The Art of Animation and Visual Effects Series This excellent program is an enjoyable primer for novice animators the world over. Clay animator Mark Sawicki examines the fundamental design concepts of the animation armature and builds an inexpensive puppet skeleton based on his character design. The proportions of the figure are sketched out to illustrate the planning and design phase. After the skeleton is created the different types and uses of polymer clay are discussed. Basic color theory is outlined as primary colors of clay are blended together for the figure. The puppet is then sculpted over the armature starting with the flexible appendages and eyes (which are baked). Mark then moves on to sculpt the expressive face and finally the body which are kept pliable for animation. A consumer digital camera is described and its software set up is demonstrated in preparation for clay animation using the computer and digital camera as a recording device. The program culminates in a demonstration of how the animator uses mathematics to "time out" the action and shows how the figure is manipulated for each frame of a cycle. Study Guide included.