This is just a little note about my personal ethics. I am writing this as these very much inform the decisions I make as an artist and animator. My ethics influence everything from the stories I tell to the materials I use.​ I have always loved animals, as you can see from this picture of me and my pal Genevieve. However, it wasn't until I was an adult that I aligned my diet and lifestyle with my love of animals and became vegan.

 

As well as being vegan I also care deeply about the environment and the impact that I have on it. It is for this reason that I think carefully about the materials I use. I try to reuse and repurpose as much as I can when it comes to puppet and set making. As a rule I don't like to buy new, unless it is the only option.

 

I rarely use any animal products and if I do they are always second-hand. I may have some polymer clay such as Fimo, which are not vegan friendly, which I have had in my collection since before I became vegan. Any products such as these I simply aim to use up as I do not like being wasteful, with the intention of not buying it again. 

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As with most things everything is a work in progress. When I rediscovered my love for art while doing my Masters in Animation, I also discovered that a lot of art materials contain animal products. It has been quite a journey sourcing materials that don't, but it is possible. I'm happy to discuss materials and ethics further, if you would like to know more.

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