studio desk

Some snippets of style frames from past projects, before we can share more about the film we’re currently working on with amazing artists from around the world. ⭐️☄️🪐

wow — we didn’t expect this project to spark so much interest. And we’re so excited to announce: we’re doing it again. 🎬✨ Let’s make another film — together. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS This time around, we’re doing things a little differently. Last time, we had over 100 submissions – which was incredible. But it made post-production a massive challenge. So for this edition, we’re introducing a light selection process – nothing intimidating, we promise! All we ask is for: A short description of your idea (a few lines are enough) A sample of your work (can be previous or related projects) We welcome all voices – from students to seasoned professionals, from emerging talents to established artists. Diversity of perspective is what makes this project special. Animators Respond to AI When AI can make “art” — what does that mean for creativity? Artificial Intelligence is becoming more than just a tool. It’s starting to shape how we create, think, and imagine. As artists, this moment raises urgent, complex, and fascinating questions. How will AI change our creative work? What do we gain — and what could we lose? Whether you’re curious, critical, hopeful, skeptical, or just trying to make sense of it all — your perspective matters. Here’s how to get involved: 🍉Submit a short idea (just a few lines) 🍉Share a sample of your work (previous or related) ⏳DEADLINES Submit your idea by: Friday, Sept 5 Selected artists notified: Sept 26 Final submissions due: Nov 26 Film launches: Jan 2026 🔗 Fill out the form and see the full brief— link in bio. . . . . #CreativesRespondToAI #OpenCall #FilmmakersWanted #AIandArt #AnimationCall #ArtVsAI #CallForSubmissions #IndieFilm #CollabProject

5 Years Later: Flatten the Curve – Round 2? A few years ago, during COVID, we invited over 100 incredible artists from around the world to create a short film that spread hope in uncertain times. That project, Flatten the Curve, was one of our favorite collaborations ever — and now, 5 years later, we’re asking ourselves: why not do it again? This time, there’s one big topic on our minds — and probably on yours too: AI. We want to create a project that asks questions, sparks reflection, and explores what AI means for us as creatives. How will it shape our industry? Where do we see its potential — and its risks? Our idea: invite artists from all over the world to animate up to 10-second clip reflecting their personal thoughts and feelings toward AI. Whether it’s hopeful, skeptical, humorous, or critical — we want to see it all. So, would you be interested in taking part? Please take part in the poll below and/or comment your thoughts.

⭐️5⭐️Years Studio Desk! Wow, we can’t believe it’s already been 5 years — time has flown by. What happened? We started during COVID with a wonderful project called Flatten the Curve, where we collaborated with over 100 artists from around the world. It’s still one of our favourite projects. Work picked up pretty fast during that time — then things slowed down. We had quiet months, worked on bigger commissions… a lot of ups and downs. And yes, the downs: countless styleframes that never made it into films, and many lost pitches for big clients. But that’s part of the process too — and we’ve learned so much along the way. One major highlight was finally finding a studio where we could work together. That was huge for us: finding furniture, making it feel like our own, and just being in the same space. Then came the first Studio Desk baby — Kathrin’s little one, now occasionally working as our assistant 😉. And now, we’re working from two different countries! Some Highlights from the Past 5 Years ✨ 💫A BAFTA nomination 💫Invitations to amazing festivals around the world 💫Speaking gigs at universities and conferences exhibitions 💫Inspiring trips for work (and fun) 💫Collaborations with incredibly talented people we admire 💫And most importantly: building a studio we love, step by step What do we wish for the future? More time to work on passion projects. To make a film where we can truly pour our hearts and souls into it. Fingers crossed that dream becomes reality soon. So much has happened in the last 5 years — from working at home during COVID, to sharing a studio, to now being separated by borders but still united in spirit. We’re still passionate about the same things: creating meaningful work that matters, exploring real-life topics and transforming them into imagined, beautifully designed, textured worlds. Also, keep your eyes peeled — we’ll be doing a little giveaway this week to celebrate 5 years of Studio Desk! . . . #studiodesk #5years❤️ #annyversary #womeninfilm #emilydowne #kathrinsteinbacher

