Cut Paper Collage Drawing Combo

Background for Pivot Animation

© Jo Murphy

Dec 8, 2006

When planning the background for a Pivot Animation or for backdrops for the Characters in Comic Strips Art Teachers need to keep things simple. There are many ways to create backgrounds but cut paper is one of the simplest it is outlined below.

Torn or cut paper technique is good because

1. large areas of colour can be created quickly
2. large areas of flat colour appeal to the eye of a digital camera or scanner
3. children gain understanding of cut paper animation
4. drawing can be combined to create depth, texture and tonal values
5. it is versatile ideal for group work
6. it is quick, simple. no mess, no fuss and clean up is easy

The process

1. decide on a theme
2. draw a design softly with pencil whisper lines
3. tear or cut the paper
4. lay it out and shuffle
5. glue the pieces down
6. rescue the outlines with a black felt tipped pen / lines must be clear
7. for shadow either tear darker paper approximately to that shape or shade with colours, pencil or felt tipped pens
8. leave some of the pieces roughly glued into place as this will create a 3d effect for the camera.
9. experiment with texture eg. cotton wool for clouds This will be a convincing animation background

Digitalisation

1. take a digital shot or scan it when you are sure the glue is dry
2. for scanners the area can be no more than the size of the scanner bed
3. if you are using a camera any size will work for you
4. I suggest a camera is more versatile
5. import to Photoshop or Photoshop Elements and crop until neat
6. amplify the effect by burning or dodging areas that you would like to highlight or accentuate
7. save as a smaller file (500 * 500points is good for PIVOT)
8. Import to PIVOT
9. Once the background is in place the children can create a simple PIVOT animation within that space

This is a very simple and quick exercise.

1. If you a short on time
2. the children can collectively decide on their script for Pivot.
3. One group can create the Pivot animation
4. whilst the others perfect the back ground
5. Here is another suggestion if some children would like to explore another way of making back grounds

If you have examples of Pivot Animations or Characters in Comic Strips please post your work to the discussion boards. If you need assistance with this ask on the discussion boards and we can start dialogue about any problems encountered.

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