Hello! Nice of you to drop by, we hope we get to meet you one day.

Working Progress is based on a simple idea - to use our skills to make a difference. We believe that great animation can be a powerful force for positive change.

To that end, we are the animation studio that exists to help charities, not-for-profit organisations and purpose-driven brands to tell their stories in the most impactful way.

Working Progress combines BAFTA award-winning creative experience with production skills honed over many years of managing some of the UK’s biggest charity fundraising campaigns. We pride ourselves on building positive working relationships with our clients and demystifying the production process for those new to animation.

We are always open to exciting new collaborations, committed to the causes of our clients and inspired by our quest to make this world a little bit better - with some really good animation.

Let’s do some good together!

Meet the founders:

Fiona Lishman

Before Working Progress was set up, Fiona worked at charity specialist agencies, delivering some of the largest charity direct marketing programmes in the sector. Previous clients have included Stroke Association, Plan International and Marie Curie and she has led account management teams through pitches, campaigns and the everyday running of very busy charity accounts.

After years of working in agency settings, Fiona decided it was time to take control of her own destiny. At the same time, Merlin was thinking of setting up a new animation studio working with not for profits, so there was a natural fit. Without further ado, Working Progress was born and is growing into a mighty force for good.

As Managing Partner, Fiona looks after all things production, client services and new business, making sure jobs run smoothly and that clients are happy. Feel free to give her a shout fiona@workingprogress.studio if you have a project in mind or you’d just like a chat. She might even make you a cup of tea.

Merlin Nation

Merlin is the creative director and co-founder of Working Progress. He has been a designer, creative director and animator professionally for over 25 years, winning a few awards along the way including an interactive BAFTA, Promax BDA gold and Design Week Best In Show.

Attending a talk by Greenpeace on their Save The Arctic Campaign was a key motivation in starting Working Progress. The seed was sown for a new creative studio working for people and the planet and not for products and profit. Merlin co-founded Working Progress with managing partner Fiona in 2016.

Merlin has judged the animation category at the 2019 D&AD awards, and judges the Creative Conscience animation and illustration awards every year. He's also mentored graduates as part of this competition. He's given numerous industry talks including at GoodFest and Creative Conscience Design Change Makers. And enjoys being part of the community of folks using their skills for positive change.

Having relocated from Brighton to Frome in Somerset in 2020, he loves cycling in the forest, creating original artwork, wild swimming, growing vegetables, playing music to dance to and having good times with his family and friends. And he’s very grateful to be able to do this!

Merlin is excited about what the future holds as the studio continues to build on its founding purpose.

merlin@workingprogress.studio