Independent Animation Archives

Illustration of Chinese families and community members gathered to celebrate Chinese New Year

October 20, 2026

Can One Animator Build the Next Great Animation Studio?

David Derks Feature, Industry adult animation, animation business, Creator Economy, crowdfunding, Fable Siegel, Glitch Productions, Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss, Independent Animation, Lackadaisy, Murder Drones, Prime Video, SpindleHorse, The Amazing Digital Circus, Tracy Butler, Vivienne Medrano, VivziePop, YouTube animation

Hazbin Hotel started as a YouTube pilot, and Lackadaisy raised $2 million from its fans. For independent animators, building an audience has become the easy part. Turning a hit cartoon into a company that lasts is the real test.

Animated character with blue hair and glowing pink eyes in a sunlit forest, from GLITCH Productions' independent animation series Knights of Guinevere

September 29, 2026

How Big Is Independent Animation, Really?

David Derks Animation Alien Stage, animation crowdfunding, Bigtop Burger, Creator Economy, DillonGoo Studios, Far-Fetched, Glitch Productions, Godspeed, Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss, Independent Animation, indie animation, Kickstarter, Lackadaisy, Monkey Wrench, Olan Rogers, Ramshackle, SpindleHorse, The Amazing Digital Circus, Vivienne Medrano, Worthikids, YouTube animation

For decades, an animated series needed a studio executive’s blessing before it ever reached an audience. Ten independent studios and creators, from GLITCH Productions to the team behind Lackadaisy, have flipped that order by building their audiences first and letting Hollywood come to them.

Glitch Productions merchandise display featuring animation collectibles and fandom products at a local store

May 14, 2026

How Glitch Productions Built an Animation Studio Outside Hollywood

David Derks Animation Creator Economy, Glitch Productions, Independent Animation, The Amazing Digital Circus, YouTube Culture

Animation / Culture / The Internet Glitch Productions and the Creator-Owned Future of Animation How YouTube fandom, creator culture, and internet-native storytelling helped build one of the most fascinating independent animation studios online. By David Derks DerksWorld · May 14, 2026 Filed Under: Independent Animation · YouTube Culture · Creator EconomyThe Amazing Digital Circus did […]