The Animation Project for Seniors 2023
Explore the art of storytelling through stop-motion animation!
North York Arts and the Toronto Animation Image Society have teamed up to present The Animation Project. Over the course of seven FREE workshop modules, participants ages 55+ will learn digital animation techniques, and uncover their own stories and creativity.
This program is a chance to connect with peers, channel your creative expression, and develop your digital literacy.
The Animation Project is back, and we have exciting changes for the 2023 edition that you won’t want to miss!
The program consists of 7 workshop modules running from September 4 to November 24, 2023. Explore each module in detail by clicking on the plus sign beside the module name! You will have the flexibility to sign up for multiple modules or focus on a single one. Online sessions run for two hours, in-person sessions run for four hours.
The final module will conclude with an in-person session to commemorate the end of the program and give participants the opportunity to connect.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to delve into the world of animation, learn from expert facilitators, and connect with fellow animation enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned animator or just starting your journey, The Animation Project 2023 is the perfect platform for you to explore, learn, and create!
Individual Celebrations: We’re looking forward to celebrating your achievements at the end of each module. You’ll have the opportunity to watch your animated explorations and acknowledge the progress you’ve made. Join us for the final module, with an in-person celebration to commemorate the end of the program.
Indigenous Elder Land Acknowledgement: We are honoured to commission an Indigenous Elder to record a meaningful land acknowledgement related to the art of storytelling. This will be an essential part of our program, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding.
Module 1: Foundations in Technology (Register by Aug 24)
September 5th & 7th | 6pm-8pm | Online
1) September 5th @ 6pm-8pm:
Digital Literacy + Me
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom and a smartphone.
This workshop is all about getting comfortable with a virtual community and environment. We will explore different platforms, terminology, and file-sharing spaces. We will also review best practices for photo and video capturing on a smartphone.
2) September 7th @ 6 pm-8 pm: DIY At Home Studio Setups
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom, a smartphone, something to hold your device in place (tripod, selfie stick, mount, stack of books, cardboard box, edge of a desk etc.) tape.
Learn how to make your own tripod or set up a reliable studio space at home for photography or animation! Join us as we discuss studio equipment like lighting, camera, and tripods/mounts. As well as DIY solutions for at-home studio spaces on a budget.
Sign up for this module!Module 2: Animation Basics (Register by Aug 31)
September 12th, 14th, 19th + 21st @ 6pm-8pm | Online
1) September 12th @ 6pm-8pm: Introduction to Frame by Frame Art Making (Online)
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom, paper, scissors, tape, markers/pencil, a straw, chopstick, skewer or stick.
We will begin to explore the wonderful world of Stop Motion Animation in this introductory workshop. Covering the history, terminology and basics of this diverse and unique medium where the possibilities are endless.
2) September 14th @ 6pm-8pm: Animation Principles 1 (Online)
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom, a smartphone with the free Stop Motion Studio app and something to hold your device in place (tripod, selfie stick, mount, stack of books, cardboard box, edge of a desk etc.) tape and some found objects.
In this workshop, we will focus on some foundational elements of animation and dive into “Stop Motion Studio”, a free animation app available across most platforms.
3) September 19th @ 6pm-8pm: Animation Principles 2 (Online)
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom, a smartphone with the free Stop Motion Studio app and something to hold your device in place (tripod, selfie stick, mount, stack of books, cardboard box, edge of desk etc.) Found objects, craft supplies, and or clay.
Timing and spacing are fundamental principles when it comes to animation. In this class we will uncover how these principles work and their importance when it comes to realistic animation. Additionally, we will begin to discover creative animated transitions.
4) September 21st @ 6pm-8pm: Animation Principles 3 (Online)
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom, a smartphone with the free Stop Motion Studio app and something to hold your device in place (tripod, selfie stick, mount, stack of books, cardboard box, edge of a desk etc.) Found objects, craft supplies, and or clay.
No matter what type of animation you are interested in, understanding the 12 principles of animation will help elevate your skills by creating smooth, engaging and interesting movements. Through discussion and practice, we will discover what the principles are, and how they work together.
