Intro to Stop Motion Animation
Welcome to Stop Motion Animation
Intro: Part 1 Welcome to Class!
Welcome to the class! Here is how to use this course. Watch the video for this lesson above and then complete any assignments outlined in the lesson video. In the downloads section below, you will find any support material or assignments you will need for the lesson.
Creating your own Thaumatrope!
Bonus Activity: You can make your own thaumatrope! It is easy to do. Below is a bonus video that shows you how to make one. All you need are the following things:
- Cardstock
- String
- Something to draw with
- A scissors
- And a hole punch
Bonus Video: Making a Thaumatrope
Intro: Part 2 Using the Software
Assignment
It is time to begin your first assignment. You will be creating your first animation. Remember, your goal is not to create an academy award winning short film, but to start to understand the process for stop motion animation.
Download the Stop Motion Studio App for your mobile device.
Click here if you use an Android phone to learn more
Click here if you use an iPhone to learn more
Secure your phone or tablet to a tripod or magic arm. Set up the mobile device’s camera so that it points toward a table top.
(Links to products on Amazon below)Find a small object or toy, such as a toy car, a block or a coin.
Practice animating the object around using Stop Motion Studio.
Move the objects in small increments between frames.
Then compare that to what happens when you move the objects in large increments between frames.
Equipment Needed for Class
There are a few pieces of equipment that you will need for the class.
- A smartphone or tablet
- A way to mount the smartphone/tablet securely. You can do this with any of the following:
- A tripod with a smartphone or tablet tripod mount
- A magic arm mounting system
- A DIY Table Top Camera Mount (I explain how to build this in the video below.)
- For lighting, a desk lamp or a bright overhead light is very helpful while you are animating.
Options for Mounting Camera
Option 1: Tripod
You can find a basic tripod on Amazon for around $25 to $30 on Amazon. Often they will come with smartphone mounts.
Please note that if you have a larger smartphone, like a iPhone 8+, or a large case around your phone, the included smartphone mount will not open wide enough to accommodate it. You would then also need to get a larger mount, such as the Ulanzi Universal Metal Phone Tripod Mount.
Please note that if you have a larger smartphone, like a iPhone 8+, or a large case around your phone, the included smartphone mount will not open wide enough to accommodate it. You would then also need to get a larger mount, such as the Ulanzi Universal Metal Phone Tripod Mount.
Option 2: Magic Arm
The magic arm option provides a more flexible and fast way to set up your camera. The products I recommend are a step up in quality from the basic tripod option, and hence it is a more expensive option. A tripod is a more versatile tool overall. But if you intend to do a lot of stop motion animation, the magic arm solution may be a better pick for you.
To use a magic arm, you will need the following three items:
- Magic Arm – KAMERAR stainless steel 11″ Stainless Tough Friction Arm
- Smartphone Mount – Ulanzi Universal Metal Phone Tripod Mount
- Mafer Clamp (Also known as a Super Clamp) – Impact Super Clamp
If you are using a tablet instead of a phone
If you are using a tablet instead of a phone, you can substitute the iKross Tablet Tripod Mount for the Ulanzi Universal Metal Phone Tripod Mount
Option 3: DIY
If you are the handy type, you can make your own table top smartphone mount. Here is what you need for the build:
For Materials
- Foam Core
- Tag board or card stock
- A Rubber Band
- Packing Tape
- And PVA Glue
For Tools
- A Razor Blade
- Scissors
- Metal Ruler
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- And a Cutting Matte
You can download the template for the build below. Go ahead and print that off, then follow along with the video instructions.
Intro: Part 3 Styles of Stop Motion Animation
Assignment
The assignment for this lesson is to experiment with a few different styles of animation. Pick one or two that sounded interesting to you and try it out.
Here is the list of styles:
- Object
- Cut Out/Silhouette
- Sand
- Puppet (Brick)
- Clay
- Pixilation
Once you are finished, head on over to the next lesson: Character Design!
