The Optious Story

Let’s start with the name. Optious traces its roots to “Optimus Graphix,” a quirky, made-up name that stuck. Did it have any deep meaning? Not really. We just needed a memorable domain name. Eventually we settled on Optious (and a lion for our logo).

Fast forward a decade, and Optious has grown into a family-run motion graphics powerhouse, turning complex ideas into visually stunning videos.

The family dynamic is a story in of itself. Working with family can be challenging (understatement of the century), but it also brings a level of trust and collaboration that’s hard to replicate. We’ve built something special together, something that words can’t describe. But maybe video can.

Optious wasn’t always an animation agency. It all started with building our first e-commerce store for aftermarket car accessories for Honda’s in 1999. Being the first online store that sold aftermarket accessories at that time. If you searched for Honda our site would out rank Honda Motor Company on AOL! Being experienced in designing and building site’s we soon started building sites for professional service companies, wholesale distributors, and manufacturers.

Fast forward to 2019 we moved to marketing via cinematography, capturing the world one frame at a time. Unfortunate timing because I think we all know what happened that year. With traditional filming no longer an option, we had to find a new way forward.

The solution? Animation.

We already had some familiarity with the software and techniques, but learning the ropes was anything but quick. It was a steady journey, not a sprint but we’re in no race either. To keep the lights on, we started with smaller projects, learning as we went. Necessity might be the mother of invention, but in our case, it was also the mother of late nights, tutorials, and a lot of trial and error.

Here’s the thing: None of us have ever worked at an animation studio before. While that might sound like a disadvantage, it actually became our secret weapon. Without any preconceived notions of how things “should” be done, we were free to innovate, explore, and carve out our own path.

Take production timelines, for example. Most studios take a minimum of eight weeks to turn around a video. We felt that took longer than necessary, so we worked hard to bring that down to two weeks—without cutting corners on quality. Efficiency and excellence aren’t just buzzwords for us; they’re how we operate.

But what really sets us apart is how we approach relationships. We don’t just work with companies; we work with people. Behind every brand is a team of humans, and we focus on building real, long-lasting connections. It’s not about just delivering a video; it’s about becoming a trusted partner who gets your vision and brings it to life.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Hiccups happen, and we’ve had our fair share. One time, we delivered a first draft that the client was thrilled with—only to have their boss veto it the next day. “Wait, what? Why?” we thought. Turns out, they (the boss) had very different expectations, and we had to pivot fast to get everyone realigned.

Then there was the all-nighter. A client needed a video before the next morning. We took on the challenge, working through the night to deliver on time. Their reaction? “You’re lifesavers!” It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. But we probably wouldn’t ever do an all-nighter again.

Sometimes, challenges come in unexpected forms. One fintech client’s IT restrictions blocked Dropbox, making it impossible to share files traditionally. We had to pivot to Adobe Frame.io and even sent a video to guide their team on how to use it. Problem solved.

And let’s not forget the boomerang clients. We’ve had prospects walk away because of budget constraints, only to return later down the line. One such boomerang project became our biggest to date, proving that leaving a meeting on good terms can pay dividends.

Today, Optious is small but mighty. We’ve done the homework, put in the legwork, and leveled up to compete with larger agencies while maintaining the personal touch that makes us unique. Growth is important to us, but so is balance. We’re selective about the projects we take on, ensuring every client gets the attention they deserve.

Every project has taught us something valuable. Whether it’s about refining our processes, improving communication, or navigating unexpected hurdles, we’ve embraced every lesson. Systems and paper trails keep us organized, while client feedback helps us grow. And through it all, we’ve learned that adaptability is our greatest asset.

We’re not slowing down. Optious has plenty of room to grow, and we’re improving our skills every day. Our goal is to scale smartly, taking on projects that align with our strengths and values. As we continue to push creative boundaries, we’re excited for what’s next.

From humble beginnings to an award-winning motion graphics agency, the journey of Optious has been anything but ordinary. We’ve faced challenges, celebrated wins, and built something we’re truly proud of. And we couldn’t have done it without the clients who trusted us, the team who believed in us, and the lessons that shaped us.

So, whether you’re a startup looking for your first animated explainer or an enterprise brand with a big story to tell, let’s create something amazing together. Because at Optious, it’s all about making ideas move.