Paper Cutout Animation Studio | Glasgow, UK

What Is Paper Cutout Animation?

Paper cutout animation draws on the visual language of traditional cut-paper films, using layered shapes, visible edges, and deliberate motion to create a tactile, expressive look. At Sundstedt Animation, we create award-winning paper cutout animation that prioritises visual character, texture, and storytelling over automation or trend-led aesthetics.

The Lark and the Loon. The Old Red Rooster. Official Music Video. Animation Director, Illustrator, and Animator. Anders Sundstedt.

Founded by Anders Sundstedt near Glasgow, the studio has over a decade of experience creating paper cutout animation for music videos, short films, commercials, and cultural projects. The work is illustration-led and carefully authored, resulting in films that feel intentional, tactile, and emotionally grounded.

What We Do

We design and animate bespoke paper cutout animation from concept through to final delivery. Artwork is created specifically for cutout animation, with layering, shape relationships, and motion behaviour considered from the very beginning.

This approach preserves the visual warmth, texture, and subtle irregularities associated with cut-paper animation, while allowing for precise timing, consistency, and flexibility across formats. From music videos and short films to branded storytelling and broadcast work, every project is built around clear visual authorship rather than reusable templates.

Why Choose Sundstedt Animation?

Sundstedt Animation is an independent studio specialising exclusively in paper cutout animation. All illustration and animation is created by hand, with creative decisions made deliberately at every stage of production.

The work avoids generic motion design styles in favour of carefully composed characters, layered environments, and controlled, expressive movement. We collaborate with musicians, directors, agencies, and organisations that value originality, visual authorship, and long-lasting design. The result is animation that stands apart visually and continues to hold its value over time.

Our Paper Cutout Animation Process

Projects begin with illustration developed specifically for cutout animation, with depth, separation, and texture planned from the outset. Visual development often starts with still imagery and material studies, allowing tone, rhythm, and visual structure to be refined before animation begins.

This stage establishes a clear visual language early on, ensuring cohesion and clarity throughout production.

Elements are then separated into layered components designed to behave like cut-paper pieces. This preserves the depth and character associated with traditional cutout animation while allowing for controlled motion and consistency across scenes.

Animation is handled with care and restraint, whether through frame-based movement or structured motion, depending on the needs of the project. Characters and environments are constructed as modular systems, enabling subtle variation, parallax, and expressive imperfections without compromising visual integrity.

Flexibility and Production Quality

A cutout-based approach allows individual elements to be refined without rebuilding entire scenes. Timing, performance, and composition can be adjusted while maintaining visual continuity.

This supports an efficient production process without sacrificing craft. Projects are delivered for cinema, broadcast, web, and social platforms, with assets structured for future revisions or re-edits when required.

Endlessly Creative Paper Cutout Animation

Textures are developed to retain a tactile, material quality. Subtle irregularities are preserved rather than polished away, allowing the animation to feel expressive, physical, and alive.

Characters remain consistent, props maintain continuity, and scenes can be revisited without degradation. The aim is animation that feels authored rather than processed, combining visual warmth with technical reliability.

Why Paper Cutout Animation Works

Paper cutout animation offers clarity, intimacy, and a strong visual identity. Its emphasis on shape, texture, and composition makes it especially effective for narrative-driven work, music videos, and emotionally focused storytelling.

The style remains highly recognisable across formats and platforms, making it a strong choice for projects where tone, symbolism, and visual authorship are central.

Music Videos and Short Films

Paper cutout animation is particularly well suited to music-driven and festival-bound projects. The style supports rhythm, atmosphere, and metaphor while allowing for distinctive visual storytelling.

We work closely with directors and musicians to create films that respond to pacing and tone, whether restrained or richly layered. The animation enhances the music rather than competing with it.

Explainers and Branded Storytelling

Ideas, products, and services are translated into clear visual narratives that support understanding without flattening nuance. The cutout style keeps attention while maintaining structure and coherence.

This makes paper cutout animation well suited to explainer films and brand storytelling that require memorability, warmth, and a distinct visual voice.

Social and Campaign Content

Short-form paper cutout animation is highly recognisable in fast-moving feeds. Visual assets can be adapted across formats and durations while maintaining a consistent look and feel.

Whether supporting a release, campaign, or longer-term content strategy, the work is designed to remain coherent and identifiable over time.

Let’s Get Started

If you are planning a project that would benefit from paper cutout animation with a strong sense of visual authorship, get in touch via info@sundstedt.co.uk or use the contact form. Sundstedt Animation works with clients internationally and is ready to collaborate on your next film, music video, or animation project.

Ready To Partner?