We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bright Ankrah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Bright, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
My Journey from Rock Bottom to Building a Business
Losing my job as a 3D animator at Tutsell during COVID-19 was a tough moment. I spent three months at home, trying to figure out my next move. During that time, I went from being a 3D animator to looking for any job just to survive.
I took a cleaning job, but on my first day, I almost fell from a five-story building while cleaning a broken window. That was a wake-up call—I quit immediately. Next, I tried working with a plumber, chiseling walls on construction sites. It was exhausting. Every day, I came home to my rented apartment drained, and after two weeks, I realized that this path wasn’t for me either.
Refocusing & Taking Action
I had to sit myself down and rethink my entire approach. Instead of chasing jobs that weren’t aligned with my skills, I decided to take control of my future.
I started by:
– Writing down a plan of action.
– Identifying potential clients on Instagram.
– Messaging brands, explaining how 3D animation could boost their marketing.
At first, many ignored me, and some promised to get back but never did. But I kept pushing.
Landing My First Client & Building Momentum
Finally, I landed my first online gig with a fashion brand called Twelvexvi. She needed a 3D visualization of her clothing line, and I delivered it. She loved it, and from there, she recommended me to her cousin, a musician. I worked on a 3D animated music video for him, which he promoted on Instagram. That led to more referrals, and soon, my client base started growing.
Expanding My Network & Co-Founding Ubuntu Graphix
During this time, I came across an artist on Instagram named Shaychenette. I admired her work and connected with her. After exchanging ideas, we decided to launch a digital marketing agency together— Ubuntu Graphix
At Ubuntu Graphix, I took on the role of C.O.O., overseeing daily operations while also using my animation skills to build the company’s brand through visual content.
Building My Own Brand – Bankrah Studios
While growing Ubuntu Graphix, I knew I needed my own animation studio — a space fully dedicated to my passion for 3D animation and motion graphics. That’s how Bankrah Studios was born.
The name comes from a combination of my first name (Bright) and my surname (Ankrah), forming Bankrah Studios. I built the website bankrahstudios.com and positioned the studio to specialize in 3D animation, 2D animation, motion graphics, and visualizers.
The Next Chapter – Game Development
Now, I’m focusing on Unreal Engine, taking my animation skills to the next level by venturing into game development. This is my next big step—moving from just creating animations to building interactive 3D worlds.
Lessons from My Journey
1. Survival Mode Can Lead to Innovation – Struggling pushed me to find creative solutions.
2. Reaching Out is Half the Battle – Instead of waiting for opportunities, I actively sought them out.
3. Delivering High-Quality Work is My Best Marketing – Word-of-mouth helped me grow.
4. Learning Never Stops – I adapted by learning web development, marketing, and now Unreal Engine.
5. Building Relationships is Key – Connecting with the right people led to new opportunities.
Now, as I work on scaling Ubuntu Graphix and Bankrah Studios, my focus is on expanding my impact in the 3D space and game development industry.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me & My Journey into 3D Animation and Digital Branding
My name is Bright Ankrah, and I am a 3D animator, digital artist, and entrepreneur. I am the founder of Bankrah Studios and the co-founder of Ubuntu Graphix, a digital marketing agency connecting African creatives with global clients.
My journey into animation and digital branding started with a deep passion for visual storytelling. I initially worked as a 3D animator in an advertising company called Tutsell in Ghana. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I lost my job, which forced me to rethink my career and build something for myself. After months of struggle, I started pitching my 3D animation services online, landing my first client through Instagram. That single gig led to a chain reaction of referrals, and over time, I was able to establish myself as a go-to creator for 3D animations, visual effects, and branding solutions.
This experience also led me to co-found Ubuntu Graphix with Shaychenette, an artist based in the USA. Together, we built a creative agency with employees across Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria), offering branding, digital marketing, and animation services to bridge the gap between African creatives and international businesses.
What I Do & How I Help Clients
At Bankrah Studios, I specialize in:
✅ 3D Animations – Product visualizations, character animations, and promotional videos.
✅ 2D Animations & Motion Graphics – Engaging explainer videos, logo animations, and commercials.
✅ Visual Effects (VFX) – High-quality digital effects for brands, music videos, and advertisements.
✅ Game Development (Upcoming) – Using Unreal Engine to build immersive 3D experiences.
At Ubuntu Graphix, we provide:
🎨 Branding & Design – Logos, business identity, and marketing assets.
📢 Digital Marketing– Social media strategies, advertising, and content creation.
