Experiment With Animation

Dig into one or more aspects of animation that interest you. You might create a storyboard, character sketches, scenic designs, and/or an animated short.

• Research each area of animation that you’d like to explore. Learn what’s involved and make a plan.
• Decide what narrative you’ll share in your work. Make notes and sketches to figure out the best way to convey your ideas.
• Adopt a visual style. It might be realistic, stylized, cartoon-like, or even abstract.
• Develop your ideas—from written notes to rough sketches to polished work.

Don’t feel limited if you don’t have access to animation software. Create handdrawn storyboards, character sketches, and scenic designs. Or experiment with stop-motion animation using a camera.

Before you begin, check out these examples by Peter Yuscavage’s students at Jersey City Arts in Jersey City, New Jersey!

Prepared by: Peter Yuscavage, Jersey City Arts, Jersey City, New Jersey