How Animation Unlocks Your Brand Potential
27/11/2024 By Sophie Dique
Modern times call for modern marketing strategies, and brands are constantly seeking fresh ways to stand out and make a genuine connection with their audience. Advertising has come a long way over the years with the influence of new technologies, but one medium that’s consistently proven its power to engage and adapt to modern changes is animation.
Animation is naturally eye-catching, with endless creative possibilities. It allows us to design every detail exactly how we envision it, from bold colors to intricate textures. With handcrafted elements, animation lets us evoke emotions, communicate complex ideas, and create polished visuals that leave a lasting impression. Take Great Western Railway (GWR) charming ad series, for example. Created by Glassworks, the “Five Get There First” campaign uses a nostalgic 1940s style to highlight GWR’s green, eco-friendly travel benefits, delivering an impactful message through a visually distinct and memorable design. GWR’s Marketing and Sales Director Amanda Burns shared, “We’re proud to produce distinctive campaigns that stand out in a crowded travel market.” This is a great example of how animation can blend beauty and purpose to communicate a brand’s values and resonate with viewers.
At Duck Called Dog, we’re passionate about stop-motion animation and its handcrafted, tangible aesthetic. Stop-motion feels especially personal, with every prop and puppet carefully made by hand, creating a rich, tactile look that digital animation simply can’t replicate. This hands-on approach makes each project feel one-of-a-kind, designed to reflect a brand’s unique personality and message. From the color palette to character design, every aspect of an animation can be polished to embody exactly what a brand wants to convey.
This level of customization makes stop-motion a brilliant marketing strategy for agencies and brands that want complete control over every detail of a project, ensuring the outcome aligns perfectly with their vision. It also fosters a stronger, more personal connection with audiences, drawing them into a carefully crafted world that feels authentic and memorable. So whether a brand is sleek and modern or quirky and fun, stop-motion can bring those qualities to life with unmatched authenticity.
Animation is an unexpected but effective choice for brands in less traditionally creative sectors, like finance, healthcare, or law. In these industries, a handcrafted animation can bring a personal touch that really sets a company apart. For example, we recently created an ad for Limes Dental Practice, a private dentist in Wiltshire, featuring a sheriff dentist keeping the town clean from plaque. It’s a fun, memorable concept that connects with viewers on a personal level, making an impression in a competitive market. Kids love it, adults feel the nostalgic charm, and brands see it as a powerful way to connect with specific target audiences. Stop-motion has a polished, handcrafted quality that resonates across generations, giving brands a unique edge in engaging the right viewers. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, animation’s potential to go viral has never been stronger, making it highly beneficial for brands seeking to reach and resonate with particular demographics.
A favorite example here at Duck Called Dog is The Tiny Chef Show, a Nickelodeon production by Rachel Larsen that first gained popularity through social media. Today’s digital world thrives on shareable content, and animation is perfectly suited for it. A compelling story or a touch of humor in an animated ad can reach millions, far faster and more memorably than traditional live-action ads.
Nowadays, attention is hard to capture and even harder to keep, animation stands out as a powerful tool for brands to make a lasting impact. Handcrafted, polished, and deeply personal, animation offers brands a chance to communicate their message in a way that resonates across generations and platforms. Whether it’s the tactile charm of stop-motion or the broad appeal of animated storytelling, animation gives brands an edge, transforming ideas into memorable experiences. At Duck Called Dog, we’re passionate about bringing these stories to life, helping brands connect, engage, and be remembered in the most meaningful way.
27/11/2024 By Sophie Dique