Claymation has captivated audiences for decades with its unique style and tactile quality.
This guide delves into what is claymation, exploring its rich history, intricate techniques, and the creative process behind it.
From its early days in cinema with pioneers like The Sculptor’s Nightmare (1908) to groundbreaking films such as Wallace and Gromit and The Nightmare Before Christmas, claymation has evolved significantly.
The meticulous craftsmanship involved—from armature construction to frame-by-frame photography—highlights the dedication and detail necessary for this art form.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the core elements of claymation, its impact on media, and the creative minds that keep it relevant today.
Through sections on techniques, materials, iconic works, and the challenges faced by animators, this comprehensive guide offers a deep dive into the world of clay animation.
What Is Claymation?
Claymation is a form of stop-motion animation where each frame is crafted using malleable clay models.
This technique involves sculpting clay characters and objects and photographing them frame-by-frame to create the illusion of movement. It’s known for its tactile, organic aesthetic.

The History of Claymation
Early Beginnings
Use of clay in the Neolithic period
Clay, as a medium, has been around since the Neolithic period. It was used for various purposes like pottery, sculpture, and even early forms of storytelling.
These ancient artisans created shapes and figures that reflected their lives and beliefs. Clay’s versatility made it a staple in human creativity.
Early experiments with clay in cinema
Fast forward to the early 20th century. The cinema world began to explore new frontiers with clay.
One of the notable early works was The Sculptor’s Nightmare in 1908. This film showcased the potential of clay in moving pictures, laying the groundwork for what would later become claymation.
Evolution Over Decades
Introduction of plasticine clay in the 19th century
The 19th century saw the introduction of plasticine clay, a non-drying, malleable version of clay ideal for animation.
This innovation was significant for stop-motion animation techniques, providing artists with a reliable material that could be molded and reused.
Milestones in claymation development

The 1933 film King Kong set new standards for special effects and stop-motion animation, using clay models extensively.
This film was a landmark in the cinematic evolution, showing the versatility and potential of clay in creating lifelike, expressive characters.
Revival and Popularization
Art Clokey and Gumby
The 1950s brought another leap. Art Clokey introduced Gumby, a clay character that gained immense popularity.
Clokey’s work demonstrated how claymation could captivate audiences, leading to numerous episodes and a lasting legacy.
Will Vinton’s contributions and the coining of the term “claymation”
In the 1970s, Will Vinton made significant contributions to the field and coined the term “claymation.”
Vinton’s unique approach and innovative techniques in films like Closed Mondays brought claymation into the spotlight, differentiating it from other forms of stop-motion animation.
Aardman Animations and iconic films
The 1980s saw the emergence of Aardman Animations, a studio renowned for its high-quality claymation work.
With iconic films like Wallace and Gromit, Aardman brought claymation to mainstream cinema, winning several awards and establishing a distinctive style that influenced future generations.
Techniques and Materials
Key Techniques in Claymation

Armature construction and clay wrapping
Building the core structure is crucial. Armatures act as the skeletons for clay models. Think of wireframes covered in clay, allowing flexibility and stability.
This method gives characters their shape and ensures they hold poses during frame-by-frame movements.
Frame-by-frame photography and lighting consistency
Capturing the essence of motion—one frame at a time. Each movement, each slight adjustment, is photographed meticulously. Consistent lighting is paramount.
Any shift in shadows or brightness can break the illusion of seamless animation, making this step critical.
Advanced techniques: strata-cut, clay painting, and melting
- Strata-cut involves slicing through layered clay to reveal intricate patterns.
- Clay painting lets animators create detailed textures on surfaces.
- Melting clay adds dynamic effects, mimicking transformations or organic changes.
Types of Clay Used
Oil-based clays: Properties and use cases
Oil-based clays are popular. They remain pliable, don’t dry out, and are perfect for multiple uses. Versatile and forgiving, ideal for characters needing frequent adjustments.
Polymer clays: Advantages in stop-motion projects
Polymer clays offer durability. They can be baked to set in permanent forms, providing rock-solid stability. These are great for detailed work and sections that don’t require reanimation.
Air-dry clays: Suitability for specific animations
Air-dry clays harden naturally when exposed to air. Useful for creating static scenes or props. They aren’t as flexible but are excellent for background elements that don’t move.
The Role of Technology
Use of 3D printing for facial expressions
Laika Studios revolutionized the game here. By using 3D printing, precise facial expressions are crafted with ease, enhancing the range of emotions characters can convey without constant manual adjustments.
Digital tools for editing and refinement
Post-production brings everything together. Digital software allows for precision in editing, ensuring fluid transitions and removing any unwanted artifacts.
Enhancing frames with digital tools refines the final product, making the animation smooth and polished.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Claymation
Pre-production
Acquiring materials: Plasticine, tools, and setup
First, get your materials lined up. Plasticine clay is versatile—ideal for molding and doesn’t dry out. Essential tools include wire armatures, sculpting tools, and a stable workspace. You can’t underestimate the importance of a solid setup.
Developing storyboards and character designs
Storyboards guide your scenes. Sketch each frame, plan character movements, and scene transitions. Character designs come next. Think about expressions, movements, and how they fit into your story. This phase requires detailed planning.
Establishing frame rates and planning movements
Decide on frame rates; usually, 24 frames per second for smooth animation. Calculate how many frames you need for each action. Planning movements in advance helps to keep everything consistent and fluid.
Production

