#13_Design Content for Cut-out animation

Cut-out Animation: A Timeless Technique

Cut-out animation is one of the oldest and most accessible forms of animation, known for its simplicity and versatility. As the name suggests, this technique involves using cut-out pieces of drawings—such as characters, limbs, or props—arranged on a flat surface. These pieces are manually moved and repositioned frame by frame to simulate motion, creating a unique and stylized visual experience.

This form of animation typically uses 2D characters, objects, and backgrounds made from materials like paper, cardboard, fabric, or even photographs. The components can be colorful cut-outs, hand-drawn elements, or photo-based collage pieces, giving the animation a puppet-like or 2D marionette effect. The technique allows for expressive storytelling with minimal resources.

Historically, cut-out animation played a significant role in the development of animated films. One of the earliest known feature-length animated films, created by Quirino Cristiani, was made using this technique. In fact, his work includes the world’s earliest surviving animated feature, showcasing the enduring appeal and historical importance of cut-out animation.

Technically, cut-out animation falls under the broader category of stop motion animation. While cut-out refers to the artistic and construction aspect, stop motion is the method used to capture it. The animator incrementally moves the cut-out elements under a fixed camera, capturing each change "frame by frame" in a technique often referred to as “straight-ahead animation” or “under-the-camera animation.” The entire process is done manually, relying on precision and patience to bring characters and scenes to life.

D source

https://www.dsource.in/course/cut-out-animation/cutout-manual-method/introduction

The video above was created by me on the dSource platform.