Tricks Studio

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Marketing Communications Manager of a construction company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

A global provider of construction products that include high-performance specialty building materials.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tricks Studio to accomplish?

• Develop an animation that highlighted our DE NEEF brand and value proposition

SOLUTION

How did you find Tricks Studio?

Through Eight Engines

Why did you select Tricks Studio over others?

Referred to me

How many teammates from Tricks Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The goal of the project was to develop an animation for one of our product lines. We had previously worked with Tricks to create two other animations on two sepearate product lines and this was due to be the third in the series. This animation needed to highlight the product range, value proposition and also the service and support we offer. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

This video was developed to have an animation that we could utilise to explain our product offering. We want to use it on social media, at events, in our introduction presentation, to show to stakeholders what we can do. There weren't specific KPIs in terms of number of views or engagement but rather to have a marketing asset we can utilise in many different ways.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project management was excellent. Jim provided clear deadlines which enabled us to put in meetings for the duration of the project. I could then put in follow up meetings with my colleagues to collate feedback. I worked closely with Jim to ensure we sent items back in a timely manner and communicated when we faced difficulties.

As our first animation project in a number of years, the first two animations helped us to understand and streamline the process and the third animation was produced quickly with minimal changes and amends.

What was your primary form of communication with Tricks Studio?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I think the most impressive thing was how quickly they were able to turn these animations around. We ended up with some quite tight deadlines and they really worked to deliver the animations for us before the deadline and with enough time to review. Additionally, their project management and support were brilliant.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tricks Studio could have done differently?

We found for one animation perhaps we needed to have clearer idea ourselves of what the animation should include before we progressed, and therefore we ended up going back and forth between the stages rather than progressing through one at a time. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing and Creative Director of Eight Engines

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

High end video production

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tricks Studio to accomplish?

• Create an animation.

SOLUTION

How did you find Tricks Studio?

Referral

Why did you select Tricks Studio over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Tricks Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Tricks Studios was tasked with the complete management and creation of a 120-second animation for our construction client. Their responsibilities encompassed the entire animation process—from initial concept development, storyboard creation, and character design to the final animation and post-production edits. 

The key deliverable was the high-quality, fully animated two-minute video tailored to the client's specifications and intended to effectively convey the project's core message to its target audience. This comprehensive approach ensured a streamlined production and a polished final product that met all project requirements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The success of the animation project spearheaded by Tricks Studios is clearly evidenced by the tangible outcomes following its completion. The most significant indicator of success was our client’s decision to commission another animation from Tricks Studios, underscoring their satisfaction with the quality and impact of the work. 

This repeat commission not only attests to the client's confidence in Tricks Studios but also highlights the animation’s effectiveness in meeting the project's goals and the client's expectations. The continued partnership is a testament to the measurable progress and success achieved through the initial collaboration.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Tricks Studios exhibited exemplary project management throughout the animation process. They maintained a well-structured approach, ensuring that all project milestones were met promptly without compromising on quality. Their adherence to deadlines was impeccable, reflecting their commitment to efficiency and client satisfaction. 

They were highly responsive to our needs, adapting their processes to accommodate any requests or changes swiftly. This proactive communication and their ability to manage every aspect of the project seamlessly demonstrated their professionalism and dedication to client service, making the collaboration smooth and successful.

What was your primary form of communication with Tricks Studio?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stands out most impressively about Tricks Studios is the depth of the relationship that has developed over the course of our collaborations. We’ve transitioned from merely professional interactions to a genuine friendship. This unique dynamic enriches our projects, fostering an environment where open communication and trust are paramount. 

Their team’s approachability and commitment to understanding our needs go beyond conventional client-service provider interactions, making each project not just a transaction but a shared venture aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes. This relational depth is truly what sets Tricks Studios apart.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tricks Studio could have done differently?

Nothing I can think of

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Manager of an education company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide online qualifications to all located in the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tricks Studio to accomplish?

