Every good story starts with a bit of chaos.

Ours began with mental health, redundancy, curiosity, and one slightly hangry idea that refused to sit still.

A doodle turned into a distraction.
A distraction turned into a purpose.
And that purpose became Hangry Animals - a purpose-driven entertainment project turning play into real-world impact for animals, and raising awareness for good causes.

Art School Origins (and the Power of Pencils)

We met at art college, back when deadlines involved making a mess, saving work onto zip drives, and Freddos were still 10p.

Andy was the animator and puppeteer - hands always in motion, sketchbook full of characters that had more personality in ink form than most people.

I was the designer and photographer - calmly turning creative chaos into something organised, functional, and visually appealing (usually while Andy was still looking for his pencils).

It was the start of a creative (and lifelong) relationship built on curiosity, poor man’s pizza, and a shared love of making things that actually mean something.

Fast Forward: Building Worlds, One Idea at a Time

After more than 25 years each working across branding, animation, education, and digital design, we found ourselves circling the same question: what if creativity could do good?

Andy wanted to reconnect with drawing after years of commercial deadlines and drawn out meetings that never quite satisfied the creative itch.

I had just been made redundant and finally had the space to ask: what if we actually built something for us that can also make a difference?

Hangry Animals began as a way for Andy to look after his mental health, to draw again, to create something joyful, through digital collectibles of all things.

Back when we first moved in together, I persuaded Andy to bring a dog into our lives (it didn’t take much persuasion to be honest). I grew up with pets, Andy didn’t. But one dog turned into two, and neither of us looked back. The mutts were a massive part of our lives for 18 years. Somewhere between those muddy walks and doodle sessions, the project found its feet. It’s also why we chose to partner with an amazing dog charity as our first cause - one that could see, first hand, the benefits of gaming for good and the power of regular small donations.

From sketches, to colourful collectibles, comics and story ideas, it has become a registered IP. With multiple rounds of successful grant funding, a growing network of collaborators, it all contributes to our mission of showing how gaming can give back.

Where Creativity Meets Strategy

Andy is a creative innovator - the one who dreams up characters, builds worlds, and codes late into the night with a head full of ideas and Wagon Wheels.

I'm a creative strategist, always have been - the organiser of creative chaos (who’s also partial to making the chaos too), connecting the dots between imagination and impact, bringing depth to every character through profiling techniques that make them feel real.

The beauty in this? We’re both creative, problem solvers, fixers and strategists - but in different ways. Whichever one of us builds something, the other questions it, challenges it, sees it from a different angle. It’s a constant loop of ideas, feedback, and collaboration.  We're two brains wired differently but heading in the same direction, and that has been a great recipe for success so far. That mix of creativity, resilience, and curiosity has shaped everything from the Hangryverse’s tone and lore to its purpose and evolving community.

Play with Purpose

Together, we’re creating an entire IP that entertains, educates, and empowers players to make a difference. Our vision is simple: play, earn, and give back. No gimmicks. No guilt. Parents stay in control, kids see where their donations go, and animal charities gain new, sustainable income streams. We call it gaming for good causes, because fun should always have a little purpose or message baked in.

Meanwhile, Behind the Scenes…

Somewhere along the way, people noticed what we were building, and wanted us to create for them too.

That’s how Hangry Studio was born. A creative agency built out of the same spirit that fuels Hangry Animals. We take on selective, values-aligned projects that make a difference. From character branding to toys, games, web, and animation, we help other purpose-led brands build what matters. Essentially, what we do for Hangry Animals, we now do for others - just with fewer snack puns (sometimes).

What’s Next (and Why We’re Still Hungry)

We’re still bootstrapping. Still learning. Still building. Hangry Studio gives us the freedom to balance commercial and helpful creativity with our long-term mission for Hangry Animals. It keeps us fuelled, flexible, and (mostly) sane to work on impactful brands alongside nurturing the development of Hangry Animals.

The future? 

More partnerships, more development, more small wins that stack up into something bigger. We’re cracking on, chipping away, proud of what we’ve built so far and excited for what’s ahead. And like any good snack break - once you’ve had a taste, you just want more. 

We don’t have all the answers, but we know we’re on the right path. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a creative business with your life partner, or how we’re developing games that give back - ask us anything.

Until next time: 

Stay Curious.
Stay Hangry.

Ceri & Andy

The Hangry Animals Team
www.hangryanimals.com

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