Joe Rothenberg Animation

Joe Rothenberg Animation is an independent 2D animation and visual storytelling studio founded in September 2015 by animator, illustrator and cartoonist Joseph B. ("Joe") Rothenberg. Based in the Austin–Round Rock metropolitan area of Texas, it creates hand-drawn and digital animation for entertainment, advertising, corporate communications and interactive media.

The studio's work spans character animation, motion graphics, visual development and production artwork. Its commercial services include animated explainers, marketing videos and broadcast commercials, alongside animation for short films, television pilots, documentary sequences and credit sequences. Pre-production work includes storyboards, animatics, concept art, character model sheets and background layouts, supporting projects from early visual development through finished animation.

Animation across screens

For games, the studio produces 2D character sprites, animation poses, pixel art and promotional trailers. Its contribution to A King's Tale: Final Fantasy XV included sprite animation and artwork developed with other production partners. This work sits alongside character-driven entertainment and commissioned animation for businesses and public organizations.

The studio is credited as the animation studio on Red Tape, the 2018 animated short written and directed by David St. Clair, with Rothenberg serving as animation director. Its portfolio also includes visual development, background ink and paint, and animation for a Charles Schwab holiday commercial; campaign animation for Lenscrafters; and documentary animation for Docen Media's Obsession.

Rothenberg brought independent animation and storyboard experience to the studio's formation. His earlier work included directing the short Ladies Knight and developing original animated material. The studio continues to serve regional, national and international clients, combining entertainment production with commercial commissions and game art assignments.