• Create an eye catching animation for our Performance Max Campaign.
• Create an animation that encompasses all that we do as a company in a concise/appealing way.
• Create an animation that'll become the face of our brand and stay relevant for 2 years at most.

SOLUTION

How did you find Tricks Studio?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Tricks Studio over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Tricks Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We needed a 20-30 second advertisement animation that encompasses what a learner can achieve when they do a qualification with the company, who we are and questions people have that we can answer. The video needed to tie everything together whilst being relevant 2 years down the track. We want to come across as the 'The Hub for Qualifications' and whether you're just coming out of school or 40 plus you can jump on a course with us, and we will guide you to the future you want.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• A concise and engaging animation that wrapped all our needs into one. 
• An animation that matches our brand and campaign requirements. 
• A storyline that flowed seamlessly via the voiceover and visuals. 
• All aspects of the animation working really well together.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They delivered the project within the discussed timeframe, support was provided to our team when it came to making decisions/coming up with ideas internally and overall their responses to our requirements was timely.

What was your primary form of communication with Tricks Studio?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The high level of support that was provided to us when needed to understand certain sections of the process at Trick's as well as when it came to internal decisions was great. Overall, the high level of project management we received when it came to delivering this project on a tight deadline.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tricks Studio could have done differently?

Overall we were happy with the final product received. Though some areas of improvement could involve: 

• Being more open to the limitations we would face when producing the project. 
• Whilst the project management of meeting the deadline was great, we think there could've been more communication behind the fact that there was a limited amount of alterations we could make before moving onto the next stage. 

It was great to have the project delivered on the deadline though we felt some areas needed to have more focus and when it came to that we felt it was rushed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Global Marketing Manager of CELOX PPH Limited

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Medtrade is a UK based medical device company developing and bringing industry leading solutions in the Wound Care, Trauma and Haemostasis fields to partners across the world.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Tricks Studio to accomplish?

• Produce a comprehensive and engaging video tutorial outlining the application and benefits of CELOX PPH for medical professionals.

SOLUTION

How did you find Tricks Studio?

Referral

Why did you select Tricks Studio over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Tricks Studio were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

1. Produce a comprehensive and engaging video tutorial outlining the application and benefits of CELOX PPH for medical professionals. 
2. Ensure clear and concise content in the video tutorial, focusing on demonstrating CELOX PPH usage in various scenarios. 
3. Create an easily understandable step-by-step guide within the video to showcase the proper procedure for utilising CELOX PPH effectively. 
4. Highlight the unique features and advantages of CELOX PPH in controlling postpartum haemorrhage through compelling visual storytelling. 
5. Ensure the video tutorial aligns with regulatory and educational standards while conveying the necessary technical information about CELOX PPH.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Achieve a minimum of 95% positive feedback on the CELOX PPH video tutorial, as indicated by email responses received upon the tutorial's initial launch email.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Tricks Studio consistently delivered items on time, demonstrating excellent responsiveness to our needs. Their adaptability in accommodating changes further highlighted their strong project management skills.

What was your primary form of communication with Tricks Studio?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stood out most about Tricks Studio was their exceptional ability to maintain punctual deliveries, coupled with their outstanding responsiveness and adaptability to meet our evolving project needs seamlessly.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Tricks Studio could have done differently?

Tricks Studio exceeded expectations in every aspect of their service. Their performance was exceptional, leaving no room for improvement or areas that could have been handled differently.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the policy lead at Cheshire West & Chester Council. I’m responsible for transport and sustainable transport policy. Our organization is a local government authority and has responsibilities across adults and children, social care, transport, waste collection, planning, and a plethora of other services. My direct function is under the transport planning role. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tricks Studio?
We launched a public engagement exercise seeking the views of local residents, stakeholders, and businesses. The first stages of the campaign were around the future of transport in the borough and were keen on making our engagement materials as captivating and interesting as possible. We therefore brought Tricks Studio on board to support and produce some of those materials. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?
Tricks Studio produced graphics, videos, and a suite of other materials in various formats around a particular theme. The theme formed the basis of what the audience would see in terms of our engagement exercise. The videos had various lengths and contained 3D animations; the longest was just over a minute, and there were a series of shorter videos.
 
