I have drawn each frame using pen and ink onto A5 horizontal sheets. It's a timely process, but it's a method I know works effectively from having done it before. Here are some photographs of my method:
This is my light box and it's the special ingredient within this whole process. It shines light through underneath with a standard light bulb. The cardboard right-angle corner on the light box keeps the frames in equal position. With out these the animation would be very messy and ill-composed.
I first drew the straight line on two separate sheets to attain the flickering effect. I did this by drawing one, then put the next sheet on top whilst on the light box. I deliberately hit and miss the previous line so the flicker is emphasized. I carry on this method throughout the whole of the animation, slightly moving the lines each time. A problem I faced at the beginning was that the ink wasn't drying quickly enough. I grew impatient and kept the process going, but the wet ink from the previous drawing would inevitably make a dark patch under the sheet was drawing onto. I began using my laptop as a heater which proved successful and convenient.
As I was drawing historical figures, places and machines, I had to research some reference in order to portray them properly, otherwise they'd just be random shapes. Putting in detail, such as one of the individual's facial expressions, proved difficult a couple of times because the ink may have ran slightly more than I wanted; thus making the face appear less like them.
Now for a few previews of my frames that I have drawn to show evidence of my reference:
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| Telegraph and Telephone |
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| Thomas Hardy |
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| 19th Century Generation |
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| Thomas Edison |
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| Lyon |
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| Sean Street |
Now comes the process of editing it all into After Effects. Wish me luck!
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