This article will show you how to create stop motion animation. People often think that you need to spend hours drawing the same figures over again with only a slight variation between each drawing. This is false. There are many creative techniques that you can use to create interesting animations. Here are nine methods.
All of these techniques can be done with very few tools. You will need a camera, computer, and some free software to create stop motion animations. Other than that, you can use a pencil, paper, and an eraser, or the preferred method, a dry eraseboard. The dry erase board is my favorite because you can draw and then erase as you go.
1: Text and words The purpose of an animation is communicate a message, or tell a story. Text is a great tool to do this. It is possible to write sentences and words directly on your workspace. You can also create animated versions by adding letters or words one after another.
2: Draw a background Although this is an often forgotten step in animation, a good background (or even a simple one) adds depth and dimension to the story. It can be animated or left as is.
3: Simple motionThis technique involves drawing an object on a work area, taking pictures and then erasing the image. Then, you redraw it in a new place. This motion simulates movement and it is extremely effective and simple to do. You can simulate raindrops falling on the surface of the work surface, or a ball moving across the screen.
4: Growth – Add lines and features Think of it as something that is growing right in front of your eyes. This is a great way to use plants and trees as subjects. Draw a line, then take a photo. Then, expand the line and take another picture until you have reached full growth. This technique can be reversed to shrink objects. You can erase and then take photos in small steps.
5: Anthropomorphism – Using the human form to express ideas It is possible to draw very simple human shapes that are expressive. These don’t need to be complicated, and simple stick figures can work. They will allow you to express shock, excitement, happiness, and all the other human emotions.
6: Vary the speed at which things are happening This is a useful tool. Remember that not all things happen at the same speed. Therefore, you need to vary the speed of your drawings. Items can move fast or slow, and characters can walk or run. A flower can grow slowly, while a rock can fall from the sky very quickly. These speed differences can be reflected in your drawings by placing them in a different order.
7: Vary the angle of the camera by panning or zooming The animation can be pan or zoomed in without having to move the workspace or the camera. This is a great technique to make your video more appealing and interesting. You can zoom in on an object by drawing it in steps that get larger and larger. While you do this, you also bring it towards the center of your workspace. To simulate panning, you can drag a background to the left or to the right.
8: Have multiple events on
9: Tell a Story This technique is the most important and should be considered carefully. This is the foundation of all animation. It is the reason the animation is being shown and gives the viewer an incentive to keep watching. The viewer will be more likely to watch the video if he perceives that a story is unfolding.
You don’t have to be a professional animator or have a lot of tools and materials to create great Stop Motion animations. You don’t have to draw hundreds of pictures. All you need is a repetitive sequence with minor changes. You can create some that are fun and easy with a little creativity and thought.
