By Jean Edwards.

In this introduction to digital animation, Jean Edwards shows us how children can use some of the tools available in the FlipaClip app to make a simple creature move across the screen.

Children often see the technique of animation used to bring stories to life. This can include stop motion animation, where real materials are moved in space and captured frame by frame by a tablet or camera. Within digital animation the action takes place on screen through a series of sequenced still digital images. In this activity digital animation on screen is used to bring simple drawings to life and make them move.

Resources needed:

Sketchbooks
Felt pens
Tablets and optional stylus (it is fine to use your finger to draw with)
App: FlipaClip.

A note on the FlipaClip app:
The FlipaClip app is a digital version of a flick book so it can be a useful introduction to have a play with flick books or make your own. The app is a simple to use digital animation tool and we are going to use the free version which will give us access to more than enough options and some room to go further in the future. As with any art resource it is useful for all adults working with children to have a go themselves. Watch the ‘Getting started with FlipaClip’ video available here and follow the introductory activity demonstrated in it as well as just having a play.

There are some screen by screen instructions here:

Getting started with FlipaClip from Jean Edwards on Vimeo.

Introducing the idea and Preparing to animate:
We’re going to make a simple creature based on a blob shape move so it’s useful to have a go at sketching some simple blobby shapes in outline to develop ideas and establish a shape. Children could also make some decisions about the background colour and the colour of their creature before they use the app. This could be done in their sketchbooks using felt pens.

Here’s an example from my sketchbook:

To access all content, I would like to join as…

An Individual

Creative practitioners, educators, teachers, parents, learners…

From £3.50

An Organisation…

Schools, Colleges, Arts Organisations: Single and Multi-Users

From £42

AccessArt is a UK Charity and we believe everyone has the right to be creative. AccessArt provides inspiration to help us all reach our creative potential.

What We Like About This Resource….

“It’s a really positive thing for an artist to share the concept of the creative journey. At AccessArt we believe journeys are pretty important and we are pleased to show this in action through Toby Pritchard’s post. We particularly like the anthropomorphic element, and how this really brings life to Toby’s work.” – Rachel, AccessArt

You May Also Like….

Anthropomorphic Animal Paintings

Exploring Animation

Teaching for the Journey not the Outcome

What We Like About This Resource….

“It’s really interesting to see how Gabby works across the different disciplines of textiles and illustration in her work, and you can see how the principles of each are present in these beautifully made felt sets. We enjoyed learning how she went between planning and making – showing that the process of creating isn’t completely linear, and that the journey of idea creation can happen through sketching ideas, but also through making itself” – Andrea, AccessArt

You Might Also Like….

Pathway: Set Design

This is featured in the ‘Set Design’ pathway

talking points: negative space by tiny inventions

Explore the work of animation directors Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata.

Making Mini Food

Stitched Homes

Mini World LIght Boxes

Many thanks to AccessArt Young Artist Alex Tunstall