DigiCel Makes Pencil Test Easier!

Pencil test is a traditional technique used to test the timing and spacing of an animated sequence. Traditionally animators would create rough sketches or drawings with a pencil on paper. Then these drawings had to be shot on film and developed before they could be seen.

Importance of Pencil Test

It’s important to review and correct their drawings before moving on to inking and painting. Pencil tests help identify issues such as timing errors, awkward movements, or inconsistencies in character animation. They’re also used to fine-tune the performance of the characters. This helps ensure that the movements and expressions convey the desired emotions or actions effectively.

Digital Pencil Test

Now days pencil tests are done digitally. Pencil drawings are shot or scanned into a computer or drawn directly into the software using a graphics tablet. This lets animators see the results instantly. They no longer have to wait overnight for the film to be developed.

Currently, pencil tests are often done in DigiCel FlipBook because it most closely simulates the method. This allows animators to work in a way that is still familiar and comfortable.

Timing and spacing are a very important part making animation look smooth and natural. Changing the spacing requires new drawings. But FlipBook lets you change the timing while the scene. This lets you see the results immediately. No other app can do that.  This helps you experiment and learn timing better than any other app.