September 2023 to May 2024
The Lost and Found Room is an interactive point-and-click narrative showcased as a fictional student’s online portfolio. It delves into the theme of impostor syndrome experienced by younger individuals. This project was created by Freya Oakes and Maggie Sobolewska as their final year endeavour, with a primary focus on developing not just an animated short film, but one that can be experienced in multiple engaging ways.Utilizing a branching narrative structure and mixed-media stop-motion animation including Claymation, pixilation and 2d effects, the website invites users to engage with the complexities of self-doubt and identity in the arts.
Upon entering the site, users are welcomed by Knickknack, a whimsical, troll-like puppet who serves as their guide. Knickknack encourages exploration, inviting users to peel back the arts and crafts façade to reveal the trepidations, wonders, and psychological challenges faced by arts students. Through this immersive experience, we aim to foster reflective conversations about the difficulties encountered during the transition from student life to the professional world, ultimately creating a supportive space for dialogue and understanding.
How does the immersive experience work ?
If you are interested in exploring the mystery of the lost and found just click on
the button below and it will take you directly to the project
CHARACTER AND DESIGN
September 2023-February 2024














Puppet Fabrication
Knickknack making of slid-show
Filmings, SHOTS AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES
The Good , The Bad and The Odd















Collaborators AND SPECIAL THANKS
Meet the Team
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Freya Oakes
Director of story, Puppet Fabricator and Animator
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Maggie Sobolewska
Director of editing, Environment Fabricator and Animator
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Taran Rudlin-speed
Head of website design and coding
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Chris Wayland
Amateur Construction: @Tophee.Animation
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Harvey Underwood
Music: @bedroom_ animation studio
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Lara Mulliner
Set and Puppet Photography: @Laramullinerphotography
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Megan Evans
photography: meganevans.work.com
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Dr Dean Bowman
Norwich University of Arts lecture: narrative construction
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Diana Vallverdu
Description goes herNorwich university of the arts lecture: creative technology and immersive experience
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Barry Leith
Norwich university of the arts lecture:: puppetry and fabrication support
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Hannah-Louise Batt
Norwich university of the arts lecture: creative technology and immersive experience
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Helen Piercy
Norwich university of the arts lecture: Head of Stop motion
Related videos
Wanna see this Puppet be brought to life for the power of stop motion then watch these videos below
Home Page welcome
This video serves as an introduction to delve into the world of the lost and found room and its workings. It provides a brief explanation of the rules and interactive elements that the audience can engage with. The video also hints at the idea that Knickknack and the website itself may conceal something beneath the surface, encouraging viewers to uncover the mystery by peeling back the layers
About/Room 2
The Animation delves into the theme of self-identity and explores the most literal representation of imposter syndrome – the sensation of not feeling at home in one's own skin, struggling with self-identification. It employs a multiple visual style and a puzzle that alters Knickknack's face, generating abstract iterations of the character.
Gallery /Room 1
The concept of the lost and found, featuring three distinct sections, each accompanied by corresponding animations inspired by various forms of imposter syndrome. The first section, the Gallery, symbolizes challenges in connecting with others and feelings of unworthiness in forming friendships or personal connections.
CV Section/ Room 3
The third section symbolizes the sense of being an impostor that often arises when transitioning into a new industry or work environment, stepping away from the familiar safety of school or home and venturing into the adult world with uncertainty about the future path. The animation in this video portrays Knickknack navigating across various paths, illustrating the confusion and ambiguity of not knowing the direction they are headed.