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Why Claymation is Your Brand’s Untapped Advantage in Modern Marketing

In an age where content is king and more glossy CGI is shared every day, many brands are asking themselves the same question: how do we stand out? Animation remains a powerful tool for storytelling, but the challenge is breaking through the sameness of what’s already out there. That’s where claymation comes in.

Often misunderstood as slow, niche or nostalgic, claymation is in fact one of the most powerful animation techniques for building emotional connections with audiences. In fact, at A+C Studios, we see it as more than a style – claymation or clay animation is a strategic choice for brands who want to create content that feels alive, authentic and unforgettable.

Claymation has been used for decades in iconic productions, from Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit to commercials that still resonate years later. But in 2025, its value has evolved. With hybrid workflows, multi-unit shooting and digital post-production enhancements, it’s faster and more scalable than ever. It combines craftsmanship with efficiency, making it one of the most adaptable options for brands that want to go beyond standard digital storytelling.

Octopus character claymation

Breaking the Myths Around Claymation

Claymation often comes with unfair baggage. It’s perceived as time-consuming, expensive and limited to quirky children’s content. But these are outdated assumptions…

Is claymation slow or expensive?

Modern workflows have revolutionised how claymation is produced. At A+C, we regularly run multiple shooting units simultaneously, allowing complex scenes to be captured faster. Motion-control rigs allow for precise camera moves that can be repeated, adjusted or built upon without costly reshoots.

Is claymation cost-effective?

Handcrafted, claymation can be cost-competitive compared to CGI. In CGI, every object must be modelled and rendered. With claymation, you can often animate the actual product or sculpt simple, high-impact models without weeks of digital asset-building. The result? Shorter pipelines and lower costs.

Is claymation versatile?

Claymation isn’t limited to one tone or format. We’ve used it for playful FMCG ads, corporate campaigns, digital-first social content and even cause-driven films. Its adaptability means you can dial up the humour, keep it grounded or make it surreal.

Whether it’s crafting playful bacteria characters for Yeo Valley or giving a chaotic energy to Peperami’s “Animal” mascot, we’ve helped brands break  assumptions time and time again. Proving that claymation can meet tight deadlines, stretch budgets and deliver creative impact across formats.

View our portfolio

What Is The Tangible Advantage of Claymation?

In the era of digital perfection, claymation’s tactile, handcrafted quality offers something rare: human connection. Every frame tells a story of care. You can see the texture of the clay, the subtle imperfections in a character’s movements and the craftsmanship of miniature sets.

This isn’t just aesthetic. It builds trust. Today’s consumers crave authenticity, and claymation provides exactly that – offering a refreshing alternative to hyper-polished digital ads. That authenticity translates to deeper engagement, greater memorability and stronger brand recall.

We often hear clients describe claymation as “content you can feel.” That’s no accident. When audiences can sense the time and skill that went into making a piece, it creates a subconscious bond with the brand. And in an increasingly competitive landscape where audiences scroll at speed, a handcrafted look can be the visual hook that makes them stop.

Team member building balloons with plasticine for animation

How We Bring Claymation to Life

The magic of claymation lies in the details. It’s the subtle wobble of a character’s head, the way natural light hits a clay surface, the fingerprint left behind during sculpting. These imperfections make the characters feel real, which is why audiences connect with them so deeply.

At A+C, we fuse traditional artistry with modern production methods:

  • Sculpting and armatures – Our model-makers craft clay figures with internal wire armatures for durability, allowing expressive, repeatable posing.
  • Set-building – We create immersive miniature worlds with materials that mimic real-life textures, from brick walls to grassy landscapes.
  • Lighting – Our DOPs use advanced lighting techniques to add depth, mood and realism, often drawing from cinematic live-action methods.
  • Post-production – Once the frames are captured, our in-house team removes rigging, composites extra elements and makes subtle tweaks for seamless storytelling.

It’s this blend of craftsmanship and technology that gives our claymation work its signature look – rich, textured and full of character.

Why Are Brands Turning to Claymation in 2025?

We’re seeing a huge resurgence in tactile storytelling, particularly in social-first campaigns. Here’s why:

  • It stands out on social feeds – In a sea of flat graphics and polished CGI, claymation instantly feels fresh and unexpected.
  • It creates emotional stickiness – Handcrafted content feels human. That human touch makes audiences linger longer and engage more.
  • It’s highly shareable – Quirky, beautifully-crafted visuals spark conversation and drive organic reach.
  • It works for any channel – Whether for a TikTok ad, a TV spot or an explainer video on your own site, claymation’s adaptability makes it a natural fit across formats.

Brands like Peperami and Yeo Valley have seen success with this approach, with their claymation ads achieving high recall and engagement. It’s no coincidence that leading entertainment and FMCG brands are reintroducing handcrafted storytelling into their campaigns.

Claymation plasticine mouths lined up for the characters

 

 

Making the Case for Claymation

If you’re pitching claymation internally, here are key points to champion:

  • It drives engagement -Handcrafted visuals make people stop scrolling and pay attention.
  • It enhances brand recall – Distinctive animation styles stick in people’s minds far longer than generic content.
  • It integrates seamlessly – Claymation can be combined with live-action, 2D overlays or digital assets for hybrid campaigns.
  • It creates brand warmth – The artistry of clay adds depth, personality and emotional resonance to brand storytelling.

Claymation Examples From the A+C Studio

Peperami’s “Animal” 

Claymation brought to life an unruly, high-energy sausage mascot, balancing humour and chaos for maximum audience engagement.

Peperami Quit Cardboard Chicken

Yeo Valley Kefir

We crafted friendly bacteria characters for a gut-health campaign, turning a functional product into a joyful brand experience.

Claymation band on set

 

 

These projects showcase claymation’s range – from playful to corporate, from fast-turnaround social clips to larger-scale campaigns.

Ready to Rethink Animation?

Claymation is so much more than an animation technique, it’s a strategic tool for brands that want to challenge conventions and exceed expectations. It offers a way to tell stories that audiences don’t just watch, but genuinely feel.

We help agencies and brands harness this power, creating campaigns that cut through digital noise and stay with audiences long after the screen fades to black.

 

So if you’re ready to challenge the ordinary with animation that truly connects, partner with A+C Studios to deliver unforgettable claymation campaigns.