How to Build a Purpose-Driven Science Animation Studio cover art

How to Build a Purpose-Driven Science Animation Studio

How to Build a Purpose-Driven Science Animation Studio

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 This week, we met Tom Sanders, founder and animation director of Tin Mouse Studios — a purpose-driven animation studio behind educational projects for the Science Museum, TED-Ed, the NHS and more. We explore what it takes to build a meaningful creative business that bridges science, storytelling, and design. From pitching ideas to crafting explainers for public health, Tom shares his insight into what makes science communication powerful.The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping animation and education, and why human curiosity and critical thinking still lead the way. Tom discusses the art of turning complex topics into visual stories anyone can understand, the specific constraints of making video for different spaces, and how to balance creativity with accuracy. Tune in to hear how Tom’s purpose-first approach fuels both his business and creativity, and the lessons he’s learned from a decade of experience.What you’ll learn in this episode: 👉How to build a purpose-driven creative studio that blends animation, education, and science communication.👉Why simplicity and storytelling outperform jargon when explaining complex scientific ideas.👉A behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to create educational films for institutions like the Science Museum and NHS, from pitch to final animation.👤 About the GuestTom is the founder and animation director of Tinmouse Animation Studios. For almost 10 years, Tinmouse has been creating content that truly matters through education and purpose-led projects, with clients including the London Science Museum, UK Parliament Education, TedEd and Imperial College London. He also runs a geography website for kids, Archie and Bean’s Adventures.Follow Tom here:Website: https://www.tinmouseanimation.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsanderstinmouse/ Science Museum Showcase: https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/whats-on/sound-and-vision Archie and Beans: https://www.archiboldclutterbuck.co.uk/ If you enjoy the podcast:Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on https://open.spotify.com/show/2XPsYmqwsY898bs2ODraDn?si=0dcbf84e5a3042a4 Share this episode with a friendDrop a comment on YouTube!🔑 Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Tinmouse Animation Studios01:34 The Remote Studio Experience02:11 The Animation Production Process04:48 Diverse Projects and Niche Focus07:26 Passion for Animation and Career Journey09:03 Evolution of Animation Practices09:50 The Impact of AI on Animation13:52 The Importance of Research in Educational Content15:59 Case Study: Science Museum Project21:46 Navigating Multiple Roles in Animation23:12 Building Confidence in a Non-Traditional Career28:27 Case Study: COVID-19 Educational Videos31:37 Creating Relatable Content in Animation34:53 Measuring Success in Educational Videos38:10 Balancing Creativity and Accuracy in Science Communication41:03 The Animation Production Process47:01 Passion for Education and Geography50:55 Future Aspirations and the Role of AI in Animation📲 Connect with The SciComm SpectrumYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescicommspectrum Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youtube-scriptwriter/ Music by music_for_video from Pixabay 18169Animations by TinMouse Studiosscience communication, animation studio, educational animation, Tin Mouse Studios, science storytelling, explainer videos, museum education, Science Museum London, NHS communication, creative business, purpose driven studio, storytelling in science, visual communication, creative careers, STEM education, educational media, digital learning, animation process, science explainer, educational content creation, creative entrepreneurship, science engagement, educational storytelling
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