We’re super passionate about serving educational institutions. So, it was an honor to create a series of educational animated videos for MIT students. The videos, which are part of a complete online edX course, offer students an overview of validity in qualitative research.

We were asked to animate several of the more abstract learning topics, two of which you can watch below.

Descriptive Validity

Test of Descriptive Validity

Check out The full MIT course and see more animated segments on edX.

Want to gain professional experience in a production studio? Planet Nutshell is looking for a stellar intern to join our team.

At Planet Nutshell we’re all about telling great stories and creating animation with impact. We’re looking for someone who wants to learn and assist with our production process, from concept and storyboarding to designs and animation. Under the guidance of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with other designers and animators while honing your artistic skill.

What you need:

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• A willingness to look at your own work with a critical eye, listen to feedback, and make changes accordingly
• Availability to commit five hours a day, four days a week for two months.
• You must have basic-level skill with After Effects and Adobe Illustrator, and you must be entering your Junior or Senior year in college.

What we offer:

• A casual and cozy atmosphere in Back Bay Boston, steps from the Orange Line.
• Guidance and mentorship to help you build your portfolio and professional work experience.
• A flexible schedule
• Current students can earn credit, or if you’re just out of school you are eligible, as well.

To apply, please complete the Planet Nutshell Intern Questionnaire here.

Planet Nutshell seeks a talented 2D Animator/Designer to join our team full time. Founded in 2008, we’re an independent producer of short-form educational and explanatory animation.

Our team focuses on creating purpose-driven media for non-profits, educational broadcasters, technology companies, and healthcare organizations. Recent clients include The World Wildlife Fund, athenahealth, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Our ideal candidate will integrate with our team to storyboard, design, animate, and composite work that informs, educates, and inspires. Our work is primarily 2D, but we occasionally work with 3D elements.

Requirements:

Above all, our ideal candidate is highly creative and passionate. Other requirements include:

• Strong interpersonal/communication skills. Must be able to collaborate work with others in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong problem solving skills and the ability to think both conceptually and technically on projects from conception to execution and delivery

• Familiarity with latest trends and techniques in motion design. You’re always looking for the latest approaches, filters, and expressions that help keep our work world-class

• Demonstrated experience in a studio environment or as a freelancer

• Demonstrated ability to consistently meet project deadlines without compromising artistic vision

• Ability to multitask and juggle projects

• Openness to feedback and ability to give and receive constructive criticism

• A background in graphic design and illustration is a plus

Required technical skills:

• Advanced experience in Adobe After Effects

• Adobe Illustrator

• Adobe Animate (Flash!)

Preferred technical skills:

• Adobe Premiere

• Adobe Photoshop

• Maxon Cinema 4D

This is a three month contract position with the potential for a full time position after the initial trial period. Our studio is located in Boston’s Back Bay, steps from the Back Bay T station (commuter rail and subway), and three blocks from the Copley Green Line station.

Please submit your reel, resume, and a brief statement about why you’d be great for this position to jobs (at) planetnutshell (dot) com

While Planet Nutshell took another trip around our solar system we’ve been hard at work on some incredible new animation work. Many clients returned with projects, but there were some fascinating new clients and projects, as well. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some highlights!

Utah Education Network

Who doesn’t love owls? We made this fun short holiday video for Utah Education Network. Check out our case study for more background on how we made it.

Utah Futures

This short video summarizes the goals and purpose of Utahfutures.org, a not-for-profit organization that helps folks of all ages plan a path to their future. It offers easy-to-use tools and self-assessments that help young people discover what interests them, what they’re good at, and the kinds of schools and careers that are a good fit for them.

National Parks Conservation Association

We worked with the National Parks Conservation Association to raise awareness about a critical issue affecting Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Social Solutions

We partnered with Social Solutions to help explain their cloud-based software created to elevate nonprofits and public sector agencies, of all sizes.

Enlight Bio

We created this PSA on Genetic Carrier Screening for a local startup that was recently founded to help people understand and take advantage of genetic testing options. Check out the inspiring story of Enlight Bio’s founder in Wired. 

Brooklyn Public Library

Brooklyn Public Library asked us to create a spot that promotes New York’s fabulous new Culture Pass program. It’s an ambitious, city-wide collaboration that offers free access to many of the city’s top cultural institutions to anyone who lives in the five boroughs.

Boston Children’s Museum

To celebrate the launch of their new identity and logo Boston Children’s Museum asked us to tell a little story about the transformation.