Duolingo Detroit 10-04-22

In April of 2021 Duolingo reached out to Gunner about an acquisition. We spent nearly 1 ½ years mulling it over, after making sure everyone was on board we decided it was the right move for the future. A few key moments along the journey:



  • Finding we have a shared sense of humor.

  • People at Duolingo felt weirdly like us.

  • Duolingo offered 2D character animation all the way to 3D printing swords.  

  • Duolingo knew it was important for artists to make unbranded shorts.



For us to go through this big of a change, we needed to rally behind something. We found that in Duolingo's mission statement:



To develop the best education in the world and make it universally available…




The purpose of our work - and who it benefits - has been in the back of our minds for a long time, especially on client-driven projects. Duolingo’s mission felt right, and we knew we could put our energy behind it.


It’s also noteworthy to mention how important animation is for Duolingo, and that we would be playing a crucial role in the company’s future.


we’re in :)




Gunner Art & Animation school



We’re excited to launch what we thought was an impossible dream: an art and animation school that challenges the current education system and offers students a wealth of knowledge plus the connections to start their career. This means “Gunner” is now free to evolve from a client driven studio to an education platform.



We have a working business proposal, funding, and are now looking for partners to help us bring this vision to life. If you’re interested please reach out to Nick or Ian (@gunner.work) directly. 



What about the shorts / all the weird stuff?



We’ve always believed in having a studio where artists can bring their ideas to life within our walls. Rather than push this away, Duolingo asked us to bring this over. Unbranded content, R&D projects, and just plain weird shorts will be part of the sauce at Duolingo. Be on the lookout for a new IG, vimeo, etc to showcase these projects. 


Hobbes & Detroit



Hobbes (Gunner’s sister studio) will continue to operate independently as a motion studio focused on creative solutions in product design and emerging technology. They endeavor to collaborate with future-thinking clients and teammates that share their vision for considered products and delightful experiences. Reach out to jobs@hobbes.work if you’re interested in a career at Hobbes, or info@hobbes.work if you’re interested in collaborating on a project.



The Detroit animation community will be gaining a new friend and still hangin’ with an old one. Duolingo Art Department and the Gunner Art School. 




FAQ



Is everyone ok?

Yep! We’d be fibbin’ if we didn't say that we have all gone through the emotional rollercoaster. From excitement to exhaustion - happiness to sadness we’ve felt it all. We of course are nervous about the future (of heck, everything), but equally excited for the new opportunity to dive head first into uncertainty and the change that comes with it.



What happens to the gunner studio space?

The gunner space will be converted to Duolingo Art Department and will still exist in the same building as Hobbes. The Gunner School space is TBD but will start its existence in Detroit. 



What happens to the gunner instagram?

Good question. For now we will be archiving client driven work and leaving in our shorts and personal projects, which won’t look much different than it does now teehee. Soon we will be showcasing our past projects, and then eventually converting the account to Gunner Art School’s showcase.  



When can we expect the school?

2024. We’re giving ourselves a year to build the right team to take this endeavor on. Again, if you are interested please reach out to Nick or Ian.



Only Duolingo work?

The team will be exclusively working on content for Duolingo, however we’ll be using a new social channel to showcase unbranded experiments, shorts and processes.




Wrap it up!



This whole thing had us taking a loooong view at our future, and making this pivotal move now unlocks doors and new endeavors for our team to thrive. We’re entering a new chapter and the Gunner name gets to evolve. We’re continuing to grow the Detroit animation community along with joining a noble mission. Best of all, Duolingo has embraced our studio, which has already begun to show in our work with them and our plans for the future.



Lastly, the animation community has pumped so much love into our studio and all we can express is gratitude. Thank you for cheering us on, laughing at our jokes, and championing us to be better as animators. 




Love, keys and easy ease.


The G-team BABY!