Simple Animation: Making a Flick Book

By Paula Briggs

This resource is part of the #BeACreativeProducer series of resources.

One of the simplest ways to make an animation is to make a flick book, and then film it on your phone. 

In the video below, Alex, member of the #BeACreativeProducer team, shares how to make a flick book. Thanks to #BeACreativeProducer’s Rowan, Immy and Amelia for the artwork, and Alex for the music. Thanks to Lluis for leading the flick book workshop at Cambridge Junction. 

Flick Book Animation Tips!

  • Use Flash Cards (or Index Cards) to make your flick book. You can secure the pages with an elastic band or a bulldog clip.

Flick Book Animation

  • Start with the last drawing in your sequence. You might like to make 4 or 5 cards with the same image on, as when you flick the pages it takes the eye 4 or 5 pages to register the first image.

Flick Book Animation: Sequence your Drawings

  • Lay a blank card over the last drawing, and vary your drawing very slightly. You might want to hold your cards up against a window or lightbox to help you see your last drawing.

Flick Book Animation: Sequence your Drawings

  • Aim for 20 or more drawings. The more the better! But keep your storyline simple.
  • When you flick your book, including extra blank cards at the end will help you flick the book.
  • Ask a friend for help in filming your animation on a phone camera, or use a small tripod. 

Making a Flick Book

Making a Flick Book

Making a Flick Book


This is a sample of a resource created by UK Charity AccessArt. We have over 1500 resources to help develop and inspire your creative thinking, practice and teaching.

AccessArt welcomes artists, educators, teachers and parents both in the UK and overseas.

We believe everyone has the right to be creative and by working together and sharing ideas we can enable everyone to reach their creative potential.

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