Polymer clay

Definition

Polymer clay is a versatile modeling material made from polymer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is known for its pliability, durability, and ability to be hardened through baking. This unique medium is widely used in various forms of stop-motion animation, particularly in Claymation and object animation, where animators create intricate characters and scenes that can be manipulated frame by frame for fluid motion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polymer clay comes in a wide range of colors, which can be blended together to create custom shades for more detailed animations.
2. It remains soft and workable until baked in an oven at a specific temperature, allowing animators to adjust their creations as needed before finalizing them.
3. This material is non-toxic, making it safe for use by both professionals and hobbyists alike, including children.
4. Unlike traditional clay, polymer clay does not dry out when exposed to air, which allows for extended working time without the material hardening prematurely.
5. Once baked, polymer clay becomes strong and durable, making it suitable for creating long-lasting models that can withstand repeated handling during animation processes.

Review Questions

• How does polymer clay's properties enhance the process of creating characters in Claymation?
  • Polymer clay's pliability and ability to hold detail allow animators to create intricate characters that can easily be posed and adjusted. Its non-drying nature means that artists can take their time refining designs without worrying about the material hardening too soon. Once baked, the durability of polymer clay ensures that the characters can endure the physical demands of stop-motion animation without losing their shape or detail.
• Discuss the advantages of using polymer clay compared to traditional clay in stop-motion animation.
  • Polymer clay offers several advantages over traditional clay for stop-motion animation. It remains workable until baked, so artists can manipulate it as needed during production. Unlike traditional clay, which can dry out and crack, polymer clay stays flexible until hardened in an oven, preventing issues during long animation sessions. Additionally, its wide range of colors simplifies color mixing and customization, leading to more vibrant and visually appealing animations.
• Evaluate the impact of polymer clay on the evolution of object animation techniques in contemporary media.
  • The introduction of polymer clay has significantly influenced object animation techniques by providing animators with a reliable and versatile material. Its unique properties have allowed for greater creative expression and detailed character design, which has enhanced storytelling in animated films. The durability of baked polymer clay supports more complex movements and interactions between characters, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what is possible in object animation and contributing to the development of innovative visual styles in contemporary media.

Related terms

Claymation: A form of stop-motion animation that uses malleable clay figures, allowing animators to create detailed and expressive characters.

Armature: A supportive framework often used in stop-motion animation to provide structure and stability to characters made from materials like polymer clay.

Stop-motion animation: An animation technique that involves capturing individual frames of a physical object to create the illusion of movement when played in sequence.