Flip Book Drawings Step By Step

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Designed in mind for kids and adults (ages 6 and up). Patience and the ability to draw the same image repeatedly are key here.

We've been making flip books during Play Dates, our monthly family program, for nearly a decade! We keep making them because they're fun, simple, and who doesn't love seeing their drawings in motion? In thinking back to our 2018 exhibition William Forsythe: Choreographic Objects, we thought it'd be a great DIY activity to blend art and movement.

Activity supplies on a wood table which includes index cards, letter size paper, pen, scissors, and a binder clip.

You will need:

At least 13 Index cards, or other thick paper like cardstock
A separate piece of paper
Pencil or pen
Scissors
Binder clip or rubber band
A window, or some other light-up surface

1 Cut your index cards in half so that you have a total of at least 26 cards. (We've found that the best flip books have at least 25 pages.) If you're using another kind of paper, make sure each card is the same size, roughly around 4x3 inches.
	2 Plan out your flip book on your separate piece of paper. What scene do you want to create? How will it start? How will it end? Remember, simple images (hello stick figures!) can make the best flip books. Also, because we will be binding the left side of the book, it's best to only draw on the right side of each card as that will be the space that's visible when you flip your book.
3 Draw your first scene on your first card.
	4 Continue drawing the rest of your scenes. Hold up your cards to a window to help you trace elements of your drawing (see example). In order for your drawing to move realistically, you will need to place objects and figures in the same place on each page. Each card should show progression from your first scene to the last scene.
5 Put your cards in order and secure them together with a clip or rubber band. It may be helpful to number your cards as you go to make sure they stay in order.
	6 Enjoy your moving image! Holding your book with your left hand, use your right thumb to flip your pages. A little bit of practice will help you get the timing and rhythm of your flip just right.