IAMSTATIC strengthens its 2D arsenal by adding longtime collaborator Matthew Kalinauskas to its roster.

The studio that is known for building grand cinematic CG worlds for clients such as Toyota, BMW, Asus and Nestle has been expanding its capabilities with a series of ambitious 2D projects, including projects for Royal Canadian Mint, Quiktrip and, recently, a beautiful cel-animated spot for TFO Idéllo. 

Matthew Kalinauskas, aka Bellzon, is an animation director, 2D animator and illustrator who learned to animate on paper, mostly because that’s how Bambi animators did it. (He swears he’s not as old as that sounds.)

He still takes his animation very seriously, but not pretentious-seriously. His sweet spot: marrying nostalgic charm with modern design. The result is a deep portfolio built on beautiful, hand-drawn, story-forward pieces that feel both fresh and familiar.  

Some of his work can be seen in ads for MediaSmarts, Boost, CBC Kids, Iceberg Vodka, Metrolinx and the Government of Ontario. He recently directed a music video for The Glorious Sons. 

He is the creative director of Bellzon Studio, a boutique 2D animation studio based in Hamilton, ON, where he lives with his wife, two children, and a snake plant named Mr. Sparkles. He can never find a pencil when he needs one.