Big News!
Art World School has recently introduced a new and exciting class into our Summer Camp and Fine Arts programs: Stop Motion Animation!
Stop motion animation is a unique form of filmmaking that uses handmade sets and characters, combined with carefully planned sequential photography, to tell stories. Our class allows students to brainstorm their own plotlines, envision and build their own settings and characters, as well as practice patience and commitment in the craft of animation.
The 2026 Summer Camp season was Art World School’s first time implementing Stop Motion Animation into our curriculum as an option for week-long campers to choose during midday recess—and it was a resounding success!
Students loved the more intensive, multi-day projects, and getting to see their finished short films at the end was incredibly rewarding. Because of this, we have chosen to continue providing the class during the 2026–2027 school year.
Read on for a more in-depth description of the class and all it has to offer, as well as upcoming enrollment opportunities for interested students.
What Is Stop Motion Animation?
Stop motion animation is a traditional filmmaking technique, with roots all the way back in the 1800s. The process involves objects being physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames. When these frames are played back quickly, the objects appear to move on their own.
This method of animation is similar to creating a flipbook, wherein each page represents a frame of animation. Although the art form has an extensive history, it was repopularized within the last few decades by a renewed interest in claymation, especially through films like Coraline and The Boxtrolls, produced by Laika Studios—a Portland-based company!
An instructor assists a student with model manipulation and photography during the stop motion animation process.
Stop Motion Animation: Process Breakdown
Animation and filmmaking are some of the most intensive art forms out there, but at Art World School we try to make the process as easy to understand and execute as possible.
What follows is a comprehensive breakdown of the different steps involved in creating a stop motion animated short film and a brief description of the techniques students will learn.
Step 1: Brainstorming and Storyboarding
The instructor selects a theme that the students will work within for the duration of the project, giving them some guidelines and restrictions to aid with time management and class cohesion. Examples may include “space travel,” “pirate adventures,” “island vacation,” and more.
Students will then come up with a list of key plot points for their short film, which should run approximately 10–30 seconds once completed, and draw out the major events on a storyboarding worksheet.
Step 2: Component Lists
Once students know what story they will be telling, they will work with the instructor to compile a list of all of the sets, characters, and props that they will need to build or sculpt.
They will also make a list of any materials they intend to use throughout the process. The instructor will teach them how to make the most of the materials they have access to, how to think outside the box, and how to plan within the constraints of time and ability.
Step 3: Crafting
Students will use a variety of 3D mediums to construct their models and assets. Depending on the direction they choose to go with their project, they may end up working with:
Modeling clay
Paper
Cardboard
String
Wire
And more!
Step 4: Principal Photography
Once all of their assets have been made, it is time to start photographing them! The instructor will aid each student in setting their scenes, taking their establishing shots, and ensuring smooth, sequential storytelling.
During this step students will learn about frame rates, model manipulation, transitions, and more.
Step 5: Editing & Audio Recording
Among the last steps in the stop motion animation process are editing and audio recording. In the editing stage, students will learn how to adjust their photos to ensure fluid movement between shots, as well as decide what frame rate and aspect ratio to utilize.
Finally, the instructor will assist them in finding and/or recording audio to really make their story, settings, and characters come to life. Students will learn about basic recording software and how to properly time their sound effects and dialogue.
A student enthusiastically shows off their completed storyboard.
Class Structure, Scheduling, and Enrollment Opportunities
The Art World School Stop Motion Animation Class will be offered during our Summer Camp and After School Programs.
In the summers, the class will be held mid-day from 12:15–1:15 PM as a choice option for students scheduled to attend camp for the full week. This is important to remember because, due to the intensive nature of the animation process, it takes all five days for students to achieve a finished product.
It is also available as a drop-in class in case attending the rest of the camp day does not fit your schedule.
Class Structure and Daily Breakdown: Summer Camp
Day 1 (Monday):
Group Discussions, Storyboarding, and Component List Creation
Day 2 (Tuesday):
Set, Prop, and Character Construction
Day 3 (Wednesday):
Principal Photography, Day #1
Day 4 (Thursday):
Principal Photography, Day #2
Day 5 (Friday):
Editing, Audio Recording, and Finishing Touches
Stop Motion Animation During the 2026–2027 School Year
During the 2026–2027 school year, the class will be held every Wednesday from 5:00–6:00 PM.
While the classes remain mostly the same in terms of project progression, sessions will take place weekly instead of daily, and students will have four class periods to complete their project instead of five. This means that it is extra important for them to attend every week of their enrollment in order to complete their project in the allotted time.
Just like before, our Stop Motion Class will be open to students in the After School Program as well as drop-ins.
If a student is enrolled for the full program on Wednesdays for at least four consecutive weeks, they will be able to choose to attend the class as a part of their enrollment. Otherwise, individual and/or packages of classes will have to be purchased separately for drop-in students.
Class Structure and Daily Breakdown: 2026–2027 School Year
Day 1 (Week 1):
Group Discussions, Storyboarding, and Component List Creation
Day 2 (Week 2):
Set, Prop, and Character Construction
Day 3 (Week 3):
Principal Photography
Day 4 (Week 4):
Editing, Audio Recording, and Finishing Touches
We are currently enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year for both the After School Program and drop-in classes—you can find all necessary information on our website.
Photography setup on iPads with completed sets and models on display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Student Would Enjoy This Class?
All of our art classes are open to everyone, and students of varying ages and skill levels can find enjoyment in the process of Stop Motion Animation!
However, we especially recommend this class for students who have some experience with general animation and/or other digital art forms such as photography and videography, as well as those who enjoy sculpting and crafting 3D scenes and figures.
Ultimately, though, if you love storytelling and have the patience and commitment necessary to succeed, we absolutely encourage giving it a try!
Is There an Age Requirement?
We generally recommend this class to students aged 7+ due to the complex nature of the tools and techniques involved.
Do We Need to Bring Any Special Supplies?
Nope! We have all the supplies students will need at our school, including iPads available for use.
However, if you would prefer to use your own tablet you are welcome to do so. The required software, Stop Motion Studio, is free to download and we can assist you with that process if needed.
Have More Questions?
If you have any additional questions or concerns that weren’t touched on in this article, please feel free to give us a call or email us.
Phone: (503) 590-5518
Email: info@artworldschool.com
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in class!