Plasticine Animation: Let Your Creations Come To Life

By Debbie Wilson
Debbie.Wilson@computeranimationsschoolreview.com
Computer Animations School Review Columnist

If you've ever created featureless blobs from plasticine as a child, you probably have some insight to Nick Park's world. As a plasticine animator, Park uses a remouldable clay-type substance to bring creations to life. A three-time Oscar award winner, Park is known as "plasticine man."

What Is Plasticine Animation?

You may have heard of Wallace & Gromit--Nick Park's most famous plasticine animated characters. Not only are they very "real", but with today's frame-by-frame technology, Park is able to capture nuances of expression, mannerisms, and personalities as well. That is because plasticine provides you with a very organic, subtle, and human quality. This, in turn, allows the audience to better relate and empathize with these animated characters.

Wallace & Gromit: Plasticine Icons

Wallace & Gromit were originally ideas for a student film back in 1982 in Britain. However, it took more than ten years before the animated figures were first molded from plasticine. Since then, animator Nick Park has produced these figures for three short films. Although people have been doubtful about its success, Wallace & Gromit have been cast in ten more short films and one full-length feature film. According to Nick Park, people all over Britain and the U.S. can't help but love the ever-optimistic inventor and his faithful hound.

Career as a Plasticine Animator

If you love to create masterpieces of art with blobs of clay, a career as a plasticine animator could be the one for you. Be prepared for lots of animated fun, but don't forget that plasticine animation can be a lot of hard work too. It can take a whole day to produce just two seconds of finished footage. But with animation degree fundamentals, you can create a whole world of clay to entertain for years to come.

About the Author
Debbie Wilson currently operates a lakeside resort. Her previous experience includes profitability consulting for a national healthcare company. Debbie holds a B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Physical Education.

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