LESSON 7 FLIPPBOOK MAKING COURSE CODE: EANI0323
Objectives: 1. Understand the historical significance and evolution of flipbooks. 2. Apply key principles and techniques of flipbook animation. 3. Develop creativity and storytelling skills through flipbook creation. Pre Assessment 1. That is the name of the device that allows users to view flipbook animations more easily by flipping a lever? a) Kineograph b) Mutoscope c) Praxinoscope d) Zoetrop 2. Who is often considered the father of the modern flipbook due to his work in motion photography? a) Eadweard Muybridge b) Thomas Edison c) George Méliès d) Walt Disney 3. Which of the following artists is known for their creative use of flipbooks in their artwork? a) Vincent van Gogh b) Leonardo da Vinci c) Pablo Picasso d) Georges Méliès 4. What is the primary difference between a flipbook and a zoetrope? a) A zoetrope is electronic, while a flipbook is analog. b) A flipbook is handheld, while a zoetrope requires a viewing device. c) A flipbook contains more images than a zoetrope. d) A zoetrope uses a different principle of motion perception. 5.Which of the following is not an example of a popular flipbook animation theme? a) Jumping frog b) Running horse c) Dancing ballerina d) Flying spaceship
History of Flipbook With their simple but charming form of animation, Flipbooks became one of the biggest selling optical toys in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The books are designed so that each page’s image advances the scene from the previous page; when the pages are thumbed rapidly the sequence becomes animated due to the persistence of vision. The flip book looks like a small notebook – originally stapled, mostly bound today- that you hold in one hand while you flip over the pages with the thumb of the other hand, either from front to back or from back to front. They are also called flick books, thumb books, or hand cinemas. Flipbook animation has been around for over 150 years. Pierre-Hubert Desvignes is credited with creating a version of the flipbook around 1860, though John Barnes Linnett, a British lithograph printer, was the first to patent the design. Linnett’s flipbook debuted in 1868 and was called the kineograph, which is Latin for “moving picture.” Shortly after the flipbook’s debut, English-American photographer Eadweard Muybridge developed a way to make his own flipbook by setting up a camera rig to take multiple pictures at rapid speed, that when viewed in sequence produced a moving image. The flipbook continued to evolve, with American inventor Herman Casler developing a mechanical version called the mutoscope, which used a Rolodex-like mechanism rather than a book to produce the animation. Flipbooks set the groundwork for film as they projected moving scenes on paper, which eventually evolved into moving scenes projected on to a screen—what we know as film today. Easy to manufacture and made of photographs or lithographs (drawings), toyshops or joke shops sold them. Thanks to their low cost to produce, they were often offered as promotional gifts. Flipbooks were popularized in the early 1900’s by the Cracker Jack Company who gave them away as free in-pack prizes. Other marketers soon followed suit with flipbooks, including manufacturers of bubble gum, cigarettes, automobiles and snack foods. Then, in the 1960′s, innovative marketers from Disney, Gillette, McDonald’s, Post Cereals, Canada Dry, Ford (and others) resurrected the flipbook animation trend, creatively using flip books as novelties, interactive brochures, and promotional giveaways to promote their products. But unfortunately, that trend ended in the 1970’s in favor of new “interactive multimedia” technologies that began to take the spotlight. Because they were never meant to be kept and were cheaply produced, it is very hard to find flipbooks in good conditions and to archive them. The magic of a flipbook touches everybody, no matter the age. As you do not need peculiar knowledge to use it, it has a universal characteristic . Here's a brief overview of the history of flipbooks:
1. Predecessors: The concept of creating motion through sequential images can be traced back to ancient times. In China, around the 2nd century BC, a device called the "Zoetrope" was developed. It consisted of a rotating drum with vertical slits, and when images were placed inside the drum, spinning it would create an animated effect. 2. Early Development: The precursor to the modern flipbook can be found in the late 18th century. John Barnes Linnett, an English inventor, created the "kineograph" in 1868. It was a device with a strip of paper attached to two spools, which could be turned by hand, allowing the images on the paper to move. 3. First Patent: The first known patent for a flipbook-like device was granted to John Barnes Linnett in 1868, who described it as a "moving picture book." His invention was similar to a modern flipbook, consisting of a series of images bound together in a book format. 4. Commercialization: The concept of flipbooks gained popularity in the late 19th century and early 20th century. They were used for entertainment and as promotional items. Companies started producing flipbooks with various themes, including cartoons, humor, and advertising. 5. Popularization: Flipbooks became widely popular during the early 20th century as a form of inexpensive entertainment. They were commonly found in amusement parks, circuses, and arcades. Many artists and animators also used flipbooks as a way to experiment with animation techniques. 6. Technological Advancements: With the advancement of technology, flipbooks evolved as well. In the 20th century, advancements in printing and mass production techniques made it easier to create and distribute flipbooks on a larger scale. 