Sign up for this module!Module 3: Storytelling (Register by Sep 14)
September 26th, 28th, October 3rd + 5th @ 6pm-8pm | Online | Max 20 participants
1) September 26th @ 6pm-8pm: Deconstructing Stories (Online)
To become better storytellers first, we must understand what different types of story structures are out there. In this class, we will explore different narrative/non-narrative storytelling formats.
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom, paper and pen/pencil.
2) September 28th @ 6pm-8pm: Creative Writing (Online)
This class is all about going beyond traditional storytelling and diving into creative writing that includes spoken word/performance, and poetry, all through a stream-of-consciousness point of view. This workshop will help get your creative ideas flowing and practice various brainstorming techniques.
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom, paper and pen/pencil.
3) October 3rd @ 6pm-8pm: Visual Storytelling (Online)
The most powerful and impactful stories are often our most personal ones. Together through discussion, we will share our cultural, and historical stories to expand our communication skills and understand different perspectives. We will then explore how language can connect to colour, texture, movement and composition and help drive our visual stories forward.
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom, paper and pen/pencil.
4) October 5th @ 6pm-8pm: Storyboarding (Online)
In this workshop, we will be joined by an animation industry professional storyboard artist who will share the ins and outs of what makes a good storyboard.
Materials + Equipment Needed: A device to host Zoom, paper and pen/pencil.
Sign up for this module!Module 4: Mixed Media Animation (Register by Sep 28)
October 14th, 21st, 28th, 31st + November 2nd | Hybrid
All in-person workshops in this module will be at TAIS (1411 Dufferin St Unit B, Toronto, ON M6H 4C7)
1) October 14th @1pm-5pm : Natural Materials (In-person)
Exploring the gathering and animating rituals of Phytograms, a technique where natural materials are used to process film and create tactical moving layered images. In this workshop we will begin by gathering natural materials from the outdoors, to then create our very own experimental film strips.
All equipment and materials will be provided.
2) October 21st @1pm-5pm: Paper puppets (In-person)
In this workshop, we will review the different types of paper puppets and learn how to make our very own, which we will later bring to life through stop-motion animation.
All equipment and materials will be provided.
3) October 28th @1pm-5pm: Pixilation (In-person)
Join us for this Halloween-themed workshop where we will expand our exploration of Pixilation (an animated technique where human beings become the life-size characters of the stories) and learn how to animate on a large scale to incorporate full-body movements while interacting with props and background elements. Participants will build their own backgrounds and then direct collaborative animated sequences.
All equipment and materials will be provided.
4) October 31st @ 6pm-8pm: Claymation (Online)
In this spooky workshop edition, we will be diving into the magical world of claymation. Bringing clay shapes and colours to life through stop motion animation and various animated transitions.
Equipment + Materials Needed: A device to host Zoom, a smartphone with the free Stop Motion Studio app and something to hold your device in place (tripod, selfie stick, mount, stack of books, cardboard box, edge of a desk etc.) clay, sculpting knives, tape and background paper.
5) November 2nd @ 6pm-8pm: Clay characters (Online)
Continuing with our exploration of clay, we will discuss clay characters and all that goes into building your own clay puppet ready for animation. Participants will have an opportunity to make their very own clay-based figures and characters.
Equipment + Materials Needed: A device to host Zoom, clay, tape, glue, scissors, sculpting knives, wire or pipe cleaners, craft supplies and fabric.
Sign up for this module!Module 5: Drawing Mediums in Animation (Register by Oct 26)
November 7th + 9th | Online
1) November 7th @ 6pm-8pm: Hand Drawn Animation (Online)
Through a hands-on approach, in this workshop, we will explore different animation techniques using pen, pencil and erasers. Participants have the opportunity to create their very own expanded flipbooks and animated sequences using hand-drawn techniques.
Equipment + Materials Needed: A device to host Zoom, a smartphone with the free Stop Motion Studio app and something to hold your device in place (tripod, selfie stick, mount, stack of books, cardboard box, edge of a desk etc.) a stack of paper, pencil, pen, eraser, or charcoal and tape.
