36 | Q4 2020 Animating Solutions Through Visual Problem Solving Award-winning animation studios, salamandra.uk, is head and shoulders above their ‘scale up’ status, being shortlisted for and winning 20 awards in 2020. However, it’s not all down to the top-notch work it produces, but to the commitment given by the happy and dedicated team. Founder Christine MacKay tells us more. Salamandra.uk animation studios are self-described visual problem solvers. The firm works with B2B clients to convey complex messages using animation on any platform, and typically works with multinationals, start-ups, brand marketing teams, and advertising and PR agencies alike, using 2D, 3D, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Motion Graphics, Stop Motion, Branding and Design. With a passionate and agile team, salamandra. uk works on creative projects across over 17 industries. From children’s book illustrations to corporate explainers, training videos or immersive virtual presentations, the skilled team of creatives produces unique and powerful multifaceted visual assets which it does by creating content that resonates with its clients’ target audiences, memorably. Christine MacKay is the founder of salamandra. uk, which has studios in both Eton, just a stroll from Windsor Castle, and Dundee, the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design. She tells us more about the company, the team and what it is that make salamandra.uk so successful. “The synergy between our passion for B2B visual problem solving and our zeal for healthy company culture has allowed us to both enjoy our work and grow our offices, a trend we will continue as we look to hire more staff at the beginning of 2021,” Christine enthuses. The company environment reflects its core values, these being: transparent and bubbly, acting together for the greater good with client’s best interests at heart; visually delighting, always innovating and keeping up to date; complex simplified, solving problems, hitting deadlines and having a commitment to excellence; and a lively lounge, aspiring and working to become great individually and as one team. “We work together, seek advice from one another and share innovative ideas and references Oct20379 frequently,” explains Christine. “Our studios have an open and honest ethos where communication is key, both internally and with our clients, to ensure we are working as productively as possible. “We are a curious lot that never stop learning and because of this, we love teaching each other all sorts of stuff, from the latest shortcuts on software to the best application for a particular effect or outcome. Our lunch and learns have instructed us all on talents from sign language, 3D texturing, caricatures, and even knitting!” The company prides itself on always being professional, upfront and transparent in everything it does, although not taking life too seriously is also a key element. Even throughout lockdown, the dedicated team has continued to play online games, quizzes and host regular virtual coffee catch ups unrelated to work to ensure everyone is happy and productive. In fact, Christine places a huge emphasis on a good work life balance and the wellbeing of her staff. The recent introduction of ‘Wellness Wednesdays’ where the team gets out of the office and takes part in non-work related activities, such as kayaking, ballet or, whilst everyone is working from home, virtual yoga! As well as being a strong, happy and devoted team within the company, salamandra.uk also contributes to the local communities of both Eton and Dundee. It supports the Windsor Homeless Project and Transform Dundee charities wherever possible through pro bono work and marketing initiatives and the whole team even took part in multiple fundraising events to raise awareness for those sleeping on the streets. Alongside this, the company makes regular donations to various charities, such as Crisis London and Save the Children UK. The process of animation is a complex and highly skilled one and Christine tells us there are still clients in the B2B sphere who think it might be a cheap alternative. This somewhat common misconception sees a constant communication ensue with the market about what salamandra.uk does and how it does it, as well as sharing the high calibre work as case studies, to help create a better understanding. However, despite the obvious challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Christine is excited to be planning growth and will be taking advantage of the Government Kickstarter Scheme, along with the Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce’s support, to take on five more team members for salamandra.uk. “A productive growing business ecosystem is a fragile and delicately balanced relationship between each team member and the company. For a business to be successful and produce real innovation, the employees must enjoy their work, contribute and collaborate. “The bottom line is that you would not have a company/product if it wasn’t for your employees. Nurture them. Value them. Celebrate them. Success will follow!” Contact: Christine MacKay Email: hello@salamandra.uk Company: salamandra.uk Web Address: www.salamandra.uk
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