How to Create Characters to Make Stop Motion Animation
Stop motion is a technique which enables you to create an illusion of movement through animation. This is done by running the frame at a continuous speed. Normally, dolls with movable joints or clay models are used in this animation technique. However, it is not necessary to have a model in every stop motion film as you can also use humans and other objects.
Whatever you use as model, it is important to give it a strong character. It can be an uphill task to create a character from scratch but a couple of tips can make things easier.
Instructions
-
1
What kind of character you want:
First of all, you should ask yourself what type of character you want to use in your animation. You must know that your character will be different for different type of films. If you are making a comic series then the appearance and personality of the character will be entirely different from a serious type of film. This step will help you to focus and understand the nature of the character. -
2
Do some research:
Next thing you should do is to read books, observe people, browse the internet and review other work to polish up your idea. However, getting inspired does not mean copying someone else. Do not lose your touch while creating a character for stop motion. -
3
Give them a personality:
After conceiving a character, you will have to give that character a personality. This includes appearance and nature. A character can be bold, shy, good, bad or anything else. You may give your character multiple personalities to make him an evil genius. Make sure you are going away from reality otherwise people will not be able to connect with your character. -
4
Think strengths and weaknesses:
Next thing you will do is to think their likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. You should remember that every character is a set of good and bad things so you can’t create a character that does not have any flaw. The truth is that these flaws will add to the character of the actor or object that you will be using for stop motion animation. -
5
Work on physical features:
Now, when you have completed your homework, it’s time to develop the physical features. As you are creating character for an animation film so you must not hesitate in exaggerating. Let your imagination guide you in deciding the appearance. The more lateral thinking, the more interesting your character will be.
