Ty Collins

Author: Ty Collins

Exploring Stop Motion Animation: A Guide for Lawrence Students

What is Stop Motion Animation?

Stop motion animation is a filmmaking technique where objects are physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames. When the sequence of images is played back quickly, it creates the illusion of movement. This method can bring anything from clay figures to everyday objects to life on the screen.

How is Stop Motion Animation Made?

Creating stop motion animation is a meticulous process that involves several key steps:

  1. Storyboarding and Planning: Just like any film, a stop motion project begins with a storyboard. This outlines the plot, scenes, and key actions.
  2. Building Models and Sets: Animators create or choose objects, characters, and backgrounds. These can be made from clay, paper, puppets, or even LEGO bricks.
  3. Animating: The objects are placed on the set, and a picture is taken. The animator then moves the object slightly and takes another picture. This process is repeated many times. Each tiny movement is one frame of the film.
  4. Photography: High-quality cameras are used to capture each frame. Consistent lighting is crucial to keep the visual appearance steady.
  5. Editing and Post-Production: Once all frames are captured, they are compiled and edited to smooth out the motion and add any special effects or sound.

Skills Needed for Stop Motion Animation

Stop motion animation requires a blend of artistic and technical skills:

  • Patience and Attention to Detail: The process is time-consuming and requires precision.
  • Creativity: Developing characters and stories requires a vivid imagination.
  • Technical Skills: Knowledge of cameras, lighting, and editing software is essential.
  • Manual Dexterity: Fine motor skills are needed to manipulate objects delicately.

Employers of Stop Motion Animators

Stop motion animators are hired by various employers, including:

  • Film Studios: Companies like Laika and Aardman Animations specialize in stop motion films.
  • Television Studios: Networks produce stop motion TV shows and commercials.
  • Advertising Agencies: Advertisers use stop motion for unique and eye-catching ads.
  • Video Game Companies: Some video games incorporate stop motion elements.

Examples of Stop Motion Animation

A well-known example of a stop motion film is Coraline (2009), produced by Laika. The film tells the story of a young girl who discovers a secret door to an alternate reality. Other famous stop motion films are Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and the Aardman Animations / DreamWorks film Chicken Run (2000).

Starting a Career in Stop Motion Animation

Stop motion animators can start their careers in a variety of ways, and both freelancing and studio employment are common paths. Here’s a closer look at each option:

Freelancing

Advantages:

  • Flexibility: Freelancers can choose their projects and work schedules.
  • Diverse Experience: Working on various projects can build a broad skill set.
  • Creative Control: Freelancers often have more creative freedom.

Challenges:

  • Unstable Income: Freelance work can be inconsistent, making financial stability a challenge.
  • Self-Promotion: Finding clients and marketing oneself requires time and effort.
  • Lack of Resources: Freelancers may need to invest in their own equipment and software.

How to Start:

  1. Build a Portfolio: Create and showcase your work through a personal website or platforms like Vimeo and YouTube.
  2. Network: Connect with other animators and potential clients through industry events and online communities.
  3. Freelance Platforms: Use websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr to find freelance gigs.

Studio Employment

Advantages:

  • Steady Income: Studios typically offer more stable employment with regular paychecks.
  • Resources and Equipment: Studios provide access to high-quality equipment and facilities.
  • Collaboration: Working with a team can lead to valuable learning experiences and creative collaboration.

Challenges:

  • Less Creative Freedom: Projects may be directed by studio requirements and client needs.
  • Work Hours: Studio jobs may require long or irregular hours, especially close to deadlines.

How to Start:

  1. Education and Training: Many studios prefer candidates with formal education in film or animation programs that offer courses in stop motion.
  2. Internships: Gain experience and make industry connections through internships at animation studios.
  3. Entry-Level Positions: Look for entry-level roles like animation assistant, model maker, or production assistant to get your foot in the door.

Career Outlook and Salary

The demand for animators, including stop motion animators, is expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for special effects artists and animators was about $99,000 per year as of 2023. However, salaries can vary widely based on experience, location, and the type of employer.

Further Information

For more information on stop motion animation, check out these resources:

Embarking on a career in stop motion animation can be both challenging and rewarding. With dedication, creativity, and the right skills, you can bring your imaginative worlds to life.

Non-Performing Careers in Music

Perhaps your original career plan was to be a professional singer or musician, but somewhere along the way, that plan changed.  Deciding not to perform doesn’t mean you still can’t work in music.  Transitioning from a performing career can be challenging, but it also offers a world of opportunities where your skills and passion for music can thrive. While some might require additional education, here are ten other options to consider.

Music Education

  • Teaching: Consider obtaining teaching credentials to become a music teacher in schools or private institutions. Your performance background will be invaluable in inspiring and educating students.
  • Workshops and Clinics: Lead workshops, masterclasses, or clinics for aspiring musicians. This can be particularly fulfilling and allow you to share your expertise.

