Stop-Motion Animation: Spare Part Bots Project inspired by Lenny...
The photographer only known as "Lenny" produced 170 of these little still life photographs between 2007 and 2012. His blog is an amazing collection of interesting photographs, funny writings, and a creative collaboration between Lenny and his followers. Spare Part Bots are just one of his best undertakings, and is the inspiration for this project.
There are many things to consider when planning your bot project: There must be a clear, almost cliche or stereotypical action occurring in order for the viewer to understand what is happening. If it is unclear exactly what is happening in the animation, the viewer will quickly dismiss it and move to the next thing. This is the definition of an unsuccessful photograph.
Here are a few suggestions for creating a successful bot project:
1. Sketch your ideas out on paper, creating a storyboard...pencils erase easier than small parts become unglued, so don't start building until you have a clear idea of what your animation is going to do. Nudge and noodle your idea until it becomes clear and easily described to others. An example of this is sketching a bot walking a dog. However, you would want to add another level of depth to the idea...What else do people who walk dogs do? They pick up poop with plastic bags...pull the leash back when their dog tries to chase a squirrel...tug the leash when the dog gets tired and lays down in the middle of the walk...they do lots of things when you think about it.
2. Scour out parts for your bot and its props. Don't settle for just using whatever is in front of you...really look for parts that work. Don't modify parts in an unnatural way. For example, don't try to bend something into a shape when it clearly isn't supposed to be that shape...keep looking for that shape! Feel free to modify your idea if you find something that naturally fits better into your project. If your bot is planning on riding a skateboard, and you find a part that lends itself to becoming a surfboard...go for it.
3. Build your bot and the props in a slow, methodic manner. Fit parts together before gluing them. Use the least amount of glue as necessary. Trim away excess glue so that the finished bot shows no visible traces of it. Rework and refine your bot and props as many times as necessary. Remember to work in a support system for bots that will be standing, running, sitting, etc. The success of the final photographs will be dependent on the craftsmanship of the assembly of its parts. If it is sloppily put together, it will look even more sloppy when you photograph it up close. Remember that you will be viewing the bots at several times their original size, which will either emphasize your careful work, or exaggerate your sloppy work.
4. Build a set that best fits your bot and props. Keep it as simple as possible, as the above image demonstrates. A busy set is a confusing set, and a confusing set distracts the viewers attention away from your bot's activities.
5. Shoot your Stop Motion Animation! We'll do this together the first few times...
There are many things to consider when planning your bot project: There must be a clear, almost cliche or stereotypical action occurring in order for the viewer to understand what is happening. If it is unclear exactly what is happening in the animation, the viewer will quickly dismiss it and move to the next thing. This is the definition of an unsuccessful photograph.
Here are a few suggestions for creating a successful bot project:
1. Sketch your ideas out on paper, creating a storyboard...pencils erase easier than small parts become unglued, so don't start building until you have a clear idea of what your animation is going to do. Nudge and noodle your idea until it becomes clear and easily described to others. An example of this is sketching a bot walking a dog. However, you would want to add another level of depth to the idea...What else do people who walk dogs do? They pick up poop with plastic bags...pull the leash back when their dog tries to chase a squirrel...tug the leash when the dog gets tired and lays down in the middle of the walk...they do lots of things when you think about it.
2. Scour out parts for your bot and its props. Don't settle for just using whatever is in front of you...really look for parts that work. Don't modify parts in an unnatural way. For example, don't try to bend something into a shape when it clearly isn't supposed to be that shape...keep looking for that shape! Feel free to modify your idea if you find something that naturally fits better into your project. If your bot is planning on riding a skateboard, and you find a part that lends itself to becoming a surfboard...go for it.
3. Build your bot and the props in a slow, methodic manner. Fit parts together before gluing them. Use the least amount of glue as necessary. Trim away excess glue so that the finished bot shows no visible traces of it. Rework and refine your bot and props as many times as necessary. Remember to work in a support system for bots that will be standing, running, sitting, etc. The success of the final photographs will be dependent on the craftsmanship of the assembly of its parts. If it is sloppily put together, it will look even more sloppy when you photograph it up close. Remember that you will be viewing the bots at several times their original size, which will either emphasize your careful work, or exaggerate your sloppy work.
4. Build a set that best fits your bot and props. Keep it as simple as possible, as the above image demonstrates. A busy set is a confusing set, and a confusing set distracts the viewers attention away from your bot's activities.
5. Shoot your Stop Motion Animation! We'll do this together the first few times...
