Design Camp: Stop Motion Animation for 11 to 14 year olds

Using 2D techniques, participants will create backdrops for animation and learn how to use stop-motion to bring their characters to life, telling stories through movement and mark-making.

After an introduction to the project, there will be a visit to our exhibition, The World of Tim Burton, where participants will draw and take note of characters, stories, backdrops and props that inspire them, before returning to the studio to delve deeper into why they were drawn to certain things.

Using their findings as inspiration, they will begin to think about what their characters might be like: Who are they? And why have they appeared in our fantasy worlds?

Participants will then come up with a short background story along with character turnarounds and storyboards before getting crafty and bringing their characters to life in 2D puppet form. They will also create scenes for the backdrops and any additional props needed to tell their short stories. Using Stop Motion Studio on iPads, participants will learn how to shoot their short films, adding their chosen soundtrack inspired by Tim Burton’s musical choices. Frame by frame, their characters will move through scenes, interacting with other participant’s characters to tell the stories devised earlier in the session. The day will end with a screening and celebration of the day's work.

Learning outcomes

• Learning about the world of Tim Burton

• Learning how to storyboard and build a character profile for animation

• Learning how to make 2D animation puppets

• Learning how to make dynamic backgrounds for storytelling

• Creating a stop-motion animations using an iPad

• Working as a team to produce a stop-motion project

Please note:

• This workshop includes a short visit to our exhibition, The World of Tim Burton.

• Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

• This workshop is suitable for ages 11–14.

• All equipment, materials and light refreshments will be provided, but participants will need to bring a packed lunch.

– All participants must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. You will be greeted and signed in by a member of our team

– If you would like to let us know about any access requirements, including neurodiversity, there is the option to notify us at the ticket checkout

– If your child receives additional support in their formal education setting, you are welcome to bring a carer/additional adult at no cost, but we are unable to provide 1:1 support

– Please note that the content has been tailored to a specific age group. Participants older or younger than the specified age range might struggle to engage with the group or follow the session

– We ask all bookers to provide an emergency contact name and number. Please ensure that this person is available for the duration of the workshop

– If you have any questions, please contact learning@designmuseum.org

Background image: Design Museum archives.