How to Make Paper Animation

This is a lesson about making simple animations using cut-paper animation. You may be familiar with paper animation from South Park or Monty Python. Paper animation is a great medium for both young and old, amatures and professional artists. That is because it is simple to learn but can be expanded to create more complicated animations. In this lesson we will learn about setting up a basic scene, using hinges, re-usable elements, replacement animation, and simple lip sync.

For this exercise you will need a digital still camera, a tripod, and a computer with software such as iMovie. In this lesson we will use iMovie, but the principles we discuss can be used with other programs too.

You may also want to watch my lesson on Claymation.

The author works as a professional animator and teacher. She received her BA in Studio Art, and her MFA in Film.

BA Studio Art, Connecticut College, 2003
MFA Film Production, University of Texas, 2007

Portfolio- JeanneStern.com

Great information about animating!

10/12/2009

~ Tracey2

A good basic introduction to animating with cut paper. Thanks very much.

Good and clear intro

01/12/2009

~ distantsignals

Very nice tutorial to start with basic animation. Thanks.

Really awesome

08/01/2008

~ matt

This does a great job of showing how paper animation works. I knew there were a lot of frames involved, but I didn't know about looping or how you can get away with so few pieces.

One of the things that really brought the clips to life was the sound. It was amazing to see how simple shots become action with a good soundtrack behind them. The great thing about this is that the final effect is really great and the techniques are simple for anyone to do ... or at least it looks that way. I'll report back when I've made something...

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Very helpful!

08/13/2009

~ ld78717

Jeanne's a great teacher.

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