The longer videos were used in presentations in public forums to introduce the engagement exercise. We also used the videos on our web portal to get people excited about our proposals. Meanwhile, the shorter videos were primarily used for our social media campaigns, where we advertised the opportunity to take part in the engagement exercise. The videos posed questions about the campaign and encouraged people to take part in our surveys.
 
For the graphic designs, we gave Tricks Studio samples of what we used in the past. After that, they produced around five design styles. They sought our feedback on the design options to know which direction to pursue. We then chose one, and they created the materials from there.
What is the team composition?
We worked with James (Head of Production) and Gordon (Managing Director).
How did you come to work with Tricks Studio?
We had a tight schedule, so we searched on Google for teams. We found a company that worked with us on social media promotion, and they recommended Tricks Studio to handle our design needs on the basis of their past experience working with the team.
How much have you invested with them?
Our investment was around £15,000 (approximately $19,000 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
The project lasted from September–November 2023. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our stakeholders and senior management within the council. The video was truly engaging for everyone. We’d also shown it to our partner organizations, and they gave positive feedback and supported it.
How did Tricks Studio perform from a project management standpoint?
Both James and Gordon did a great job. They delivered on time and within our budget. They were great at managing us. We had a short deadline to finish everything, so they needed prompt feedback from not just me but also from a range of colleagues across the organization. The team was clear about what they needed from us, allowing us to work with them effectively. As a result, we met all deadlines and had everything ready for the launch.
 
For tools, we didn’t use any project management tools. We met with them on a weekly basis through Microsoft Teams and had phone calls and email correspondence in between meetings.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They did high-quality work in a truly tight timescale. I appreciated their ability to do that.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, there weren’t any. They did a great job.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Be as clear as possible in the briefs that you send to Tricks Studio, especially in terms of timescales. Ensure that they 100% understand where you’re coming from and what you’re looking for in terms of their work. That said, the team is great at asking the right questions and facilitating the discovery process.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of Direct Line Communications Ltd., a telecommunications provider in the UK. We provide services to businesses ranging from voice-over IP to mobile solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tricks Studio?

Since we work in a technical space, most end users need help understanding our products. We wanted to take three of our products and simplify their meaning so we could explain them to people as part of our communications.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We engaged with Tricks Studio to create three animated videos to explain three products. Once was voice-over IP, the second was a classic mobile network with a complex scenario, and the third was Microsoft Team for telephony.

Initially, we sat down with them so they could understand our values, vision, and customers. From there, they created several key images to become the visual elements. We signed off, and the third stage was to understand the product and where the market was going so they could accurately reflect it in the animation.

Tricks Studio did everything from the storyboard to complete delivery, including the scripts. We only supplied them with documents we used for our endeavors before we went into more detail.

What is the team composition?

We worked with two people.

How did you come to work with Tricks Studio?

I met the owner through a business network. We were introduced, and I got to know him over time. His personality was very engaging, and he was good at articulating what he’d done for others. Ultimately, I compared Tricks Studio to other companies I’d met; they were far more professional and supportive. I found others more driven by money.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent £10,000 (approximately $12,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in July 2022, and they delivered the project in June 2023.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The creative treatments were incredibly well translated and executed; they were brilliant.

How did Tricks Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

They managed the project well and delivered within the budget. Tricks Studio mapped out a timeline for each contract stage so we could know when they’d complete each phase. However, a major illness on their side during the project slowed us down for about three months. Nonetheless, we understood and accepted it.

We mainly used Zoom for remote meetings, but we also had several on-site meetings.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review? 

James’ (Head of Production) ability to translate a technical space and use the jargon was excellent. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their creativity was refreshingly different, and their team was very approachable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there wasn’t anything in our case. Tricks Studio delivered everything we wanted; nothing was lacking in their delivery.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s natural to look at multiple suppliers, but there’s always an intuitive chemistry between people that tells you the engagement will be good. In our case, Tricks Studio had that chemistry.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am a corporate governance officer for an energy company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tricks Studio?