2) November 9th @ 6pm-8pm: Frame by Frame Painting (Online)
Continuing our exploration of drawing techniques, we will practice and discuss paint as a medium to animate with. We will cover various techniques such as; paint on glass, cell painting and how colour is used to tell stories. Discover which approach you to connect with most!
Equipment + Materials Needed: A device to host Zoom, a smartphone with the free Stop Motion Studio app and something to hold your device in place (tripod, selfie stick, mount, stack of books, cardboard box, edge of a desk etc.) paper, paint, paint brushes, acetate or an empty picture frame.
Sign up for this module!Module 6: Sound for Animation (Register by Nov 2)
November 14th + 16th | Online
1) November 14th @ 6pm-8pm: Sound for animation 1 (Online)
Music plays an important role in storytelling, especially in animation. In this workshop we will dive into the use of sound in various animations, and how to capture tone, mood, and pace when pairing movement with sound.
Equipment + Materials Needed: A device to host Zoom.
2) November 16th @ 6pm-8pm: Sound for animation 2 (Online)
Sound effects are used to further engage audiences with animation and storytelling. In this workshop, we will explore how sound effects are used to highlight movement in animation, and how to source or create your very own.
Equipment + Materials Needed: A device to host Zoom, a smartphone and found objects.
Sign up for this module!Module 7: Out of the Box (Register by Nov 9)
November 21st + 23rd | Hybrid | Max 20 participants for online | Drop in style for closing workshop
1) November 21st @ 6pm-8pm: Animating outside the box (Online)
In this class, we will discuss and explore the many unconventional materials, objects and techniques used within animation that go beyond traditional mediums used in frame-by-frame art making. We will cover items like light painting, powder animation, felt, 3D printing and even sewing as potential animating tools.
Equipment + Materials Needed: A device to host Zoom, a smartphone with the free Stop Motion Studio app and something to hold your device in place (tripod, selfie stick, mount, stack of books, cardboard box, edge of a desk etc.) unconventional materials or objects that spark curiosity on how you would bring them to life. Think yarn, felt, jewelry, metals, clothing etc. The world is your oyster!
2) November 23rd @ 6pm-8pm: Sand Animation + Closing (In person)
For our last workshop, we will be gathering for a drop-in style format workshop covering sand animation. Participants will have an opportunity to explore sand animation and its many meditative and experimental properties through their very own sequences. This will also be an opportunity for all participants across all modules to come together as a form of reflection and community building to wrap up our program. Work created throughout the project will be on display and snacks and light refreshments will be served. So come out and help us celebrate the closing of The Animation Project 2023.
Check out the final projects from our previous participants!
2022
2021
2020
Meet your Instructor : Cristal Buemi
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Canada, Cristal Buemi is a multimedia artist that holds a BA from Ryerson University and an MA from Bau, Design College of Barcelona. While multidisciplinary by nature, (animation, video, photography, collage and digital design), her work pushes frame-by-frame boundaries by exploring the materiality and inherent beauty found in the minutia.
For more information about Cristal visit her website: https://www.cristalbuemi.com/
Meet your Program Lead : Julian Carvajal
Julián Carvajal (he/him) is a Toronto-based award-winner creator & producer of experiences. This Queer Latinx Colombian Canadian Arts Manager/Producer has over 21 years of experience managing, curating and delivering arts festivals and cultural events. He is the Event Producer of the largest PanAmerican Food and Music Festival in Canada, Mentor in Residence at the Neighbourhood Arts Network while working at North York Arts, StreetARToronto and producing “In My Element(s) Symposia” for ArtWorkxTO.
Julián has collaborated with organizations and artists from 5 continents on multiple artistic projects. He has mentored over 400 self-identified artists for the past 10 years. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships; helping others to navigate the art sector in the city while collaborating with others to co-create an anti-oppressive and more diverse and inclusive vision of the art sector in Tkaronto.
In Partnership with:
Funded By:
