This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of drawn animation techniques and, by the end of the day, you will have created your own animated sequence that will link with those produced by the rest of the group to form a longer film that can be played on a continuous loop. The film will use morphing, a technique unique to animation, in which one image transforms into another in a seamless transition before your eyes.

This is a fun, practical activity that does not require previous experience of animation or strong drawing skills - although you should be ready to spend the day making lots of drawings! You will be creating an individual sequence from a series of simple hand-drawn frames in which you can explore personal ideas, set your own challenges and work at a pace you are comfortable with, but will be part of a group collaborating to create a longer film from the separate parts. It is recommended that you bring a smart phone so that you can test and review your animation as you progress.

The course will teach you about how animation works, and you will be able to use storyboarding, key frames and in-betweens and basic animation technology, so that you can continue to develop your skills at home if you choose to do so.

Included

On this course the College will supply all of the materials including paper and drawing tools.

What students need to bring

• An object to draw that will be the basis of your animated sequence. This can be an ordinary household object such as a pair of scissors, a hand tool or a container of some kind. It is probably better to bring a couple of objects to choose from as, ideally, everyone will be drawing something different, so maybe one of your objects can be unusual or unique. Don’t choose anything too complicated, as it will be the basis for a lot of drawings, or too simple, as you need to find features that you can animate.
• A smart phone – this will be handy as you can download a free stop-motion app that will be helpful on the day and can be used afterwards. If you do bring a phone, also bring your charger, and make sure you have plenty of memory space. If you want to download software in advance and try it out before you come, some good examples are Stop-Motion Studio (Apple iOS/Android), iMotion (Apple iOs), Stop-Motion (Android, iPad).
• Also bring a USB stick or other external device (to store your films on)
• Additional drawing pencils if you already have some

Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm 
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions