Camera less Animations

What are camera-less animations?

Before technological advances, animations were made using paper. In 1826, soon after the invention of the camera, photographers were eager to explore the brain`s ability to memorise an image for a second after it was seen (WiseGeek.com). This lead to the concept of animations, particularly the Kineograph animation (also known as a flipbook animation).

What is a Kineograph animation?

A Kineograph animation is one of the simplest forms of animation and is considered to be one of the most popular form of camera-less animations. It is created by placing a series of images on the edges of a notebook or Post-it notes and flicking through the pages quickly to make the images look as though they are moving. The popularity of the Kineograph animation grew at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, however, it remains popular among all ages today, potentially due to it`s simplicity (Flipbook.info).  It has been known to have been created from as little as a few pages to more than a hundred pages, however, according to Flipbook.info, the average kineograph animation requires around 30 pages.  The aim of the animation is to be a temporary amusement and not to last very long due to being made out of paper. Due to this, very few original kineograph animations can be found today.

Making my own

Here is a guide on how to make your own Kineograph.

You will need:

• A notebook/Post-it notes/ a pile of paper attached together 
• A pen/pencil
• An idea of what animation you would like to draw

1. Decide on whether you would like your animation to move from 'back to front' or 'front to back'

2. Draw your first image

3. Turn the page and draw the same image again however alter one aspect of the image to begin moving the animation

4. Continue step 3 untill you have a drawing on each page

5. Flip the pages