Animation Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   General Knowledge. Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      In your own words, describe to your counselor what animation is.
      Resources:

      • What Is Animation? (video)
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Discuss with your counselor a brief history of animation.
      Resources:

      • A Brief History of Animation (video)
      • Discover Japan's First Anime: Hidden History! (video)
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Principles of Animation. Choose five of the following 12 principles of animation, and discuss how each one makes an animation appear more believable: squash and stretch, anticipation, staging, straight ahead action and pose to pose, follow through and overlapping action, slow in and slow out, arcs, secondary action, timing, exaggeration, solid drawing, appeal.
   Resources:

   • The 12 Principles of Animation Explained - The Most Important Rules for Animating (video)
   • 12 Principles of Animation (video)
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Projects. With your counselor’s approval, choose two animation techniques and do the following for each:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a
      Technique 1
      1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a.1
         1. Plan your animation using thumbnail sketches and/or layout drawings either on paper or using an animation software program.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 3.a.2
         2. Create the animation.
      3. # Copy link to requirement 3.a.3
         3. Share your animations with your counselor. Explain how you created each one, and discuss any improvements that could be made.
      Resources:

      • Pencil2D | Learn 2D Animation Tutorial Overview (video)
      • OpenToonz (video)
      • StoryBoarder (video)
   2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b
      Technique 2
      1. # Copy link to requirement 3.b.1
         1. Plan your animation using thumbnail sketches and/or layout drawings.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b.2
         2. Create the animation.
      3. # Copy link to requirement 3.b.3
         3. Share your animations with your counselor. Explain how you created each one, and discuss any improvements that could be made.
      Resources:

      • How to Make a Flipbook (video)
      • How to Make Flipbook Animation Machine at Home (video)
      • FlipAnim: How to Make Flipbook Animations Online (website)
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Animation in our World. Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Tour an animation studio or a business where animation is used, either in person, via video, or via the internet. Share what you have learned with your counselor.
      Resources:

      • What It's Like Working at Disney Animation & Studio Tour (video)
      • CGI Dreamworks Animation Studio Pipeline (video)
      • What It's Like to Work at Pixar Animation Studios (video)
      • 'Inside Out 2' Creatives Give Emily Uribe an Exclusive Pixar Studio Tour (video)
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Discuss with your counselor how animation might be used in the future to make your life more enjoyable and productive.
      Resources:

      • A Deep Dive Into the Present and Future of Animation (website with videos)
      • AI Short Film: The Future of Animation in Cinematic Style (video)
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Careers. Learn about three career opportunities in animation. Pick one and find out about the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss your findings with your counselor. Explain why this profession might interest you.
   Resources:

   • Animation as a Career Choice (video)