Sunday 29th March

Today I set out to create my stop-motion animation. I had not created a story board as I had previously created bullet points on my blog of what I wanted to happen, and thought storyboards are sometimes unrealistic as they are not achievable. As I had a clear idea of what elements I wanted to feature I decided to just go along and experiment with the ideas in my head, and then it would not matter if things had not worked and I left them out. I had created all the characters that I wanted to feature, I had Snow White, The Prince, The Evil Step-mother, The Step-Mother in disguise, a few trees, bottles of poison, apples, letters, and a book box that would contain all of it. I had two faces for each of the characters, so it would look like their eyes and mouths are opening and closing. I also created two versions of Snow White and The Prince, as there is the scene where Snow White is sleeping and The Prince kisses her to wake her up, I created an image with Snow White lying down, and then The Prince was bent over and I was going to make him enter the frame bent over and he would then kiss her. However, as I did with all of my characters apart from Snow White, I did not create a full body as I thought they would appear at the bottom of the frame and therefore you would not see their full body anyway, but once I started creating my animation I thought it looked better for them to be placed in the centre of the frame. So I decided to add the bottoms to all of the characters, but when it came to the second version of Snow White and The Prince for the kissing scene, it appeared to be quite complicated. I then realised that if I cut the arms and legs of the characters (as I was already planning to) I could use the characters I had already made and just manipulate them into the right position for the kiss scene, I thought this would work effectively. However, when I began creating the stop-motion of The Prince walking up to Snow White lying down, it dawned on me that I would not be able to manipulate him into the right position to kiss her, so I decided I would use the lettering to suggest he had kissed her. I think this worked really effectively.

Above shows the SLR camera I used on a tripod, I used the SLR as it has a quick shutter speed, and a really good quality of photos. The tripod allowed the camera to stay in the exact same position at all time which would add to the stop-motion effect of making everything else look like it's moving. However, this did create one problem. I originally had the exposure too high, so the beginning images of the opening text are very bright and the colours are not too visible, as I moved on to create the imagery of the stop-motion I realised and turned the exposure down, making the colours more intense. However, as I had already spent a long time doing the opening text I decided I would just edit the first images on the computer once I had uploaded them all. Although you can tell the images are slightly different in their appearance, I did my best and I don't think it looks too bad. The colour also varies throughout the animation as the sun goes in and out, and also changes throughout the day. I did think about this when setting up my position (as shown in the picture it is near the worktop and in the shadow) I thought the position I had chosen would mean that the sun wasn't effected too much. Although I did edit the colours throughout the film in order to get the colour and brightness to a similar level, I quite like the fact it's not perfect and the colours can vary. The whole point and style of my animation was I wanted it to look hand generated and home crafted, from the polkadot background to the floral text.

As shown in the picture above too, I wanted to use the box book I had bought and decorated to contain the story and make it seem like it was an actual book. Originally I had thought I would have the book opening up, and then have the characters coming directly out of it, although when I began doing the stop motion I realised it wouldn't work as the depth of the box is so deep and the characters are flat. I decided instead that I would fill the bottom of the book with polkadot paper, and have the animation zoom in right to the paper and then the animation start so it would look like the whole animation was taking part in the book, and then at the end of the animation it would zoom out again. 

I did not have a time scale or plan for how long I wanted the animation to be, I just decided it would be as long as it needed to in order to contain all of the points I wanted it to. When I uploaded the photos and then imported them into imovie, and edited some of them that weren't needed and also edited the timings of things, I added the track by Fyfe Dangerfield that I had used in my practice animation. The track was 3:15 and I needed it to be 3:41, with the help of my dad I cut and pasted some parts of the song in order to make it fill the time I needed, as I knew the feel the track gave to the song was one that I wanted. Although the song isn't perfect, it's what I wanted and I think it is pretty good. The Song finishes just as the book begins to close, and I think it draws it to a close perfectly. Over all I am really pleased with my animation and the way it turned out, and it is almost exactly how I wanted it.

Thursday 26th May

I created another short animation, this time just using text to see which I would like to feature and how. I decided that I like the polkadot background for the text, but when introducing characters I may use a plainer background. I also decided I prefer just the plain scroll of letters rather than them coming up from the bottom of the page, however I may use some of the spinning letters as demonstrated with the 'A'.

