Motion design and production company Polymath has rebranded to OddBeast, the Covington, Ky.-based company said Thursday. The company was founded as Polymath in 2017 by 3D animation specialist Ronny Young.
“Polymath was too boring, sterile and even scientific sounding. It lacked personality and didn’t accurately reflect the creative vision and energy of our team,” said Young in a statement. “We’re goofballs that love to have fun, and when we’re having the most fun, it comes through in our work. We produce the best pieces when we like it and are engaged fully from a creative POV.”
OddBeast is adopting a new logo, red-and-white retro color palette and a new mascot that they refer to as Todd the thunder weasel.
“Weasels are known to be quick, agile, skilled and scrappy. Add a bit of thunder and you’ve got one badass little dude. We gave him the name ‘Todd’ after our head of production’s father, a handyman who knows a ton and can fix anything… very DIY,” Young said.
OddBeast fully embraces Kentucky as its home, even though most organizations of its ilk are based in such North American media hubs as Los Angeles or New York.
“Clients have told us it’s odd that we’ve headquartered an international motion design company here in Kentucky when so many others are based in LA or New York,” Young said. “We’re planting a flag and owning that we’re Kentucky-based.”
Cincinnati-based brand consultancy Dewhaus, led by Peta and Nick Dew, led the new brand strategy and identity. Updates include the company’s new name as well as logos, communication, palette, website, environmental design, advertising and more.
OddBeast has worked for such clients as indie band Imagine Dragons, creating interstitials for its live show and motion graphics for its documentary on Hulu.
As OddBeast, the studio hopes to do more of that type of entertainment-focused work. "Under our new OddBeast brand, one of our major initiatives is to further expand the scope of our motion design and creative production work for entertainment marketers," said Young.
Polymath – now OddBeast – also has served such commercial clients as Seagram’s VO, John Frieda and Febreze.
“Polymath consistently provided big ideas, fresh insights and impressive creative on every single project, even as my brands and brand identities have evolved over time,” said long-time client Laura Helton, associate Director, creative marketing for Kao USA Inc., which represents such notable product lines as John Frieda, Jergens and Biore, among others.
“The OddBeast rebranding feels like they are growing and evolving as well, flexing their new and diverse capabilities,” she said. “And the best part? The cast of characters I get to work with: Smart, funny, passionate and committed to excellence on small and large projects alike, they do everything with purpose and pride. Who they are as human beings – just being themselves to the core – is what makes them stronger designers, editors, animators and photographers. It’s what makes them ‘OddBeasts.’”
