Paper folding is an age-old art form that has been utilized for generations to produce ornamental artwork. The human ability to form flat materials into intricate 3D forms has long captivated me, from quilling to origami. Paper folding animations are currently being used in web videos to introduce new viewers to the allure of this handcraft thanks to advancements in technology.
Folding paper simulations may provide flair and whimsy to your productions, whether you’re a filmmaker looking for new visual aspects or a YouTuber looking for ways to improve explainer videos. We’ll go over the many kinds of paper-folding animation methods in this post, along with how to make your own and some downloadable templates to get you going. You’ll be prepared to begin adding these endearing animations with a craft theme to your films by the end.
A number of popular folding styles work nicely in animated graphics:
The traditional Japanese craft of paper folding is called origami. Simple folding motions can be used to easily animate the unfolding and taking on form of basic forms like cranes, boxes, and stars. Stop motion-style folding simulations can also be used to bring to life more intricate origami designs with multi-step instructions.
Paper Folding Animation Types
Several popular folding styles work nicely in animated graphics:
The traditional Japanese craft of paper folding is called origami. Simple folding motions can be used to easily animate the unfolding and taking on the form of basic forms like cranes, boxes, and stars. Stop motion-style folding simulations can also be used to bring to life more intricate origami designs with multi-step instructions.
Quilling
Quilling is the art of creating complex designs by rolling, shaping, and adhering thin strips of paper together. Animated sequences are satisfying to watch as quilled shapes evolve through the coiling and manipulation of paper strips.
Paper Cutting
Through exact cutting, intricate designs are carved out of sheets of paper. An ASMR-like aspect is added by animating the cutting process or displaying shaped paper cuts unfolding.
Kirigami is a paper-cutting and folding technique that combines origami and cutting. Creative kirigami designs that emerge from well-placed cuts and folds demonstrate the artistry of the technique.
These folding techniques are great for adding gratifying, tactile paper-based features to any film, especially when animating them. In folding or cutting simulations, the movements of hands handling the materials add a compelling human element.
Making Animations Out of Folding Paper
The following fundamental steps are typically involved in making your paper-folding animations:
Select the Folding Pattern and Style.
Choose whether you want to make origami, quilling, cutting, kirigami, or any other paper craft animated. Then, either make your own or locate an appropriate pattern or design online. Make sure the directions aren’t too complex for animation that happens frame by frame.
Assemble the materials
Paper in various weights, scissors, tape or adhesive, and a cutting mat are required. Thinner origami paper works best for techniques like quilling, but cardboard or paper bags can also replicate heavier paper textures.
Capture the Procedure Frame by Frame
Take careful videos of each step of folding, cutting, rolling, and other tasks using your smartphone or camera. To create a seamless playback simulation, move the paper in small, precise movements frame by frame.
Utilizing Video Software, Edit Together
Bring in the uncut video and do any necessary edits. As desired, add motion or ease the pace. Finished loops can be overlaid to automate tedious tasks.
Include the last touches
Think about using hands, close-ups, and various viewpoints. Adapt the textures and colors as desired. Use it in your video productions, or post your animations to websites like YouTube.
To Get You Started, We’ve Developed Templates
We are offering some free printable templates on our website with the patterns and instructions already completed to assist you get started with your paper-folding animations:
A traditional origami folding pattern brought to life: the origami crane animation. Excellent for mellow playlist openers or showcase reels.
Watch this lovely paper craft animation of a quilling heart form as it demonstrates how to coil paper strips together.
An intricate paper butterfly unfolds through precise cuts in this animation of a kirigami butterfly. Magnificent reproduction that is developing.
Paper Cutting Leaf Animation: This scene is inspired by nature and features delicately carved paper leaves that fade into transparent layers.
A multi-step origami box that folds inward and expands outward is an excellent tool for creating explanatory scenarios for product packaging.
If you would like to make additional customizations, you can download the template packs containing both the completed animation loops and the raw footage. You are welcome to use them exactly as is or modify the moves to create new ones. We hope they serve as a useful foundation for your efforts in paper-folding animation.
Which particular video editing apps are you recommended for editing animations of paper folding?
Yes, there are a few options for video editing software that are especially useful for making and editing animations of paper folding:
One of the most feature-rich professional video editors available is Adobe Premiere Pro, which allows you to edit precisely frame-by-frame. Fine-tuning folding movements are made simple by features like layering, speed ramping, and keyframing.
Apple iMovie
Designed for stop motion enthusiasts using MacBooks or iPads, iMovie offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface. After clipping and organizing them, make simple takes-to-take transitions. An excellent free choice.
DaVinci Resolve
This well-known nonlinear editor is excellent for fine-tuning animated textures and color grading. Sophisticated color-correcting capabilities let you highlight the edges and surfaces of the paper for better immersion.
Specifically created for stop motion animation, Stop Motion Studio offers simplified tools for importing frame sequences, modifying timing, and automating repetitive tasks.
Adobe Animate
Previously called Flash, Animate is capable of handling both cutout and classic animations. Ideal for paper folding tasks including shapes as well as frames.
Free programs like iMovie or Clipchamp are good for simple editing. However, applications such as Resolve or Premiere offer you the most ability to fine-tune at the frame level for complex multi-step folding patterns or precise texturing. Try out different interfaces to find which one best suits your animation style and editing process.
What resources or tutorials would you suggest to someone looking to learn how to make paper-folding animations?
For those interested in learning how to make paper-folding animations, the following tutorials and resources are highly recommended:
The hundreds of step-by-step origami, quilling, and paper craft tutorials available on the Craftastics YouTube channel are ideal for referring to folding patterns and techniques.
An extensive course on stop motion principles designed especially for paper animation can be found on Udemy under the title “Stop Motion Paper Crafts.” which includes project planning, filming, and editing.
“Paper Craft Animation for Beginners” Skillshare Class: Learn the fundamentals of paper folding by creating a straightforward origami scene. Excellent overview of the animation process.
Website of the Origami Resource Center: An extensive collection of origami instructions and illustrations ranging from basic to complex. Filters facilitate the search for relevant projects.
Quilling Methods for Novices
A crash course in quilling techniques, including strip shaping, intricate coils, and multicolored quilling, can be found in this Craftsy video. Essential for animations that quill.
This Instructables tutorial, “Stop Motion Paper Cutting Animation,” provides step-by-step instructions for creating, recording, and putting together a paper-cutting animation out of nothing more than paper and an X-Acto knife.
“Use Stop Motion to Animate Origami” Vimeo Video
See behind-the-scenes as a skilled animator uses stop motion to bring a complicated, multi-step origami swan to life.
I would advise starting easy, honing your folding techniques, and then progressively advancing in complexity as your abilities grow. The tutorials ought to include all the information required to achieve excellent outcomes.
You can add a distinctive and fulfilling sensory element to your online films by using animation to capture the tactile charms of paper folding techniques. Please contact us if you have any more inquiries!
Free Premiere Pro Video Editing course available on our YouTube channel GDX.
Download this paper-folding Animation Pack and use it in Video Editing to make your videos more engaging and interesting.
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