Sumo Digital owned Atomhawk opening new studio in Canada

Concept and marketing art company Atomhawk is opening a new studio in Vancouver, Canada. The studio, which was purchased by Sumo Digital earlier this year, is looking to take their expertise Stateside. There is no date yet as to when the studio will open, but the company are already looking for concept artists to join them.

“We’re extremely excited to be expanding our team into Canada and look forward to bringing our values of creating industry-leading art and design with a high quality of service to a new team and a growing client base across North America,” said Atomhawk’s founder, Ron Ashtiani.

The studio makes marketing and concept art for clients, which have ranged from movies studios, production houses and game developers. Clients have included Microsoft, Amazon Lego and Warner Bros. The studio will be headed up by Maurice Kimball, who has previously worked as an animator and an art director people companies such as Disney and Mattell. Kimball will take the role of creative director.

“It’s a great opportunity to be joining Atomhawk at such an exciting time in the company’s development, said Kimball. "The team in Vancouver has already hit the ground running on some diverse and inspiring new projects and, with the support and experience of the UK team, we look forward to working with more creative partners in Canada and beyond.”

Atomhawk was purchased by Sumo Digital in July this year. The company was opened in 2009 and based in Gateshead. Recent games work has included concept art for Warner Bros. Injustice 2 and UX/UI work on Funcom’s Conan Exiles. Atomhawk, despite being owned by Sumo is operating as an independent company. The opening of a second studio was mentioned at the time by managing director of Atomhawk Cumron Ashtiani.

Pictured above (L-R): Christian Vasquez, Maurice Kimball, Stephan McGowan and Ron Ashtiani