Creative News

Every great stop-motion character is defined by the "bones" hidden beneath its skin. From the budget-friendly flexibility of aluminium wire to the mechanical precision of stainless steel ball and socket joints, your choice of armature dictates how your puppet moves, holds a pose, and survives the rigors of a long shoot. Dive into our comprehensive guide to stop-motion armatures, explore the pros and cons of each build, and learn the "Golden Rule" of puppet construction to ensure your characters never snap mid-scene.

Richard Williams didn't just animate; he taught the world how to move. From his Oscar-winning work on Roger Rabbit to his legendary book The Animator's Survival Kit, we look at the man who saved traditional animation secrets for the next generation.

Chris Christoforou is an international name in wildlife art, but his roots lie in the commercial world of animation paint. Learn how Chris used his expertise to help Chromacolour transition from the film studio to the fine art gallery, and how he uses those same pigments today to capture the majesty of the world's big cats.

Before you start drawing animation frames, you need the right sized paper. We dive into the technical world of animation paper sizes, explaining the difference between the field standards, and why "safe areas" are the secret to a professional frame.

From the dojo to the animation desk, Karen Kelly captures the raw energy of movement. Explore how this "Old Skool" animator uses traditional techniques and Japanese inspiration to create action-packed art that truly kicks.

Before they were gallery-worthy collectibles, animation cels were considered office waste. We explore the chaotic history of studio "cel parties," why millions ended up in the skip, and why the few that survived are now true treasures.

Happy Donald Duck Day! Today we are looking back at the golden era of hand-painted cel animation to explore how a short-fused duck with a classic sailor suit became an ironic, deeply relatable icon of modern pop culture.

Netflix is weaving AI directly into the 2D animation pipeline. The aim is to speed up development, in-betweens, cleanup, and compositing. All hopefully without removing artists from the driver’s seat. The promise is faster turnarounds and bigger scope for smaller teams. The risk is polishing off the hand-drawn charm that we love in 2D animation. The likely outcome? A hybrid future where strong visual bibles and human guidance of AI-assisted tools, bring drawings to life, one frame at a time.

Colour is more than just a visual experience; it is a sophisticated language that blends scientific physics with deep emotional psychology. From Sir Isaac Newton’s first spectrum to the harmonious palettes used in modern animation, understanding colour theory is the key to creating visual impact. Whether you are exploring complementary contrasts or the calming effect of analogous hues, join us as we delve into the "Art and Science" of the colour wheel and discover how to wield the power of pigment in your own creative work.