The document provides instructions for designing characters for a stop-motion claymation project. It outlines the materials needed and reviews good and poor design characteristics. Examples of poorly designed characters include those with too much confusing detail, ones that are not fully covered in clay, and those that cannot stand on their own. Well designed characters are simple, fully covered in clay, and can stand independently. The steps explain how to form a pipe cleaner skeleton and then add clay to sculpt the character.

1. Character Design Tips Created for: The Origins of Animation Unit by Amy Johnson

4. Examples of Poorly Designed Characters These characters have a lot of detail. However, in a very quick stop-motion animation a lot of these details will be confusing to the viewer. Try to keep your characters simple. Also, remember for this project we are creating NEW characters; not reproductions of current characters. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

5. Examples of Poorly Designed Characters This character is not covered with clay. He is also very small. He is not very detailed. This character does not show a lot of fore-thought. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

6. Examples of Poorly Designed Characters This character is very sloppily put together. It cannot stand on its own and must be affixed to a platform. This character looks as if the artist did not care about the project. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

7. Examples of Poorly Designed Characters This character is one that already exists. So, while it has an overall neat design etc. it would not be acceptable for this project. Also, this character cannot stand on its own, and has to be propped up against a cup. You need for your characters to be able to stand on their own. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

8. Examples of Well Designed Characters This character stands on its own and is easy to view. This means that the viewer can instantly recognize what the character is meant to represent. The design demonstrates a lot of prior thinking about the ultimate creation. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom

9. Examples of Well Designed Characters This character is a little bit sloppy, but has overall good design. The character can stand on its own and is easy to read. Image source: http://www.slideshare.net/shines/claymation-instructions-for-the-classroom