Music Therapy

  • Certification: Pursue certification as a music therapist. This field combines music with therapeutic practices to help individuals with various emotional, mental, or physical challenges.
  • Specializations: Work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practice.

Music Production and Technology

  • Sound Engineering: Learn about sound engineering and audio production. Your musical ear can be an asset in recording studios, live sound for events, or post-production for media.
  • Music Production: Work as a music producer, helping other artists to develop their sound and record their music.

Arts Administration

  • Management: Use your insider knowledge of the music industry to manage arts organizations, orchestras, or theaters. Roles in operations, marketing, or development can be very rewarding.
  • Event Planning: Organize concerts, festivals, or other music-related events. This can include everything from logistics to artist management.

Music Business and Entrepreneurship

  • Music Publishing: Work in music publishing, helping artists get their music distributed and monetized.
  • Artist Management: Become an artist manager, using your experience to guide other musicians in their careers.
  • Entrepreneurship: Start your own music-related business, such as a music school, a recording studio, or a music promotion company.

Writing and Journalism

  • Music Criticism: Write for music magazines, blogs, or newspapers as a critic or columnist, sharing your insights and reviews of performances, albums, and trends.
  • Content Creation: Develop content for online platforms, creating videos, podcasts, or blogs that focus on music education, reviews, or industry news.

Performance-Related Roles

  • Session Musician: Work as a session musician for recordings or live performances. This can be a more flexible and varied path compared to solo performing.
  • Accompanist: Accompany other performers, whether singers, dancers, or other musicians, in various settings such as schools, churches, or theaters.

Corporate Roles in the Music Industry

  • Marketing and PR: Use your understanding of the music scene to work in marketing, public relations, or social media for music labels, venues, or artist agencies.
  • Talent Scouting: Work as a talent scout or A&R (Artists and Repertoire) representative, discovering and nurturing new talent.

Community and Non-Profit Work

  • Community Programs: Lead or coordinate community music programs, which can range from youth orchestras to outreach programs in underserved areas.
  • Non-Profit Organizations: Work with non-profit organizations that promote music education, cultural initiatives, or support for musicians.

Further Education and Specialization

  • Advanced Degrees: Consider pursuing further education in fields like musicology, ethnomusicology, or arts administration, which can open up additional career paths in academia or specialized areas.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to reflect on your interests, strengths, and the aspects of music that you are most passionate about. Networking with professionals in these fields and possibly seeking internships or volunteer opportunities can provide practical insights and open doors. Remember, the skills and experiences you’ve gained in performance—such as discipline, creativity, and collaboration—are highly transferable and valued in many other roles within the music industry and beyond.

USAJOBS Career Explorer

There are thousands of jobs in the federal government and finding the one right for you can be an exhaustive process. Have you ever wondered if there was an easier way to determine which federal government job is the best fit for your interests? There is! The USAJOBS Career Explorer helps job seekers find occupations in the federal government that align with their career interests.

Job seekers answer a series of questions (10-15 minutes) that result in a matched list of federal occupational series. The list offers explanation of jobs in plain language and links to relevant open job announcements. The Career Explorer covers over 300 occupations in the General Schedule and Wage Grade pay scale. 

Try the USAJOBS Career Explorer!

A Career as an Activist

What Does It Mean to Be an Activist?

Being an activist means working to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. Activists are passionate about their causes and work to raise awareness, influence public opinion, and push for policy changes. They might focus on issues like climate change, human rights, animal welfare, or social justice, among others.

How Does One Get Started as an Activist?

Getting started as an activist often begins with identifying a cause you care deeply about. Here are some steps to help you get started:

  • Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about the issue. Read books, watch documentaries, and follow news related to your cause.
  • Join a Group: Many activists start by joining existing organizations or groups that align with their interests. This can provide support, resources, and a community of like-minded individuals.
  • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to help with events, campaigns, or other activities.
  • Raise Awareness: Use social media, blogs, or local events to spread the word about your cause.
  • Advocate: Contact your local representatives, participate in peaceful protests, and engage in discussions to advocate for change.

Where Do Activists Work?

Activists can work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Nonprofit Organizations: Many activists work for nonprofits that focus on specific issues.
  • Community Groups: Local community groups often work on grassroots campaigns.
  • Government: Some activists work within government agencies to influence policy from the inside.
  • Schools and Universities: Educational institutions often have clubs and organizations dedicated to activism.
  • Online: The internet has become a powerful tool for activism, allowing people to connect and organize globally.

Pros and Cons of Being an Activist

Like any career, there are both positives and negatives to working as an activist.

Pros:

  • Making a Difference: Activists can create real change and make a positive impact on society.
  • Community: Being part of a movement can provide a powerful sense of community and support.
  • Personal Growth: Activism can help you develop skills like public speaking, organizing, and leadership.

