Learning Resources

Cel Animation

Assigned Activities Step 1

Create a Pencil Test Flip Animation

To do this activity, you will need to make a stack of 10-15 pieces of paper about 15 cm square. Staple them together along one edge.  Make sure the edges opposite the stapled edge are aligned perfectly.  This will ensure you can flip the sheets and see the animation.

If you can see pencil marks through one layer of paper, use a pencil for this activity.  If not use a pen (black would be better).  Edits are not possible with pen.

• Draw a sequence that shows two balls moving together, colliding, and bouncing apart.  Don't try to have perfect circles. This needs to be freehand drawing as the irregularities from one cel to the next add visual interest.
  • Start with the lowest sheet in the stack and draw the balls in the starting position
  • Flip the next sheet done, and draw the balls in the next position, moving towards each other
  • Continue bringing down sheets and drawing the next position.  There should be at least 5 cels before the collision and 5 after the collision
    
    Don't the 12 principles in the lesson
     
• Check the animation by holding the paper on the stapled edge and flipping the cels on the opposite edge
• Fix as required to get the effect you want.  As you can quickly see, this is why pencil is used for initial drawings.
• When you are satisfied that the animation works smoothly, videotape the animation by flipping through it while focused on the balls.  Digitize the video clip, and give it a name such as u3s3l1anim1

Go to Step 2