As part of our animation project we were tasked to look into the website Animation Ireland and from their research one of the various studios that are featured on their website. Of these, I was particularly interested in the works of Cartoon Saloon, a multi-award winning animation company based in Ireland.

Visually I found Cartoon Saloon’s work, particularly their work on environment and surroundings, incredibly stunning. Looking over their different titles, I was intrigued by Academy Award winning film: The Secret of Kells.

From watching this film I came to understand why this company as an animation studio is so critically acclaimed. The Secret of Kells is aesthetically beautiful, playing homage to the culture and mythology of Ireland with awe-inspiring landscapes and interwoven Celtic designs.

Cartoon Saloon’s ability to capture the wonder and awe of fantasy and adventure in their animations is mystifying. They easily encapsulate the themes of these…