7. Persistence in the Digital Age: Despite the rise of digital animation, flipbooks have not become obsolete. In fact, they have experienced a resurgence in popularity as a nostalgic and tangible form of animation. Artists and enthusiasts continue to create and share flipbooks both in physical and digital formats. The flipbook's long history showcases its enduring appeal as a simple yet captivating medium for creating the illusion of motion. It has served as a foundation for the development of more complex animation techniques and continues to inspire artists and animators today. Theories and principles of Flipbook The creation and functioning of a flipbook are based on certain theories and principles that contribute to its animation and illusion of motion. Here are some key theories and principles related to flipbooks: 1. Persistence of Vision: The flipbook relies on the principle of persistence of vision, which is the phenomenon where the human eye retains an image for a fraction of a second after it disappears. When a series of images in a flipbook is flipped quickly, the persistence of vision makes them blend together, creating the perception of continuous motion. 2. Frame Rate: The frame rate is the speed at which the images in a flipbook are flipped. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the animation appears. A higher number of images per
second creates a more seamless motion, while a lower frame rate may result in a choppier animation. 3. Keyframes: In flipbook animation, keyframes are the individual images that represent significant moments or key positions in the sequence of motion. These frames establish the starting and ending points of a movement, and the transition between keyframes gives the illusion of continuous motion. 4. Timing and Spacing: The timing and spacing of the images in a flipbook are crucial for creating a realistic sense of movement. Proper timing involves determining the duration of each frame and how long it remains visible before moving to the next frame. Spacing refers to the distribution of keyframes to create a smooth flow of motion. Varying the timing and spacing can influence the speed, rhythm, and emphasis of the animation. 5. Motion Arcs: Motion arcs refer to the curved paths that objects or characters follow when they move. In flipbook animation, creating smooth motion arcs adds realism and fluidity to the animation. By carefully designing the trajectory of an object or character across keyframes, the illusion of natural movement can be achieved. 6. Secondary Action: Secondary action involves incorporating additional movements or actions that complement the primary motion in a flipbook. It adds depth and richness to the animation, making it more dynamic and engaging. Secondary actions can include reactions, gestures, or movements that support or enhance the primary movement. 7. Timing Charts: Timing charts, also known as exposure sheets or dope sheets, are often used in flipbook animation. They provide a visual representation of the timing and duration of each frame, allowing animators to plan and organize the sequence of images more effectively. These theories and principles form the foundation of creating successful flipbook animations. Understanding and applying these concepts can help animators create more compelling and realistic motion in their flipbook sequences. Supplies Needed -Stack of paper like sticky notes, index cards, or a small notepad -Pencil, pens, and colors -Tape or stapler -Lightbox (optional)
Step 1 Get a thick stack of paper. You’ll need a thick stack of small pieces of paper, like sticky notes, notepad paper, or index cards—the kind of paper that is conducive to page-flipping. Most standard flipbooks contain approximately 60 images, but you can use as many as you need to tell your story. Step 2 Think of a story. The best stories for flipbooks are simple motions like: a wheel rolling across the page, a frown turning into a smile, a person doing jumping jacks, or a flower growing. Step 3 Start at the bottom right. The last sheet of paper in your stack will be the first image of your flipbook. Use a pencil to draw your image towards the bottom right of your paper stack so you can see it when you start to flip. If you draw your image too close to the spine of your book, it won’t be visible while flipping. Step 4 Draw the next image. The card on top of your bottom sheet will be your second sequence. Draw the sequence in the same area as the previous sequence, but change its movement slightly. You can place a lightbox beneath the stack of paper to see the initial image better, creating a tracing paper effect. Step 5 Continue the process. Each subsequent piece of paper should contain a slightly changed image of the one you drew before so that the images form fluid, consecutive movements— images should not jump across the page or suddenly move out of sequence. Step 6 Polish and enhance. After illustrating the animation sequence on your sheets of paper, you can enhance it with markers, ink, or other coloring tools. Keep your designs consistent to present a continuous sequence as you flip through the book. Step 7 Hold the flipbook in your right hand. Flip all the pages up with your left hand then let them go one by one to watch the action. Once everything is in order use tape or a stapler to secure the pages. Add a title page to the top and enjoy! Note you can also use a series of photographs to make a flipbook. Tips and techniques in making flipbook 1. Plan Your Animation: Before starting your flipbook, it's helpful to plan out your animation sequence. Decide on the action or movement you want to depict and break it down into keyframes. Consider the timing, spacing, and flow of the animation. Sketching out a storyboard or rough sketches can help you visualize the sequence before committing to the final flipbook. 2. Start Simple: If you're new to flipbook animation, it's best to start with simple movements and shorter sequences. This allows you to practice the basics and get a feel for the medium. As you gain experience, you can gradually tackle more complex animations and longer sequences. 3. Use Reference: When animating realistic movements, reference materials such as videos or photos can be invaluable. Study the motion you want to recreate and analyze the key poses and positions. Observing real-life movement can help you capture the essence and dynamics of your animation.