We wanted to create an animated video for our sustainability strategy. We were hoping to translate our documents into motion graphics. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Tricks Studio created an informational video; the team worked on the storyboard, and we reviewed it together. They put together a script based on documents and other materials that we shared with them. Tricks Studio was responsible for the whole process, including the editing and sound mixing. They developed the video, and we provided feedback for them to make edits. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with Gordon (Managing Director) and James (Head of Production). 

How did you come to work with Tricks Studio?

We were looking for a service provider and preferred using someone in the UK. We conducted a Google search and found Tricks Studio. When we connected with their team, they referred us to some of their past work, and we decided to move forward together. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested less than £6,000 (approximately $8,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together between June–August 2023. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Our satisfaction with the deliverables is based on feedback from key internal stakeholders, which has been very positive so far. Tricks Studio supplied high-quality work, and we were impressed. 

How did Tricks Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

We never had to chase Tricks Studio; they always ensured they had what we needed. The team stayed within budget and timelines; any extensions were on our end. We communicated via email and Zoom. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

We’d like to shout out Gordon and James; they were both excellent to work with. They worked quickly and always followed through on their promises. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were very happy with the engagement and Tricks Studio's output. The team was organized and ensured we didn’t have to search for information. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing we can come up with at this point. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

We’d recommend anyone work with Tricks Studio. Make sure you have everything lined up with your internal stakeholders and that all the information is clear within your organization. Going back and forth will add time and money to the engagement. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing director at Aqueous Digital. We’re based in the UK and specialize in SEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tricks Studio?

We hired them to produce an animated video explaining our company’s services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Tricks Studio provided us with video production services. They helped us put together a three-minute animated explainer video highlighting what our customers can expect when they do business with us. Their team planned out everything and handled the whole production process, including the full script and storyboard.

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with two people from their side: Gordon (Managing Director) and James (Head of Production).

How did you come to work with Tricks Studio?

We decided to work with Tricks Studio because they were recommended to us by a number of stakeholders and businesses that we work with.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent £4,000 (approximately $5,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together on this project from August–November 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The video is already completed, but we haven’t used it yet because we’re still waiting for some work to be done on our new website, which is where we plan to publish it. We also plan to use it as a sales tool to bring in more businesses. The success of the video will be based on how well it fits with our brand, how well it portrays our brand, and how well it’s received by our customers.

From a qualitative standpoint, Tricks Studio did a great job of delivering a high-quality video that met our standards and was aligned with our brand.

How did Tricks Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication was very strong — the team was highly responsive and kept us updated on the project’s progress. The project went beyond our agreed timeframe, but that was because one of the members of their team became ill. When they informed us about that, we willingly agreed to extend the deadline. Overall, they managed the entire project very efficiently and in a professional manner.

For communication, we relied on a combination of conference calls and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Tricks Studio’s expertise in producing animated videos stood out to us — they clearly have a lot of experience in the video production sector. They also gave us strong recommendations on how we could improve the video.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything that Tricks Studio could’ve improved on. We had a really good experience working with them.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I would absolutely recommend Tricks Studio to anyone who wants to produce an animated video that projects what their business or campaign is all about. Their team truly knows their stuff.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the digital marketing operations manager at a life science and pharmaceutical marketing agency; we offer a range of marketing services to our B2B customers. I oversee the digital marketing elements for our internal marketing initiatives. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tricks Studio?

We wanted to redesign our website; we needed a design partner specializing in interactive web designs. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Tricks Studio provided design support for our new site on Squarespace; they created an animated explainer video. At the start of the project, we had a kickoff meeting and a workshop so Tricks Studio could learn about our audiences. 

There was a lot of collaboration between our teams — it was a very iterative design process. We didn’t want to do too much with the site, so all of our choices were very strategic. Eventually, we settled on the final template designs that Tricks Studio created to work in Squarespace. 

