Researching Animations [Flip Book]

Like many media products there are numerous categories and sub-categories in which animations are divided into, but I have decided to look at the most recognisable ones for my research. The four animation styles are:

• Flip Book
• Stop –Motion
• 2D
• 3D

Flip Book

The process of a flip book animation involves drawing numerous images on numerous pages. Depending on the duration of the story this may take a lot of drawing. Each page will represent a single frame and bearing in mind that movies are usually produced between 24 to 30 frames per second this would require a lot of drawing. However, flip books are able to use a lesser amount of frames, approximately 5 to 15 frames per second. If for example I wanted to create a flip book which tells a story which lasts for 3 minutes I would have to draw between 900-2700 images.

5 frames per second x 60 seconds (per minute) x 3 minutes (duration of the story) = 900 images

15 frames per second x 60 seconds (pre minute) x 3 minutes (duration of the story) = 2700 images

The process would involve having a stack of paper which is securely fastened together, which is big enough to draw an image but small enough to hold so that it is easy to flip the pages. The most effective way is for the bottom of the stack to have a rigid base. This will enable sturdiness to the flip book when it is being used. A flexible top cover will enable the pages to flip with more fluidity.

The first frame (image) of the story will be drawn at the bottom of the stack, with the proceeding images on the preceding pages of the stack. In essence the start of the story is at the bottom of the stack of paper and the end of the story is at the top of the stack of paper.  

The skill involved in creating a flip book is to ensure that the images drawn clearly. Also each movement of the characters or moving objects need to be in a slightly different position, and static objects to remain in the same position, on each page to give the sense of movement.

To gain some inspiration to flip book animations I looked at some examples to see how much detail went into them.

Matrix Style Flip Book Animation

With this flip book using effectively black and white lines it can be seen a simplistic. However, the attention to detail is very high. An example is the drawings of the gun at the start of the flip book, particularly the chamber and the bullets. Further detail can be seen around 42 seconds when the bullet passes through the balloon.

Goku vs Superman Flip Book Animation

The use of colour impressed my with this flip book, while at the same time keeping the background in black and white. This enable the viewer to keep focused on the story between the two characters without having the background distracting the audience. However, what the background did add was depth and dimension to the scene in which the story was being told.

Michael Jackson Flip Book Animation

Although this flip book may appear to be simplistic in terms of its visual style it has dealt with pace well. Michael Jackson at his best was a very accomplished dancer in which he moved fast. There are sections throughout this where the pace of the “dancing” transitions from slow movements into faster movements. This, in my opinion, has not been achieved by flicking the pages slower or faster when needed but by the way the images have been drawn onto the page.

Best Skills of Christiano Ronaldo Flip Book Animation

This flip book has been created by replicating footage from professional football matches. For this to work the creator of this flip book has had to ensure that the pace is correct throughout as well as the attention to detail. As these scenes are iconic amongst football fans, especially those of Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Portugal the creator has ensured that it remained true to the footage.

Of course what these videos have that a flip book wouldn’t have, is sound. Sound has been added for the purpose of people viewing these online, but if I were to see them and handle them physically I would certainly be even more impressed and in awe of the quality of this work.

If I were to create a project using flip book animation I would first have to ensure that I can draw to a standard that is engaging and interesting with attention to detail. The thought of using stick men is unacceptable as I am a university degree student and not a pupil at an infant school.

Below are some sketches and attempted drawings to see if I am able to create work of a high quality that would be need to attempt to create a flip book.

The first sketch is supposed to be of a chair. The bottom sketch is also of a chair with some people in the background... -  Yeah, I know!

Judging by the images shown I think it is safe to assume that I am unable to draw. I would go as far to say that I can’t even draw a straight line with a ruler – next time I’ll try using a pencil.

At this early stage of research I am making the decision not to go ahead with a flip book animation. This is because the quality of my artwork is abysmal and for a flip book to work effectively the images need to be of great detail. In addition to my decision, and as I have previously mentioned in another post, I wish to develop skills in which will benefit me when looking for future employment after my studies. As much as flip books are entertaining and, as shown in the examples of others in the videos above, I feel employers in the media industries will be looking for people with skills in hardware and software, to which I will turn my focus onto.