🎥 Video & Animation – Bringing brands to life through motion graphics and storytelling.
Problems I Solve for My Clients:
– Many brands struggle to stand out in the crowded digital world. I help them visually communicate their identity through animation and creative storytelling.
– Businesses need compelling marketing content to engage their audience I create visually stunning and effective brand visuals that convert views into customers.
– Companies in fashion, music, and entertainment require high-end 3D visualizations and animations I bring their ideas to life with cutting-edge designs.
What Sets Me Apart?
A Unique Blend of Creativity & Business Mindset – Unlike many animators, I have a strong understanding of marketing and branding, so I create animations with the end goal of business growth in mind.
🌍 Global & African Influence – As a Ghanaian entrepreneur collaborating with creatives across Africa and the U.S., I bring a fusion of international and local design perspectives.
🚀 Continuous Learning & Innovation – I constantly upgrade my skills, whether it’s game development with Unreal Engine or advanced VFX techniques.
💡 Relationship-Driven Approach – I don’t just complete projects; I build long-term relationships with clients, helping them scale their brands over time.
What I’m Most Proud Of
– Turning my lowest point (losing my job) into an opportunity to build two creative businesses.
– Helping African creatives get global opportunities through Ubuntu Graphix.
– Seeing my 3D animations bring brands and stories to life, whether for fashion, music, or corporate clients.
– Teaching myself web design, digital marketing, and branding, proving that learning never stops.
– The trust and recognition I’ve gained from clients who continue to refer and work with me. See – https://youtu.be/QQ6zOX0Z_0k , https://youtu.be/ZvwQE94WvaU and https://youtu.be/zTRZ_I3E6CA for my client testimonials.
What I Want Clients & Followers to Know
If you’re a business, artist, or brand looking for top-tier 3D animations, branding, or digital marketing solutions, I’m here to help. Whether it’s bringing your ideas to life through animation, designing a visual identity for your brand, or helping you tell your story through motion graphics, I am committed to delivering high-quality work that drives real impact
Let’s create something amazing together! 🚀
📌 Follow my work at:
🌐 Website: https://www.bankrahstudios.com
📷 Instagram: [@bankrahstudios](https://www.instagram.com/bankrah_studios/)
✉️ Email: bankrah289@gmail.com
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I maintain strong client relationships and foster brand loyalty through consistent communication, added value, and long-term engagement.
1. Personalized Communication
– Regular email check-ins and follow-ups.
– Engaging with clients on social media.
– Video calls for major projects and long-term clients.
2. Delivering Value Beyond the Project
– Exclusive offers and discounts for returning clients.
– Sharing industry insights and marketing tips.
– Providing educational content through blogs and social media.
3. Building Long-Term Relationships
– Referral and loyalty programs.
– Featuring client success stories on my platforms.
– Offering strategic solutions, not just services.
4. Organized Client Management
– Using CRM tools to track projects and client interactions.
– Setting automated reminders for follow-ups and check-ins.
5. Ensuring a Great Customer Experience
– Quick response times and professional communication.
– Post-project support and revisions.
– Collecting feedback to improve services.
By prioritizing consistent engagement, high-quality service, and ongoing support, I build long-term client relationships and brand trust.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been leveraging word-of-mouth referrals combined with targeted social media outreach.
1. Word-of-Mouth Referrals
After delivering high-quality work, I’ve relied heavily on client referrals. When clients are satisfied, they naturally recommend me to others. This has created a snowball effect, where each successful project leads to more opportunities through their networks.
2. Targeted Social Media Outreach
I’ve used Instagram and LinkedIn to connect with potential clients. By showcasing my work, sharing insights, and actively engaging with users, I’ve been able to attract attention from businesses that need 3D animation, motion graphics, and branding services. Direct messaging and personalized outreach have turned these interactions into actual projects.
3. Collaborations and Partnerships
Partnering with businesses, influencers, and other creatives in the industry has been another powerful tool for growing my clientele. These collaborations not only expand my reach but also introduce me to new audiences who trust the partners I work with.
4. Consistent Content Creation
Creating and sharing valuable content, such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks at my process, and industry trends, has helped establish my expertise and build trust with potential clients. It keeps my brand visible and positions me as an authority in the field.
By combining these strategies, I’ve built a steady flow of incoming clients and continue to grow my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bankrahstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bankrah_studios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063898185650
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bright-ankrah/
- Twitter: https://x.com/iamblameless1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bankrahstudios
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/bankrah-studios
Image Credits
@bankrahstudios @ubuntugraphix