February 28

The Illusion of Life has offered me many insights in the world of hand drawn animation. Thus far i have learned how Walt Disney methods helped shape the animation industry as it stands today. Early animation was crude and unrefined until Walt introduced his ideas to the scene. After his animation team completed a couple of successful animations, Walt suggested they begin creating more life like animations instead of the more primitive "rubber hose" style of drawing. Thus realism in animation was discovered, For example Instead of Micky Mouse being able to extend his hands infinetly until he grabs an object, he'l now be drawn out walking up the object to pick up. Disney's animations surpassed others at the time because its characters had feelings and emotions unlike any other at the time.This more lifelike approach took more time but Walt learned how to save time using a few simple techniques. The drawing boards used by animators of the early 1930's had pegs which held the artist paper firmly in place. When the paper is held by pegs at the top of the board it is impossible to flip more than one drawing at a time. Walt discovered that by placing the pegs on the bottom five papers could be "rolled" at a time enabling the animator to correct the relationships and strengthen the action as he makes the drawings.