4. Focus on Fluidity: Smooth and fluid motion is key to creating an engaging flipbook animation. Pay attention to the spacing and transitions between keyframes. Aim for consistent spacing to achieve a seamless flow. Avoid abrupt changes or gaps between frames that can disrupt the illusion of motion. 5. Experiment with Timing: Timing is crucial in animation. Varying the duration of each frame can create different effects. Shorter intervals between frames produce faster motion, while longer intervals create slower motion. Play around with the timing to achieve the desired effect and add a sense of rhythm to your animation. 6. Add Secondary Actions: Secondary actions can enhance the realism and interest of your flipbook animation. Consider incorporating additional movements or reactions that support the main action. These secondary actions can bring your animation to life and make it more engaging. 7. Test and Refine: As you work on your flipbook, periodically test it by flipping through the pages to see how the animation looks. This allows you to identify any issues, such as gaps, jumpy motion, or inconsistencies. Make necessary adjustments or corrections to improve the overall quality of your animation. 8. Consider Materials: While traditional flipbooks are often created using paper, you can experiment with different materials to add visual interest and texture. Try using colored paper, cardstock, or even sticky notes to create unique effects or layers in your animation. 9. Share and Seek Feedback: Once your flipbook is complete, share it with others and seek feedback. Sharing your work can provide valuable insights and perspectives that can help you grow as an animator. Listen to constructive criticism and use it to improve your future flipbook creations. Remember, practice is key to improving your flipbook animation skills. The more you experiment and create, the more you'll develop your own style and techniques. Have fun and enjoy the process of bringing your animations to life! Learning Activity 1 Title: Create Your Own Flipbook Animation Objective: To learn about the history, principles, and techniques of flipbook animation by creating a simple flipbook animation. Materials Needed: • Stack of small, blank papers (sticky notes, index cards, or notepad paper) • Pencil, pens, and coloring tools • Tape or stapler • Optional: Lightbox or tracing paper Instructions: 1. Planning and Storyboarding
• Think of a simple story or motion they would like to depict in your flipbook. It could be a bouncing ball, a character waving, or any other basic movement. • Sketh out your animation sequence on a separate sheet of paper, creating a storyboard. They should break down the movement into keyframes and plan the timing and spacing between frames. 2. Creating the Flipbook • Start at the bottom right corner of the stack and draw the first keyframe of their animation. Remind them to leave enough space for the image to be visible while flipping. • Moving up the stack, draw the subsequent frames, making slight changes to depict the motion or movement. Emphasize the importance of consistency and smooth transitions between frames. • If available, used lightbox or placing a sheet of tracing paper between each page to create a guide for drawing subsequent frames. • Once the animation sequence is complete, you can enhance your drawings with coloring tools to make their flipbook visually appealing. 3. Assembling and Testing the Flipbook • Hold your flipbook in your right hand and use your left hand to flip the pages upward. • Test your flipbooks by rapidly flipping through the pages to see the animation in motion. Make any necessary adjustments or refinements if the animation appears choppy or inconsistent. • Once satisfied with the animation, you can secure the pages together using tape or a stapler. They can also add a title page to the top of the flipbook. 4. Sharing and Reflection • Provide an opportunity for learners to share their flipbook animations with the class or in small groups. Encourage them to explain their chosen motion and discuss the techniques they used to create the illusion of movement. • Facilitate a discussion about the learning experience. Ask questions such as: • What challenges did you encounter while creating the flipbook animation? • What did you learn about the principles and techniques of flipbook animation? • How does the flipbook demonstrate the persistence of vision? • How could you apply the principles and techniques of flipbook animation in other forms of animation or storytelling?
