The technique of Stop Motion is where I learned the most about animation. I think it’s because you are making the changes with your hands (either by moving an object or by redrawing it) it’s so much easier to understand what’s happening than if you do it digitally. It is such a simple approach but it leads to beautiful and surprising results. And I love that it’s so imperfect and can feel handmade. Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless.
In this course, I will help you build confidence in making simple animations. We will look at examples of animations and you will learn some of the fundamentals of animations by completing a variety of short exercises.
You don’t have to be good at drawing but it helps if you enjoy drawing and are brave about making mistakes. We will use paper, objects, paint, pencil, charcoal, and salt, to create experimental animations. You will get a taste of different materials and techniques over the course, and my aim is that you will feel confident to tackle small animation projects by yourself by the end of the course.
It’ll be a small group so everyone can ask questions as we go along. We’ll make a series of very short animations during the class but you are welcome to keep practicing during the week and share your work with the class. We will be using the Padlet platform to share our work during class.
The animation will be made on your phone, using an app called Stop Motion Studio Pro (costs about €7) and you will need some basic drawing materials and a way of clamping your phone to keep it steady – so a phone clamp (not the same as a phone holder). The phone will be positioned facing down, looking at the table. A good lamp that you can point at the paper will be handy, or a lightbox. You will also need a separate screen so you can connect to Zoom and attend the class.
Your Tutor, Me – Melissa Culhane – I have a Masters in Digital Media Technology (which included animation and video production), a BA(Hons) in Animation, and I have taken various short courses in experimental animation techniques. I am currently making a short animation called Keep Going, Little Snail, funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, Creative Ireland, Donegal County Council, and Westmeath County Council. I’ve been teaching since 2012 and always strive to create a relaxed and nurturing learning environment, to enable everyone to make the most of the class.
I was hoping to run the workshop again in March but unfortunately I’ve had to postpone it due to other work commitments. But I will reschedule soon (May 2025 at the earliest).
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