HOW TO animate using a FLIP BOOK

First things first! What do we mean by analog?
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​Analog is defined as not involving or relating to the use of computer technology, when there is also a contrasting digital equivalent. In other words, analog = old school! 
Materials: 
  • 5” x 7” blank index cards, 10-20 cards per flip book
  • Binder clip 
  • Drawing utensils (thick markers will show up best!)​
Think of a simple object that will be easy to draw repeatedly (i.e. a ball, star, kite, flower, etc.). Then consider picking from this list of movement prompts below to inspire how this object will move from page to page.
  • Shaking: up and down/ side to side movement
  • Growing: slightly larger scaling of subject with each frame
  • Melting: gradual loss of general shape, flattening of subject into puddle
  • Swimming: combination of slight up and down and fast bubbles passing by
  • Inflating: Gradual change to rounded or blown up effect on subject 
  • Popping: Small increase in size, immediate frame jump to scattered pieces
  • Blinking: Alternating between two very different images 
  • Smiling: Increased curvature of ends of mouth or lips upward, teeth show
  • Bouncing: Arching towards “ground” flattening shortly, soaring upward
  • Clumping: Multitude of objects joining together, smushing, releasing softly

Video tutorial

Here is a link to our video tutorial on how to make a flip book. 

written directions

On the right half of a blank index card, draw your object. On another card, draw the same object again but manipulate it slightly (add to it, change the placement of an object, etc.). Remember your movement prompt! Note: a more drastic change will make it “move faster.”

Continue this process for at least 10 drawings until you feel the motion is complete. The more cards used, the easier it will be to see the motion, so feel free to make a lot!

​Once your drawings are complete, stack the index cards in order with the first drawing on top, last on bottom, and attach the binder clip to the left side of the stack. Flip through your book and watch your drawings come to life!
Want to turn your flip book into a digital animation? Visit the next page!