I decided to practice adding sound to my animation too. I chose the song 'She's Always A Woman' by Fyfe Dangerfield as I think the lyrics could relate to Snow White, as the whole song is about a woman. The song has a gentle tune and is a lovely song, I like the feel it gives my animation as I feel they fit well together. I originally selected this song as I thought it was most suitable out of all the songs on my iTunes, however now I like it so much I think I will use it for my final animation.

Wednesday 25th May

After getting the felt tips, I worked on all of the images I had created. I also decided to change the font on the box book I had designed, in which everything comes out of at the start of the stop-motion animation. I decided to use different floral print letters on the front of the book, which will then remain consistent throughout the animation, in introducing the characters and any other text that will feature. I think it's best to keep the font the same throughout the animation for a sense of continuity, each of the letters are also slightly different as they contain a different colour and floral pattern.
When creating each image of the different characters, I created at least two expressions for each, which I will swap around every few frames to give the impression the characters are blinking/opening and closing their mouths. I also created an additional expression for Snow White so she looks shocked as she bites into the apple and falls to the ground.

Tuesday 24th May

I decided I would just do a few shots of the Snow White paper doll moving, to see what the effect would be in the stop-motion video. I decided that I wasn't actually pleased with it, the way the body is proportioned to fit the split pins means that it is not the recognisable Snow White silhouette. I decided, even though it is last minute, that I will redo the paper doll and adjust the other 'props' I have created for my stop motion. I've decided that even though it won't move as well as the split pin paper doll, I will create the traditional Snow White shape, and instead of using split pins I will just have the different parts loose but still overlapping (as it will not be visible they aren't attached on video), this will also allow more freedom in movement.

I went on to create most of the 'props' I wanted to use, after deciding I want the stop motion to feature the following:

• An opening line
• The introduction of Snow White/The Prince/The Evil Step-mother
• The Evil Queen getting jealous of Snow White falling in love with the Prince
• The potion disguise the Queen takes
• The apple the Queen takes to poison the apple
• Snow White eating the apple and falling to the ground
• The Prince rescuing Snow White
• 'Happily Ever After' text

I want to add colour to them using felt tips to get a nice vibrant colour and make them look as cartoon like as possible. I will need to go to town in the morning to get some felt tips.

Monday 23rd May

After thinking and testing out ways yet again of how I can attach the book to the cover, I realised the way I planned on sticking the 'spine' of the pages onto the book would not work, as when the pages of the book is turned, the spine moves. I decided the easiest way to resolve this would to be to stick card around the spine of all the pages, this would then stick to the inside cover while still letting the pages of the book to be turned.
I attached it all together with double sided tape, it worked quite successfully, and even though it is not that of a professional standard, I think for what it is it has worked quite well.

Saturday 21st

Today was spent sticking each single a3 page onto an a2 page, so it would then be paired to make a double spread. I then stuck each of the a2 pieces back to back with double sided tape, as I am hoping this will mean all the corners will stick together and not peel, meaning the pages can all turn easily.
I placed all the pages stuck together (now nearly a book) into the cover, however when holding the pages into the cover I realised I will need to make some alterations. Although I planned to place in accent colour end papers to give my book a high quality finish, I realised as the book opens and the cover sits flat, the first page attaching the book to the cover needs to be larger, as it needs to bend round the spine too. 
I'm glad I've realised this problem before sticking the book to the cover, and before buying any paper or cutting anything that will be vital. I'll try and resolve this issue tomorrow, I will then go on to add all the finishing details to the book.

Friday 20th May

This is the cover of my book. Today I painted these letters in gold to then place onto the front of the book. I began to stick them with superglue, as I thought it would be the strongest and easiest option, especially as some of the thick letters are slightly bent so will not stick so easily. However, on one letter I placed too much of the glue, and it dripped onto the centre of the front cover. I could have turned the cover over so it would just be on the back, and start again, but I am a perfectionist and I would alway be drawn to this imperfection. So, as it did not take too long to cover the board in material, I started the process again.

When it was done I knew not to make the mistake of going near the superglue again, so I used double sided tape which worked just as well as superglue.

