Clay animation, also known as claymation, is a stop-motion animation technique that involves using clay or plasticine to create characters and objects. It is a labor-intensive process where the animator manipulates the clay models, capturing a series of photographs or frames, and then plays them back in sequence to create the illusion of movement.
The process of clay animation starts with designing and sculpting the clay characters and props. The animator carefully molds the clay into the desired shapes and adds details such as facial features, clothing, and accessories. The characters are typically built around a wire armature for stability and poseability.
Once the clay models are ready, the animator sets up a scene and positions the characters and props on a set or a stage. The animator takes a photograph of the scene, making small adjustments to the clay models' position and expression for each frame. This process is repeated numerous times, with slight variations between frames, to create the illusion of movement.
After capturing all the necessary frames, the photographs are played back in sequence at a high speed, typically 24 frames per second, creating the illusion of fluid motion. To enhance the animation, additional techniques such as clay replacement, where different pieces of clay are swapped to create seamless transitions, can be used.
Clay animation offers a unique and tactile aesthetic. The malleability of the clay allows for expressive characters and detailed textures. The animator has control over every movement and expression, bringing the clay figures to life with personality and charm.
Clay animation has been used in various forms of media, including short films, feature films, television shows, and commercials. It has a long history, dating back to early pioneers such as Willis O'Brien and Ray Harryhausen, and continues to be a popular and captivating form of animation.
The charm and tactile nature of clay animation make it a beloved and enduring technique, captivating audiences with its whimsy, creativity, and the handmade quality that shines through in each frame.
## Image examples for the model:  > Clay Animation - Disappointment to triumph, a 3D image showing a student with a disappointed expression, an eraser erasing the low score, and rewriting it into a high score. The mood transitions from despair to triumph. The environment is a study desk with exam papers and stationery. The lighting draws attention to the erasing and rewriting of the score.  > Clay Animation - precious, tiny 3D render featuring captivating oval-shaped black eyes, light brown skin long hair woman, and a pure white background. Pay attention to the intricate details and textures to create an irresistibly cute and charming character  > Clay Animation - precious, tiny 3D render featuring captivating oval-shaped black eyes, light brown skin, and a pure white background. Pay attention to the intricate details and textures to create an irresistibly cute and charming character  > Clay Animation - cutout collage art mixed-medium in style of Christian Barthold showing an sculpted figurine model crafternoon clay troll, half painted, armatures. minimalist. key color red pink  > Clay Animation - Photo of a Artist doll made of clay. Bright background in one color. space to the left. Bright & simple image that could be used in textbooks. 3dcg. Refreshing image.  > Clay Animation - A medium film shot, of Harold, 40yr old man, glasses, and tech engineer, good looking but thin, staring mouth agape at a strange creature standing on hus desk  > Clay Animation - a cute Humanoid rock monkey avatar flying in mountain with illustration style Keith haring style whole body minimalism 3d 4k  > Clay Animation - a head and shoulder portrait in CLAYMATION of a 20 year old man on a street in the style of Tim Burton in CLAYMATION  > Clay Animation - claymation clay doh animation minimalist, white background, few elements, simplified scene of street of Paris