🌟 Our collaboration with T Brand, the custom content studio of New York Times Advertising, is live for quite a while now and we realised we never really announced it: a series of GIFs for the Boston Children's Podcast Breakthrough! The podcast 🎧 is all about groundbreaking research and inspiring stories, revolutionising the future of pediatrics! 🌟✨ Proud to be part of this project which was right up our street. @nytimes @tbrandstudio bostonchildrens

Sorry for the silence! It’s been a bit quiet around here — we’ve been heads-down working on some exciting projects (many of which we still can’t share, or which ended up in our pitch graveyard ). We’re working on new content, so keep your eyes peeled — Studio Desk’s 5-year anniversary is coming up soooon! ❤️ In the meantime, here’s a little animated test clip that unfortunately didn’t make the cut. Still, it was a lot of fun to design — and we couldn’t resist giving it a moment in the spotlight. #animationtest #wip #pitchedandditched #designfun #animationstudio #creativelife #studiodeskanimation #emilydowne #kathrinsteinbacher

1 of 6 in a series of GIFs we made for @tbrandstudio for the @bostonchildrens podcast Breakthrough. The podcast is full of the inspiring stories and research 🔬 it was a privilege to work on! This illustration was for Episode 5 which looks at the youth mental health crisis. . . Design @emilydowne Animation @marthahalliday . . . #illustration #animatedgif #gif #mentalhealth #youthmentalhealth #bostonchildrenshospital #research #science #medicine #design #art #digitalart #framebyframe #2danimation

Here is one last still from @emilydowne 's film dying for beginners. . . . . Written & voiced by @drkathrynmannix Directed & designed by @emilydowne Animated by @marthahalliday Music & sound by @janwillemdewith Produced by Theos with thanks to the Fetzer Institute . . . . . . #animation #shortfilm #2danimation #dyingforbeginners #death #dying #pallativecare #doctor #animatedfilm #illustration #design #film #studiodeskanimation

Ever wondered about the mysterious journey of dying? In modern British society, death often remains hidden, leaving many of us unprepared for its reality. Enter a short animation by Emily Downe, written and narrated by Dr. Kathryn Mannix, offering a gentle yet insightful exploration into the dying process. . . . CREDITS Written and voiced by Dr Kathryn Mannix Directed and designed by @emilydowne Animated by @marthahalliday Music and sound by @janwillemdewith #animation #illustratioin #film

@emilydowne created this simple yet beautiful style frame for the film 'Dying for Beginners.' 🎨 We don't often get the chance to put pen to paper, but there's something special about its simplicity. Yet, even though this isn't drawn on paper, it makes us feel nostalgic for more analog techniques. ✏️ We always talk about doing more location drawings, but time just slips away. Who else can relate? 🤷‍♂️ #BehindTheScenes #PaperSketches #CreativeStruggles . . . #animation #studiodeskanimation #design #illustration

Welcome to #AnimationInsight Series #4! 🌀✨ Today, we're delving into the world of abstraction. Animation has a unique ability to visualise complex topics like death or scientific concepts, and we often utilise abstraction to bring these ideas to life. It may seem counterintuitive, but consider this: How does it feel to experience dementia? While you may empathise or imagine, true understanding is difficult. By visualising these intangible aspects of life, often through abstract or symbolic visual languages, animation serves as a powerful tool to evoke empathy and understanding, allowing viewers to glimpse the world from another's perspective. Take, for example, our TED project "Sleeping with Science," where we had to depict the transition between REM and non-REM sleep stages. Swipe to see our take on this and let us know what you think! . . . . . . #animation #perspectives #framebyframe #animationstudio #2danimation #studiodesk #womeninanimation #abstractioninanimation

Exciting collaboration with @swanseauni on a film created to remind and empower those already diagnosed with diabetes to prioritise their health. 🎬💪 Don't forget to schedule that crucial check-up with your consultant! #DiabetesAwareness Some signs are: feeling no Feeling No Pain on your foot, blurry vision, thurst. Designed by @emilydowne Animated by @marthahalliday . . . . . #SwanseaUniversity #DiabetesAwareness