Summary of the lesson Flipbooks are a popular form of animation that originated in the late 19th century. They consist of a series of images that, when flipped rapidly, create the illusion of motion due to the persistence of vision. Flipbooks were widely sold as optical toys and promotional items and played a significant role in the development of early animation and film. The history of flipbooks dates back to ancient times, with early predecessors like the Chinese "Zoetrope." The modern flipbook was patented by John Barnes Linnett in 1868 and gained popularity as an inexpensive form of entertainment. Flipbooks evolved with advancements in technology and printing techniques. The principles behind flipbook animation include persistence of vision, frame rate, keyframes, timing and spacing, motion arcs, secondary action, and the use of timing charts. Understanding these principles is essential for creating realistic and engaging flipbook animations. The process of making a flipbook involves using a stack of paper, drawing a sequence of images that progressively change, and flipping through the pages to see the animation in motion. Planning the animation, starting with simple movements, experimenting with timing and spacing, and adding secondary actions are useful tips for creating compelling flipbook animations. Despite the rise of digital animation, flipbooks have maintained their appeal as a tangible and nostalgic form of animation. Sharing and seeking feedback on flipbook creations can help improve skills and develop a personal style. Practice and experimentation are key to mastering the art of flipbook animation. Post Assessment 1. Who is credited with creating a version of the flipbook around 1860? a) Pierre-Hubert Desvignes b) John Barnes Linnett c) Eadweard Muybridge d) Herman Casler 2. What was the first patented flipbook-like device called? a) Kineograph b) Mutoscope c) Zoetrope d) Flipbook 3. Which principle does the flipbook rely on to create the illusion of motion? a) Persistence of Vision
b) Frame Rate c) Keyframes d) Motion Arcs 4. How many images per second are recommended for a smoother animation in a flipbook? a) 10 b) 24 c) 60 d) 100 5. What is the term for the individual images that represent key moments in a flipbook sequence? a) Keyframes b) Secondary Actions c) Timing Charts d) Motion Arcs 6. What is the purpose of secondary actions in flipbook animation? a) To enhance the realism and interest b) To control the frame rate c) To create motion arcs d) To determine the timing and spacing 7. Which term refers to the curved paths that objects or characters follow when they move in a flipbook animation? a) Persistence of Vision b) Frame Rate c) Keyframes d) Motion Arcs 8. What are timing charts, exposure sheets, or dope sheets used for in flipbook animation? a) Planning and organizing the sequence b) Enhancing the animation with colors c) Creating secondary actions d) Determining the frame rate 9. What type of paper is commonly used for creating flipbooks? a) Sticky notes b) Cardstock
c) Tracing paper d) Construction paper 10. Which company popularized flipbooks in the early 1900s by giving them away as free in-pack prizes? a) Cracker Jack Company b) Disney c) McDonald's d) Canada Dry 11. What is the precursor to the modern flipbook called, developed in the late 18th century? a) Zoetrope b) Kineograph c) Mutoscope d) Flipbook 12. What is the primary principle behind flipbook animation? a) Persistence of Vision b) Frame Rate c) Keyframes d) Secondary Actions 13. What is the recommended starting point for drawing the first image of a flipbook? a) Top left corner b) Bottom left corner c) Top right corner d) Bottom right corner 14. How many images are typically found in a standard flipbook? a) 10 b) 24 c) 60 d) 100 15. Which term refers to the distribution of keyframes to create a smooth flow of motion in a flipbook animation? a) Persistence of Vision b) Frame Rate
c) Timing and Spacing d) Secondary Action Performance Task Title: Flipbook Creation and Reflection Task Description: Rely on your Activity create a video reflection on the process and the scientific principles behind the flipbook animation effect. Rubrics: Creativity and Design (30 points) • The flipbook demonstrates unique and visually appealing designs. • Complementary images are well chosen and effectively displayed. • Creative elements, colors, and details enhance the overall design. Craftsmanship and Presentation (25 points) • The flipbook is neatly assembled with secure attachments. • Images are drawn or printed clearly and centered on the disc. • The animation effect effectively. Understanding of Scientific Principles (30 points) • Reflection demonstrates a clear understanding of persistence of vision and phi phenomenon. • The explanation of how these principles contribute to the flipbook animation effect is accurate and detailed. • Connections are made between the scientific principles and the observed animation effect. Reflection and Analysis (15 points) • Reflection demonstrates thoughtful analysis of the flipbook creation process. • Student identifies challenges encountered and strategies used to overcome them. • Insightful connections are made between the experience of creating a flipbook and the historical significance of early animation devices. Answer Key Pre Assessment 1. B 2. A 3. C 4. B 5. D
Post Assessment 1. A 2. A 3. A 4. B 5. A 6. A 7. D 8. A 9. B 10. A 11. A 12. A 13. D 14. C 15. C