Hello I'm Laura! I'm an illustrator from Liverpool, UK.

I've been a freelance illustrator since 2011.

I'm making a 2D felt stop motion film called 'Weird Willow'

and with the exception of music and sound, I’m making everything on my own

The production of my film is being funded by myself, family and friends, as well as donations from kind people on the internet


the film doesn't have a grant, funding, a professional team a large budget or large studio, just me, making everything from scratch, and working from my home made animation studio around my 9-5 job.


I’ve been making Weird willow for 2 and half years so far, and although I’ve made large strides in progress, I still have a long way to go 


My long term goal is to bring the animation industry to Liverpool and the North West, so my first step is to make an animated film.

For a more in depth account of Weird Willow, please feel free to read my blog

https://www.lauvont.art/post/weird-willow

I'm hoping making this film will open doors for me - Once its completed I'll submit it to film festivals, post it online and try to launch my own brand and animation studio.

I wrote Weird Willow in 2014, and I've wanted to do something more with the story for a long time, so why not make a film.

All donations will help pay towards felt, sewing equipment, microphones, animation software, lighting, submission costs etc etc.

**Every single donator will receive a special mention at the end of the film - if you don't want this just let me know**

The film will be around 5-10 minutes long, and is currently being created on evenings and weekends. This takes up all of my free time currently, and I'm creating it within the spare time I have around my 9-5 job.

The final verse reads:

'Love yourself for who you are

throughout the storms and mist

don't be swayed by others views

because normal doesn't exist

be who you are, don't be afraid

you're rare, unique and free

if people don't love you for who you are

just say 'too bad, I can only be me.'

From this:

(a Liverpool made out of felt, laid out of the floor surrounded by ring lights to illuminate the scene. There is piece of glass laid over the top to move waves and boats across the bottom of the image.)

To this:

Any donation of any size is welcome, and I'm incredibly grateful for anything anyone can give at all. Even sharing this page is helping me, so thank you!

My online portfolio: https://www.lauvont.art

Please feel free to follow me on socials

Instagram: @lau.vont

Tiktok: @lau.vont

Here is an example of some of the equipment you could be helping pay towards

dragon frame software - £280

Canon EOS RP - £700 (second hand)

Manual Nikon lens - £180

Manual canon lens - £250

Lighting equipment - £150

Camera rigs and lighting rigs - £200

materials to make everything with (felt, eyes, needle felting equipment, sequins, fabrics, needles, thread, sewing machines etc) - £2500

glass frames (to animate on) - £70 - £150

Hiring studio space for larger scenes - £500 - £1000 depending on duration

Voice over / music / additional production costs - £3000+

General bills, time etc - £3000+

Macbook Laptop - £3000+

Thank you again if you have read this far - Any support of help at all would be greatly appreciated!

Laura x