Character Design Tips Created for: The Origins of Animation Unit by Amy Johnson

Examples of Poorly Designed Characters These characters have a lot of detail. However, in a very quick stop-motion animation a lot of these details will be confusing to the viewer. Try to keep your characters simple. Also, remember for this project we are creating NEW characters; not reproductions of current characters. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

Examples of Poorly Designed Characters This character is not covered with clay. He is also very small. He is not very detailed. This character does not show a lot of fore-thought. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

Examples of Poorly Designed Characters This character is very sloppily put together. It cannot stand on its own and must be affixed to a platform. This character looks as if the artist did not care about the project. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

Examples of Poorly Designed Characters This character is one that already exists. So, while it has an overall neat design etc. it would not be acceptable for this project. Also, this character cannot stand on its own, and has to be propped up against a cup. You need for your characters to be able to stand on their own. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

Examples of Well Designed Characters This character stands on its own and is easy to view. This means that the viewer can instantly recognize what the character is meant to represent. The design demonstrates a lot of prior thinking about the ultimate creation. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

Examples of Well Designed Characters This character is a little bit sloppy, but has overall good design. The character can stand on its own and is easy to read. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

Grading Rubric C isn’t completed at all. C isn’t completed, but is somewhat close to completion. C is mostly completed. It might need slight adjusting the day of the shooting. C is thoroughly completed and is ready to be shot for stop-animation video. Finishing C has questionable imagery C has some questionable imagery. C demonstrates good use of appropriate imagery. C demonstrates thoughtful use of appropriate imagery. Guidelines SB demonstrates only one point of view, there are no notation for sound or music. C demonstrates a somewhat thoughtful use of color and somewhat relates to the function of the character as it relates to the storyboard. C demonstrates a thoughtful use of color and mostly relates to the function of the character as it relates to the storyboard. C demonstrates a strong, thoughtful use of color and/or of the function of the character as it relates to the story board. Creativity C isn’t neatly created and is difficult to read. There is little or no effort demonstrated in its creation. C isn’t neatly created and/or is difficult to read. Doesn’t demonstrate much forward-thinking skills. C is neatly created and is easy to read. Shows forward thinking about C creation. C can easily stand. There may be some minor design issues such as wobby standing and/or busy design. C is neatly created and is easy to read. Shows forward thinking about C creation. C can easily stand. Neatness 1 2 3 4 CATEGORY