Wigwam Studios

Wigwam Studios is an independent British creative agency specialising in character licensing, illustration, brand development and trend forecasting for entertainment and consumer-product brands. Founded in 2019, it develops creative assets and practical toolkits that help intellectual property move into retail, publishing, toys, games and related consumer categories.

The studio works as an extension of external creative and licensing teams, creating character-led visual systems for global entertainment brands. Its approach combines traditional pencil-and-ink character artwork with digital rendering, vector assets, pattern design, badge development and product visualisation.

Creative services

• Character art and key art — on-model illustration, character poses, narrative imagery and licensing assets.
• Brand style guides — global brand guidelines, sales toolkits and visual resources for licensed properties.
• Trend forecasting — seasonal guides developed 12 to 18 months ahead, including moodboards, palettes, patterns and iconography.
• Product and packaging concepts — ideas and mock-ups for apparel, footwear, accessories, home, garden, gifting and other consumer products.
• Creative direction and storyboarding — strategic visual development for character and brand programmes.

Wigwam Studios has delivered work for entertainment and toy properties including Peppa Pig, Play-Doh, My Little Pony, Space Jam: A New Legacy and Minecraft. Its work has also included official illustrations for Ravensburger’s 2023 tabletop title The Lord of the Rings: Adventure Book Game, created with illustrator Vlad Rodriguez.

The studio is led by Managing Director and Director of Illustration Ian Smith and Design Director Deborah Southwood. It operates with a remote-first collaborative model, bringing together a core internal team and specialist freelance character artists while maintaining its headquarters and registered base in Whitley Bay, England.

In 2026, Wigwam Studios began a strategic collaboration with licensing firm Retail Monster LLC to support expanded international licensing and merchandising programmes.