Stop Motion Animation

If you have ever seen cartoon show Gumby then you can probably guess what stop motion picture actually is. This is one of the animation techniques widely used these days by the animators. Using this technique a physically manipulated object can be made to move on its own. 

What stop motion animation does is that it saves you from endless repetitions which you have to make by drawing the same figure over and over again to show just one move. A slight variation in drawing can make the movement haphazard and disrupts the theme altogether. Stop motion animation helps you to overcome such boredoms associated so that you can develop your own animation which you can stream on you tube or share with your friends. 

What is required to develop a stop motion picture? 

This is a creative technique. All that you require to make your own stop motion picture is 

• An idea
  
• A character 
  
• A theme or a plot 
  
• A digital camera 
  
• A computer which is capable of running multimedia software. 
  
• A software 
  
• This is a time consuming technique. Therefore to be a successful stop motion animator you also need some patience. 
  
• Besides you also need paper, pencil, or a puppet which you can use as a central character in your theme. You can also use a dry erase board for this. It is more comfortable to use as you don't have to mess with the pencil and eraser work. 

How can you make your own stop motion animation? 

For this the most important thing is a character and a plot. You need a character to present your idea. You can use wire to make your character or puppets which you can directly buy from the market. You can also draw them using paper and pencil. Here you have to use your imagination. A plot makes the animation interesting. A simple yet interesting story keep the viewer glued to screen. Therefore lay down a simple plot which gives your character an importance. 

Make a set up. Place your character in the setup. Develop a background which brings out the character and the theme. Next, place your digital camera in front of the set so that you can start shooting pictures. Make sure that your camera is placed well and supported well. 

Remember that more the photos, smoother will be your video. Also make sure that the source of light is well placed so that you get clear pictures. Move the puppets or figures bit by bit. Continue to take pictures in different positions for every single move. Repeat the motion sequence till required movement of your character is complete. 

Save the pictures on your computer and use the movie software to complete the process and finalize your animation.