Camp Steel-Away Animation! Workshop [YouTube Video]

This is the fun and creative result of a cartoon animation workshop that I ran for 25 kids (ages 7+) at ArcelorMittal Dofasco's Camp Steel-Away on Wednesday, August 8, 2012.

We started the 2-hour session with a brief introduction to cartooning and animation, studying a few samples and discussing the technical aspects of how the campers would be bringing their own drawings to life. We then created a "warm-up" animation of a bouncing ball that required only 2 drawings, but still had the essence of life!

Next, we brainstormed other types of actions, like the bouncing ball, which can be looped as "cycle" animations (ex. walking, running, jumping, waving, talking, eating, swimming, etc.).  Each participant then designed their own cartoon character that they would be animating, and decided what cycle action their character would do.

Armed with their pencils, paper, and imaginations, our young aspiring animators proceeded to create their VERY FIRST cartoon character animations. Yes, most had never even attempted a flip-book before, so this was an extremely exciting experience for many! They quickly discovered and shared with one another tips & tricks on how to keep their character looking consistent (i.e., "on model") across the 5, 6, 7 ... and sometimes as many as 14 individual drawings!

As the final animations were completed, each camper took turns digitally photographing their drawings, which I then imported and compiled in Adobe Premiere Pro.

Special thanks to the Camp Steel-Away councillors for providing the colourful sequences! And an ANIMATED thanks to ALL of the campers for sharing their wonderful imaginations and enthusiasm!!

Stay Tooned!

- Mike Cope