Cons:

  • Emotional Toll: Fighting for a cause can be emotionally draining, especially when progress is slow and there will always be others opposed to your cause.
  • Financial Instability: Many activist roles are unpaid or low-paying, which can lead to financial challenges.
  • Risk of Burnout: The intense nature of activism can lead to burnout if self-care is not prioritized.

Most activists advocate for peaceful methods of protest and change. They believe in using nonviolent tactics like marches, sit-ins, and petitions to make their voices heard. However, there are instances where activism can turn violent, especially if tensions run high or if there is a strong opposition. Violence is never appropriate, nor is it acceptable to try and destroy someone’s life or career by public shaming or “cancelling” them. 

As mentioned above, most activists make little money. Some activists work as volunteers and do not receive any payment. Others may work for nonprofit organizations or as community organizers and earn a modest salary. According to some sources, the average salary for a community organizer in the United States is around $40,000 per year, but this can vary based on location, experience, and the specific organization.  As you rise in the ranks of a larger nonprofit organization, your salary will increase as well. 

Being an activist is a challenging but rewarding career. It requires passion, dedication, and resilience. If you are committed to making a difference, activism can be a powerful way to contribute to the world.

Art Therapy: A Path to Healing Through Creativity

Art therapy is a unique and rewarding career that combines the creative process of making art with the therapeutic process of healing. Art therapists use their skills to help people express themselves, explore their emotions, and improve their mental health. Let’s dive into what art therapists do, who they work with, their work environment, and the education required to become one.

Art therapists use various art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage, to help clients express their thoughts and feelings. They believe that the creative process can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. Here are some key tasks that art therapists perform:

  • Assessment: They evaluate clients’ needs and determine the best approach to therapy.
  • Therapeutic Sessions: They conduct individual or group sessions where clients create art to explore their emotions and experiences.
  • Interpretation: They help clients understand the meaning behind their artwork and how it relates to their feelings and behaviors.
  • Treatment Planning: They develop personalized treatment plans to address clients’ specific issues and goals.
  • Documentation: They keep detailed records of clients’ progress and sessions.

Art therapists work with a diverse range of clients who experience a variety of challenges including:

  • Children and Adolescents: Helping young people cope with issues like trauma, anxiety, and behavioral problems.
  • Adults: Assisting individuals dealing with stress, depression, addiction, and other mental health challenges.
  • Elderly: Supporting seniors facing aging-related issues, such as dementia and loneliness.
  • Special Populations: Working with people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those who have experienced significant life changes.

Art therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, in private practice, and in community centers.

Becoming an art therapist requires a combination of education, training, and experience. Beginning in college, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and/or art is recommended. After completing your undergraduate degree, potential Art Therapists enroll in a master’s program in art therapy, which typically takes 2-3 years to complete. These programs include coursework in psychology, counseling, and art therapy techniques, as well as supervised clinical experience.

The salary for art therapists in the United States can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the specific work setting. Entry-level Art therapists typically earn around $45,000 per year. Experienced Art Therapists (8+years) on average earn $65,000+ per year.

Art therapy is a fulfilling career that allows you to combine your passion for art with a desire to help others. By guiding clients through the creative process, art therapists play a crucial role in promoting mental health and well-being. If you have a love for art and a commitment to helping people, this career might be the perfect fit for you.

Where have other Lawrence Students found #VPA Internships?

If you are looking for a #VPA Career Community related internship, you might want to look for opportunities at work sites that have hosted Lawrence interns in the past! Here are just some!

• Art/Museums:
o The Trout Museum of Art
o Hearthstone Historic House Museum
o History Museum at the Castle
o Art Institute of Chicago
o John Michael Kohler Art Center
o Peninsula School of Art and Gallery
o Wisconsin Arts Board
o Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
o Museum of Wisconsin Art
o Milwaukee Art Museum
o Metropolitan Museum of Art
o Museum of Modern Art
o Walker Art Center
o St. Louis Art Museum
o Toledo Museum of Art
o Dallas Museum of Art
o Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
o Walters Art Gallery
o Sotheby’s
o Smithsonian Institution
o Americans for the Arts

o Walker Art Center
o St. Louis Art Museum
o Toledo Museum of Art
o Dallas Museum of Art
o Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
o Walters Art Gallery
o Sotheby’s
o Smithsonian Institution
o Americans for the Arts


• Music:
o Chicago Symphony Orchestra
o Lyric Opera of Chicago
o Timeless Music Entertainment
o Merit School of Music
o New York Jazz Academy
o Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute
o Center for Deep Listening
o Kairos Alive!
o Broadway Cares
o Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
o Stone Soup Theatre
o Forte Community Music Project
o Peninsula Players
o Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
o Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra
o The Grand Oshkosh
o Metropolitan Opera
o Red River Lyric Opera
o Interlochen Center for the Arts
o Aspen Music Festival and School