From a functionality perspective, the website is relatively basic. The home page has an animation to appeal to users; the explainer video is also located there. 

What is the team composition?

I was in contact with two teammates: the managing director and the account manager. 

How did you come to work with Tricks Studio?

I touched base with Gordon (Managing Director), who was in the same city as we were. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around £8,000 (approximately $9,700 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement was from August–November 2022. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We used the new site that Tricks Studio helped design in a large exhibition that we went to in November 2022. The feedback from users was very positive — the new visuals were received well. 

The explainer video communicates complex matters very simply for our users. The content is provided in a visually-appealing way that includes new themes and colors we chose. The site is still very professional because of how much we were targeting an elegant look and feel. 

One of the biggest success metrics is that the average time spent on the site is up by 25 seconds per user. We’re very satisfied with their services. 

How did Tricks Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

At the start of the project, we used Mural to coordinate design information and ideas. We had numerous face-to-face and video meetings during our collaboration. Communication between our teams was very clear; we communicated through Zoom calls and email. Tricks Studio was very easy to work with and communicated well. 

Tricks Studio delivered quickly to ensure we met our deadlines; the project was slated to last three months. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The end result was exactly what we wanted — they built a website that looks very nice. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have no improvements for them. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would recommend Tricks Studio — they’re a good agency. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director of an HR consultancy that offers support to small businesses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Tricks Studio?

I wanted to work out what my target market was, where I was likely to find clients, and how best to push my message out.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started with an overview of what my aims and objectives were, as well as what I thought my company's value was. We then discussed how those values could translate into an image of our business, allowing me to see what type of people I’d want to work with. We then meshed together my values with the requirements of the customers I intended to work with. The deliverable was a brand set that would determine how we reached out to our customers.

Within a few days of our branding discussion, they came back with a presentation and recommendations for how my website could look and what my business could be named. We ended up with a branding model for different aspects of the business including color schemes, messaging, and client attraction.

I didn’t want to muddy the waters and provide any ideas to them, so we started with a blank canvas and then detailed my values and company mission. Their work showed me how that information could be interlinked all the way up the pyramid to how I work with my customers. Detailing all this information was intensive, but it was a very valuable process.

They also helped me with strategy in the sense that they worked out a mismatch between what I thought people needed from their business and what they actually needed. They asked me questions like “what keeps your clients awake at night;”  “what do they fear;” and “what annoys them.” It was really helpful for me to have the answers to these questions so I’m not wasting my time.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Gordon (Owner), James (Head of Production), and Liam (Motion Designer)

How did you come to work with Tricks Studio?

I met Gordon through a networking group. His design work is very high quality, and he has a real creative flair. Additionally, he’s capable of quickly understanding what people need in terms of their marketing.

What is the status of this engagement?

All our work took place in July 2022. We’re going to be moving into developing content once we’ve agreed on the branding that they presented to me.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Success will be measured by how well my business takes off, as I’m now much better equipped to understand what I need to push to clients and potential clients. They’ve also helped shape my pricing strategy and not just my marketing.

How did Tricks Studio perform from a project management standpoint?

We mostly communicated in person but that’s because of where we are geographically. I don’t think any of us would have had a problem working virtually.

They understood the need for things to be completed quickly and with accuracy. We crammed an awful lot into our time working together, and they met our deadline.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The energy and creativity that they displayed, as well as their willingness to work collaboratively was outstanding — particularly on the day we had our branding discussion. They saw how a number of different ways of thinking would lead to rich outcomes.

Are there any areas they could improve?

My experience was very positive; I didn’t come away thinking they could have done anything better. I can’t fault them, as they made sense and, rather than just listening, they provided ideas and suggestions about how we could move forward.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go in with a completely open mind and no preconceived ideas. Let the ideas flow during the course of the engagement because they are the experts. The work they’re doing is very powerful, and the answers will come in the exercises with them.