I think the cover is coming along really nicely, although I may add some extra detailing as I don't want it to look too plain. It needs to be simple, but not too simple.

Thursday 19th May

Over the past few weeks I have been thinking of a simple yet effective way of binding my book. I had made a book previously which used screws and bolts in order for it to stay together (as shown below)

However, this meant that there is no spine, and the book does not freely open as I would like it to, as it is slightly restricted. I knew I wanted my Snow White book to look like an old fashioned book, like so:

I started to look over the weeks of ways people have bound books they have made online, and after reading some of the instructions it seemed like quite a time consuming process for something that might not even be the right outcome.
I decided I would get a thick piece of card and cut two rectangles slightly larger than my A3 pages. I would cover them together in material leaving a tiny gap in between them so it would allow them to fold in half and become the cover for my book. Although it would not be a proper spine, and the whole book would be quite thin as a whole piece, it was the easiest way of having a conventional book. However when I came to cut the card I began to discuss it with my parents. I took all the pages I had created so far, and realised that actually they are very thick, as I was just thinking they were flat a3 pages, but with all the materials and extra pieces of paper I have used, it was actually quite thick. As I discussed it further we decided that it would be a good idea to try and create a spine for the book, so as I had measured out the covers, I just added a 5cm rectangle onto the width of it. I thought if it goes wrong the most I would have to do is cut it off and try to think of another way of using the back and front cover.
In the meantime, I cut the piece out as a whole, and in the centre I scored the 5cm rectangle on both sides. I then added lots of tape as I knew as soon as I tried to bend the scored edges it would break and come loose. After taping it the cover was taking shape quite well and I thought it would be successful. I took the dark green fabric I had bought over the weekend (which is cotton based I think, but has a lovely slight shine to it) and ironed out all the creases as I did not want this ruining the smooth finish I wanted. I decided to use double sided tape to stick the fabric to the cover, because using PVA or any type of glue would case it to crinkle as glue tends to do. I also thought glue would not hold the fabric as taught as I would like it.
After sticking the fabric down and making sure all corners were tucked in ready for the end papers to be placed in, I turned the cover over. It is much better than I ever expected it to be, and the fabric gives it such a nice finish. It's simple yet very effective and I don't think I could improve it if I tried.

Wednesday 18th May

I decided to redo the page with the continuous line drawing with Snow White and the woman giving her an apple as the composition was not working. Even though I am slightly pushed for time, I would not be happy with putting the page into my book. I decided to go for something completely different, and not a 'scene' from snow white. I created a skull image, as it related to the text when Snow White bites into the apple and falls to the ground. The skull is quite a sinister image, which is what i wanted. However, I decided to play on this by creating the image using floral fabrics which are quite delicate and pretty.

I used the text from the previous page, and just cut it out and stuck it to the skull I created. I decided a dark brown would compliment the colours of the skull and would make it a bit more interesting than just a white background which can be quite bland. I think the composition works much better than the previous page featuring this text, however I still feel it could have been improved with more time.

Tuesday 17th May

This particular page is the only one that is meant to be read landscape rather than portrait, although I created the imagery so it looks as if it could be viewed portrait too. I wanted to create a simple cartoon style picture, as I knew I was then going to go on to create a cut out background. Even though I have used the knife to create some cut out images, I have not created anything as detailed as this, so it was a bit of an experiment when I did this, however it worked well so I decided it was good enough to put in my final book. I then painted the cut out flowers and leaves background gold, and added an even more metallic gold to give it the appearance of being even more special. I then cut out the words from my typewriter text and decided to place them in a less conventional way. The reader might get slightly confused when reading it, as it is to be read in clumps and sections, rather than from the left hand side all along to the right hand side. I did this as when I had done page after page I wanted to confused the reader slightly, and keep them interested, which is a bit of a contradiction from the plain drawing.

As it is traditional for the last line of fairytales to end in 'happily ever after' I wanted to keep this tradition. I decided it would be best to keep it simple, and I knew I definitely wanted to hand generate the type. I decided to print a scroll (which is also associated with old style fairytales) and then place it upon one of the backgrounds I had sponged and used throughout my book. Overall, I am pleased with the font and placing of the scroll in the centre of the page, as well as the size. However, the muted colours seem to drag the page down a little. I think when the book is complete I may introduce some hand drawn flowers into it to bring some colour to something which is meant to be the nice, happy, fairytale ending.

