One Year On – Albert Arthur Animations

Can you tell us what you do at Banks Mill? 

I am a solo multimedia animation service who does freelance commission work, mini animation workshops and on occasion my own personal projects. 

 

How have you developed over the last 12 months since moving into Banks Mill? 

Since moving into Banks Mill I have met with more unique creatives and even been involved into some social and networking events too! I have worked more on my own business, branching out my stock to sell at markets and events while gaining ideas from other artists for any potential future collaboration projects.  

 

Have you expanded the business or your services over the last 12 months?  

Yes. I have started doing mini animation workshops for those who wish to learn the basics of animation. This has started since last year when someone wanted some help with her printmaking animation. Since the 2025 Open Studios I was also asked if I did an animation workshop. I since started this and it has evolved into something fun and unique which I hope to continue further. 

 

Have you engaged in any support/groups or networking in the last 12 months? 

I went to a networking event for bands, musicians, producers etc. in Derby and managed to get a few business cards and contacts out. I plan on going to some more networking events this year. I also have recently applied to the Kings Trust for a 12 month support business plan which will hopefully help take my business in the right direction and grow even more. 

 

Have you received any funding/grants/awards in the last 12 months? 

Not yet, but I will hopefully get a start-up business fund from the Kings Trust soon which I plan to spend on some software’s which will help go towards my animation workshops in the future and for me as a business. 

 

How do you think your practice has changed since being at Banks Mill? 

Since being at Banks Mill, my practice has changed throughout the months as I’ve been able to connect to wider communities that I wouldn’t have been able to do before. I’ve managed to produce more work and been able to take advice and comments from people inside Banks Mill which has helped shape my business. 

 

 

What have you been working on recently? 

As of recently, I have started work on a new short animation of a woodland rat playing the drums – this is a-part of my illustrated rats playing instruments series. I have also started a new form of merchandise which is badges! I got gifted a badge maker last year so I have made some exclusive designs for that. In the long-run I have been working on an online shop for my goods to sell, my studio neighbour has kindly helped me on this. 

 

How has being based at Banks Mill helped your business? 

Having the space here at Banks Mill has been a huge milestone for me personally and my business as I have been able to create more projects, display my work and meet new creatives. Before Banks Mill I would work from my shared house which wasn’t really fit for creativity as the space was small. Additionally, having a separate workspace away from home has really helped me focus better on my projects. 

 

What are your plans for your business for the next 12 months? 

My plan for the future of my business is to create more animation workshops as it is something I am really enjoying. I am also hoping that from the help of the Kings Trust I will be creating a business plan for the coming months which will help give me manageable goals and a structured plan to work towards to. 

 

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of starting their own creative business?  

Do it! The creative community of Derby is ever growing and the more creatives the better. Don’t compare your creative business to others as everyone’s start is different, just don’t go down the A.I. Art route