The Intersection of Art and Business: Liam Gilby Discusses Animation in the Coastal Experience

In this episode, Natalie sits down with Liam Gilbey, an animator and motion designer from Cut the Mustard Animation, a Norwich-based studio specialising in bespoke 2D animations. Liam shares insights into his journey from studying at the Norwich University of the Arts to co-founding a successful animation company in 2019, just before the pandemic. Liam discusses the creative process behind Cut the Mustard animations, the importance of storytelling, and the joy of capturing nostalgia through hand-drawn art.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Founded in 2019, this Norwich-based animation studio specialises in bespoke 2D animations, focusing on illustrative and nature-themed work. The team consists of four close collaborators who have been working together since university. The studio has developed a significant partnership with a local beach hut for hire, creating over a dozen films to promote it. This collaboration has allowed them to explore various seasonal themes and showcase the charm of the beach hut experience. The animation process involves several steps, including story breakdowns, storyboarding, and creating style frames. The team emphasises the importance of front-loading decisions to avoid extensive revisions later in the hand-drawn animation process. The work produced often evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth, which are essential in connecting with audiences. The animations aim to capture the timeless charm of beach hut experiences, appealing to both local and distant visitors. A key piece of advice for aspiring animators is to maintain an open mind and continuously learn. This adaptability not only enhances professional skills but also enriches personal growth and creativity in storytelling. BEST MOMENTS "We kept the net so widely open, we'd start drawing this, and we'd start drawing that, and what followed was some of  the best work and a chance to work with wildlife trusts." "I was delighted to find this unique and clever animation for a beach hut in Norfolk." "Animation is ultimately a slow process. It takes a while to see the end product.  So for clients, and obviously for somebody like the beach hut client (who we have worked with plenty of times before), there's that faith." "The details matter. The fact that we put in the effort to focus on the details means that probably the viewer doesn't even need to notice that they're there." "It's amazing actually, that more people haven't thought to promote their beach huts with animation." LINKS https://www.cutthemustardanimation.com https://www.instagram.com/cutthemustard_animation/ https://www.youtube.com/@CutTheMustardAnimation https://www.youtube.com/@CutTheMustardAnimation   HOST BIO My name is Natalie Young. I bought a beach hut to bring joy into my life after escaping an abusive relationship and a difficult divorce.  Based in Christchurch, Dorset, my beach hut is affectionally called the Salty Seagull and is located on Friars Cliff beach with sea views to the Needles on the Isle of White. It is my slice of heaven.  Owning and hiring a beach hut is more complicated than I realised and I am on a constant mission to discover the best ways to manage and care for your hut. I have researched the pros and cons of renting and the best ways to market and host. The beach, the sights and the sounds of the sea bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559730024536&sk=about https://www.linkedin.com/company/103555627/admin/feed/posts/?feedType=following PODCAST DESCRIPTION Welcome to the Bonkers about Beach Huts podcast, the show that's all about beach huts! Whether you are thinking of buying a beach hut and don’t know where to begin or if you have had a beach hut in your family for generations this podcast is for you. As I travel across the UK exploring these coastal retreats and sharing personal stories of how the humble beach hut has shaped lives, I will also