Monday 16th May

After creating the composition, which I really like as the characters create a sort of frame on the page, I decided I wanted to do a collage style as I have done on some of the previous pages, however I didn't quite want the mosaic technique I have done before. I decided to use different fabrics and some paper I found round the house to make the image, but I cut each material to the exact shape and size rather than using small squares to make up each part. I didn't use the exact colours as traditionally done by Disney, but I think that adds to it.

I then thought the middle of the composition didn't feel full enough, so I again decided to add some text that summed up the main theme of the page. I used cut out letters where the colour scheme also went with the page. I then added typewriter text at the bottom of the page, as I thought it would be too much to have the text split up over the top and bottom

This is personally one of my favourite pages, and I wish I had used the same collage technique on some other pages I have created.

Sunday 15th May

As I have already created two large pages of the expression of the old woman using this collage style, I thought it would be appropriate to have the evil queen before she disguises herself. I thought using the same materials, colours, and technique would allow the reader to realise this and put two and two together quickly. I think my initial idea was good but I can't help thinking this page is slightly bland. I don't really know how I could improve it, I don't think changing the materials would improve it as the old woman pages work really well. I think it's maybe down to the fact the old woman pages are more experimental and this seems too controlled. I may be able to work over the top of this and improve it, if I have time I will definitely come back to it.

Saturday 14th May

Doing this page was more about showing all three characters that the text talks about rather than focusing on a scene. I created each character individually and then cut them out with the intention it would give the page more depth, I also added materials to it that would bulk it out slightly and add more texture. I stuck down the characters in a position which I thought reflected the text quite well and gives the sense they are interacting. I stuck it down on tracing paper (as I have used on each page as I like the look it gives) it was recycled tracing paper and had some text on it, which I planned on painting over when doing the background. However, when I stuck down the characters I liked the look the text (which is actually printed backwards and makes no sense) gives. I decided to get more paper and cut the text out and add to the effect on this page. Even though it completely doesn't relate to the story of Snow White, or what's going on with this scene, I really like it as a piece of imagery.

Friday 13th May

I used the newspaper cut out style that I had used for a different scene in my sketchbook. The technique has worked well however the composition is just not the same as the woodland scene in my sketchbook, therefore I am not happy with this page and if given more time I would definitely add in the woodland scene using newspaper cut outs, and then think of a different composition or just another technique to create this page. However I am pushed for time, and although I have not rushed myself, I don't have time to redo this or any other pages.

Thursday 12th May

I used the original smaller version from my sketchbook to create this page, I photocopied it and then worked over it as it took a couple of hours to do originally. I changed the background to black which I had not previously done, as I thought the negative image would stand out even more. I continued the monochrome theme with the use of white text. I used a stamp set I had purchased to create the text, all letters have a different font face which I really like. The over all page has a really strong feel, the only thing I think is a slight problem again is the flatness of it, but I don't know if that's necessarily a problem or a personal preference.

Again, I had to create another page in order for all the double pages to sit together. I wanted to have a complete contrast to the negative image page it was sitting next to. As the double spread before features Snow White scared and frantic in the forest, I thought I would do a continuation of this. I selected the scary trees from the forest and decided I wanted to achieve a real cartoon like feel. I drew it onto tracing paper and blobbed wet paint on the black of it so it would bleed and mix together, I then used the cut out letter style text from a paper bag I had. I personally really like the imagery, it could be improved by using a different background but I still am quite pleased with it, and it is a complete contrast to the previous image which is what I wanted.

Wednesday 11th May

In creating this page I wanted to use a similar technique to the tree page I had created, using threads and beads to stick down rather than being embroidered on. I then worked into it with blood red nail varnish and a black marker and tippex. After placing the typewriter text top and bottom of the page I thought the composition wasn't the best it could have been, I thought I could introduce the main sentence of this page and bring it into the imagery, however I wanted it to be a little bit different. I decided to cut out the letters from a newspaper, and even though the font faces would be different I would stick to the same colour scheme as I have on the page (black, grey, white, red). I then embroidered and drew an outline on the letters with gold to make them a little more special.