Sculpting characters and sets
Get into the nitty-gritty of sculpting. Characters come to life as you mold plasticine around armatures.
Sets should match the scale and look of your characters. Details matter—every little feature adds to the realism.
Capturing still-frame shots with precision
Next comes the shooting. You need precision here. Capture each frame meticulously. A slight shift can break continuity.
Use a camera mounted on a tripod to avoid any shakiness, and make sure it’s steady.
Maintaining continuity in lighting and backgrounds
Lighting and background consistency are crucial. Any shift in lighting can break the illusion.
Keep your setup the same throughout shooting. Backgrounds should remain identical unless the scene demands a change.
Post-production
Compiling frames into seamless sequences
Compile the frames into sequences. Use animation software to stitch frames together. Aim for seamless transitions between movements to maintain the flow. The sequence should appear as natural motion.
Adding audio and effects
Audio and effects come next. Syncing sound with movement brings the animation to life. Add voice-overs, sound effects, and background music. Balance audio levels to ensure nothing overpowers the visuals.
Final editing for fluid motion
Final touches. Edit for fluid motion. Adjust any frames that seem out of place or jittery. Refine the overall sequence, ensuring the animation flows smoothly. This final step polishes your project, making it ready for viewers.
Iconic Works and Cultural Impact
Notable Films and Series
Wallace and Gromit
Wallace and Gromit stands out—a hallmark of claymation. Nick Park’s characters, a quirky inventor and his silent but expressive dog, have transcended generations.
From A Grand Day Out to The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, their adventures are etched in the annals of animation history.
Chicken Run
Aardman Animations didn’t stop there. Chicken Run brought chickens to life, plotting their escape from a farm.
Packed with humor and charm, it showed how claymation could hit both critical and commercial high notes. Those chickens had personality.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. This wasn’t just a movie—it was a mood. Halloween meets Christmas, with Jack Skellington at the center.
This film cemented the gothic appeal of claymation, marrying dark themes with whimsical storytelling. It’s an evergreen cult classic.
Coraline
Then there’s Coraline. Produced by Laika Studios, it’s a masterclass in detailed animation. Coraline’s journey through parallel worlds captivated audiences, with its eerie yet engrossing aesthetics.
The film employed advanced stop-motion techniques, pushing the boundaries of claymation.
Influence on Media
Television commercials and music videos

Claymation has invaded television too. Remember The California Raisins? Those raisins danced and sang through commercials, making dried fruit unexpectedly cool.
Music videos also embraced this medium, leveraging its distinctive style to capture viewers’ attention.
Use in video games
It doesn’t end there. Claymation found a niche in video games like The Neverhood and Hylics.
These games offered a tactile, organic aesthetic, setting them apart in a digital landscape. The artistry brought a unique layer to gaming visuals.
Legacy of Claymation
Continued popularity in modern entertainment
Modern entertainment keeps coming back to claymation. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s the tactile, handcrafted feel that digital animation sometimes misses.
Audiences crave that organic connection, the sense that each frame is touched by human hands.
Contributions of key studios like Aardman and Laika
Aardman and Laika. Their contributions are monumental. Aardman with its British wit, Laika with its innovative storytelling.
These studios continue to elevate claymation, ensuring it remains a vital, influential part of animation’s future.
FAQ on Claymation
How is claymation made?
Claymation involves several steps: designing characters, creating armatures, wrapping them in clay, and sculpting details.
Then, each frame is captured individually, adjusting the models slightly between shots. The frames are then compiled to produce fluid motion.
What materials are used in claymation?
Common materials include oil-based clays like Plasticine, which remain malleable, polymer clays for durability, and sometimes air-dry clays for static elements.
Tools like wire armatures, sculpting tools, and a stable tripod for capturing frames are also essential.
How long does it take to create a claymation film?
Creating a claymation film is time-intensive. Each second of footage requires 24 individual frames.
Even short films can take months or years to complete, depending on complexity and the number of characters and scenes involved.
Who are some notable claymation artists?
Notable figures include Willis O’Brien, Art Clokey, and Nick Park from Aardman Animations.
Studios like Laika and Aardman have also made significant contributions with films like Coraline and Wallace and Gromit.
What are some famous claymation films?
Famous titles include Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Coraline.
These films have achieved critical acclaim and are examples of the intricate artistry involved in claymation.
What tools and software are needed for claymation?
Key tools include sculpting tools, wire for armatures, a camera, and a tripod. Software like Dragonframe is often used for capturing and editing frames. Additional digital tools can enhance and refine the animation.
What is the first step in creating claymation?
The first step is pre-production. This includes designing storyboards, creating character concepts, and planning frame rates.
Acquiring all necessary materials like clay and tools is crucial before actual production begins.
Why is lighting important in claymation?
Lighting is critical for maintaining consistency across frames. Any changes in lighting can disrupt the illusion of seamless motion.
Consistent lighting ensures that all frames blend smoothly, contributing to the fluidity of the final animation.
How can I learn claymation?
Start with basic tutorials online. Learn the fundamentals of stop-motion first. Invest in essential materials and software.
Practice by creating simple projects. Joining workshops or courses can provide hands-on experience and insights from professionals.
Conclusion
Understanding what is claymation unlocks a unique world of animation. It’s an art form where each frame is meticulously sculpted and photographed. The process requires not only materials like Plasticine and armature wire but also techniques such as frame-by-frame photography and consistent lighting.
Through history, claymation has been shaped by pioneers like Willis O’Brien and studios like Aardman and Laika, bringing iconic characters from Wallace and Gromit to Coraline. Its influence spans film, television, and even video games like The Neverhood, demonstrating its versatility and appeal.
For aspiring animators, the journey starts with mastering these techniques and appreciating the patience required. Each frame is an opportunity to innovate while honoring the rich tradition of this craft. Whether for storytelling or commercial use, claymation remains a vital and engaging medium in animation.