-printed twist is the trademark of LAIKA Studios. It’s Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings are tactile wonders—you can almost feel the stitching on Coraline’s gloves.
They pioneered 3D-printed facial expressions, giving clay puppets eerily human nuances. The result? Films that look like Victorian dollhouses dipped in moonlight.
3. Magic Light Pictures
Storybook charm with CG that feels hand-stitched is what defines Magic light pictures. Giving popular films like The Gruffalo and Stick Man, this UK studio mimics stop-motion textures in CG.
Their worlds feel knitted from wool and painted with tea stains—perfect for their cozy, fireside-story vibes. Think crooked trees with bark that looks like crumpled brown paper.
4. Eric Miller Animation Studios
From traditional 2D to mixed-media collages, this California studio’s work feels like a sketchbook spilled onto the screen.
They specialize in quirky, indie projects where every frame bursts with playful textures—imagine crayon scribbles colliding with photo cutouts.
5. BluBlu Studios
Style: Minimalist motion graphics meets surreal whimsy*
BluBlu’s award-winning animation & shorts like Sundays and Air Head balance comprises of clean lines with psychedelic twists.
Their style can be defined as minimalist motion graphics meeting surreal whimsy. Their work for brands like Google blends geometric shapes with organic fluidity—picture liquid metal morphing into dancing figures.
6. Bix Pix Entertainment
These creators handcraft everything from felt monsters to cardboard spaceships. Their mixed-media approach—seen in music videos and indie films—feels like a craft store exploded into poetry.
We can define their style as Stop-motion with a DIY punk edge. Think Wallace & Gromit meets Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
Why These Studios Matter for Artists?
Every studio we listed above reminds us that animation isn’t just about polish—it’s about personality. Whether it’s Cartoon Saloon’s hand-drawn work or LAIKA’s mix of tech and tradition, they prove limitations brings innovation.
Next time you’re stuck in a creative rut always ask, What would these artists do with a lump of clay, a pencil, or a pile of old magazines?
Now go make something gloriously imperfect. The children inside you (and future self) will thank you.