Lead with curiosity, finish with clarity.
Swanky Mouse is a creative studio founded by Annie Swank and Kathleen Maus. We work closely with a network of designers and filmmakers who share our sense of craft and curiosity to help bring stories to life.
Plus, we’re good company.
Annie Swank
Annie is a designer and filmmaker based in Chicago. Her work moves between systems and stories, shaping ideas into things people can see, use, and feel.
She has led creative projects across design, data, and film, always drawn to the moment when clarity clicks into place. Whether she’s building a product or framing a shot, she approaches each project with curiosity, care, and a sense of humor. Those same instincts guide everything at Swanky Mouse.
Kathleen Maus
Kathleen is a writer and filmmaker based in Chicago and a co-founder of Swanky Mouse. Her work blends humor, empathy, and craft to tell stories that leave a lasting impression. She has staged original productions at The Second City and performs regularly at The Lincoln Lodge, where her comedy explores sharp observations and human quirks with warmth and wit.
She has worked as a video editor and producer and was recognized as a finalist in the Academy Nicholl Fellowship for her screenwriting work. At Swanky Mouse, Kathleen brings a storyteller’s attention to rhythm and detail. She believes the best ideas start small and grow through collaboration. Whether she’s shaping a narrative, refining an edit, or helping others bring their stories to life, she approaches every project with humor, focus, and generosity.