After creating the 'Huntsman' page I started thinking about the pages I had already created, and the ones I wanted to go on to create. I realised if I wanted some of the pages to be next to each other or work as a double page, I would have to add some extra pages in. The 'Huntsman' heart page was one of the pages that needed another page to sit next to. I began researching the story again and some of the imagery that feature in both the book and film, I knew that I wanted something that would relate do the page I just created so I decided just to do a simple portrait style page of the Huntsman. Even though it is a slightly more controlled style, and the colour palette is different these two pages look quite good together. This page is quite flat but seeing as I have other pages that have materials and more depth to them I think I will leave it as it is to create contrast.

Tuesday 10th May

As I planned to previously, I created the page of text to accompany the dwarf page. I wanted to use a different text to what I have before, as I am combining different techniques and processes to give a mismatched feel. I think this text is really playful and I like the way it sits alongside the other page, even though they do not match, this is why I feel they work. I think maybe I could have introduced some more depth if given more time, creating the letters so they are slightly raised off the flat surface just to give it more interest.

I then used my type writer to introduce another size and type of font, the text states what actually happened in the original story. I will go on to combine the typewriter text with handwritten typefaces as I really like the combination of both together.

I also used this background to place the text on, as I have done previously as well, I think as there is a mix in styles on the other pages it's nice to have some sort of continuity on the purely text pages.

Monday 9th May

I did the page that features the seven dwarfs outside the cottage. I did this page quite neat and controlled which is a bit different to the other pages I've done so far, as I want to create some contrast. I only used paint on this page which is also different as the other pages all use mixed media. I need to go on to create the text page that will accompany it. I want to try and a different font to what I have previously that will best suit the imagery.

Friday 6th May

I went to Hobbycraft and got a box that looks like a book, I thought this would cut down time in making props for my animation. I painted it a dark green colour and then picked out the details in a gold colour, I then painted the inside white like pages of a book. I then went on on to create a paper doll Snow White character, which fits perfectly in the box book. I need to finish Snow white, creating different eyes and mouths in order for her expression to change in the animation. I then need to go on to create the other props that will feature in the animation such as the Prince and the poison apple.

Thursday 5th May

I created the page with the magic mirror on, I decided I wanted it to look special and thought the use of sequins, glitter and beads would do this. I also then used foil to create the mirror like surface. I decided to place the text around the frame in order to create interest and make it seem a bit less conventional, It also added to the frame of the mirror and emphasised it.

Wednesday 4th May

I created the text to go with my tree page I have already finished. I used the same colour scheme as the tree, with muted browns which I sponged on to the page to give a soft effect. I used the same text that features on the page behind the tree as it is quite childlike, and I thought it was good as I was playing around with different font faces. I decided to stick to using black on this page especially, as the text can get lost on the background. I think I can just about get away with it.

I then created the text to go with the evil step mother pages. As they are a double page I decided that I will create a whole page of text to feature before the double page. I used the same font as I did on the tree page and the same colour background, I thought any page that just features only text should be similar so there's a continuity throughout the book.

Tuesday 3rd May

As I planned to previously, I redid the page with Snow White page and this time I am a lot more pleased with it. I remembered to use the absorbent tracing paper so the ink would dry. The ink therefore blended less and the dress looks a lot better as it is two different colours. As I wanted to experiment with the font faces I decided to create text that would look like embossed letter labels (like shown below:)

As the page is meant to be dark and scary I thought this would add to it, I used the fact it was a double page spread and took advantage of this, the text spills over across on to both pages rather than starting on the left page and filling it top to bottom, and then doing the same on the right. I think this works really well and when placed into the book it will stand out as slightly different.

Saturday 30th April/Sunday 1st May/Monday 2nd May

In my sketchbook I had already created some embellished sketches by sewing them by hand, this was mainly typography which I thought had worked really well, so I knew I wanted to use it in m final book. In my practice of the embroidery I had created the opening lines of the tale, this worked well with the font and also in the fact that I could embellish the first later, as is tradition in fairytales. When I chose my composition out of the three I had sketched for this page, it featured the type as well as the outline of these two characters it is introducing. Creating this page was very time consuming as it was all stitched by hand, however I think it is well worth it, and it's the only page I am embroidering.