Introduction: The Experimental Frame of Mind
Dirty Fingers in the Digital World
1. Finding Your Voice: The Experimental Frame of Mind in the History of Animation
Starting the Journey
The Image Stuck in Your Mind
Telling the Story
2. Lights! Camera! Animation!
Setting Up Your Studio for Under-the-Camera Animation
Lights
The Camera
Frame Capture
Additional Advice
3. A Foundation for Excellence
Art that Moves
Basic Principles of Animated Movement
Established Aesthetics
The Digital Toolbox
4. Animating With Sand and Other Powders
Notable Pioneers in Powder Animation
Setting Up the Sandy Studio
Exploring the Technique
Planning a Longer Sand Project
Compositing 101
Adding Color
Combining Sand with Other Animation Techniques
5. The Transforming Painting
Notable Pioneers in Painted Animation
Working with Materials
Setting Up the Studio
Digital Approaches to Paint-on-Glass
Green Screen
Breaking the Glass: Exploring 3D Possibilities
Additional Exercises
6. Clay Painting and Beyond
Notable Pioneers in Clay Painting
The Clay Painter’s Studio
Moving Beyond the Materials
7. Beyond the Frame
Sound Design and Music
Digital Output
Getting the Film Out
A Final Word
Appendix A: Case Studies
Loving Vincent
Truth Has Fallen
Trag/Trace/Spur
Appendix B: Artists’ Profiles