A Zoetrope is a plastic cylinder that has multiple slits equidistantly apart. Inside the verticle slits, is a ring of paper with a series of images on it. These images are more or less the same but have a slight difference in each that make an overall change when all the images are compiled together. This happens when you spin the Zoetrope and look through the slits and see the pictures on the opposite sides. These pictures are moving so fast that they blur into one and seem like the image is moving.

This technique is appealing to the audience because it is something you can see in real life. Unlike cartoons or stop-motions, you can spin the Zoetrope and see the images moving in person. This is far more exciting because you can control the animation.

A Zoetrope is important because it is a unique form of animation as it’s something you can see in person. The gimmick of being able to see the Zoetrope in action and put the pieces together to understand what is occurring in the images.

The Zoetrope was created in China, 180 AD by Ding Huan. However, the European Zoetrope was invented by William Horner. Although, William named his Zoetrope the ‘Daedatelum’. This eventually changed to its common name ‘Zoetrope’ by French inventor Pierre Desvignes. It was made so that multiple people can see the same image.

An advantage of a Zoetrope is that it is the easiest way to make an animation. Although the drawings are very tedious and precise, to actually make the animation happen is simple. All you have to do is spin the wheel. This is far simpler than having to take photos and edit them in a computer for stop-motion or digitally drawn animations.

Another advantage is that it is a smooth transition from each frame. This is because each sketch is spun naturally, so it transitions organically, meaning the flow is more natural and looks like the image is really moving.

A disadvantage of a Zoetrope is that the animations can only be short. The typical Zoetrope has only 10 images in it, so the storytelling is limited. This means the narrative can only be simple and has to be short- this is very restrictive when trying to make animation. Another disadvantage of a Zoetrope is that it is hard to come buy and also expensive- thus making it rather wasteful as you pay so much, only to make a small animation.

Past Example

Above is a video of a replica of an old Zoetrope used back in the late 19th century. This Zoetrope is effective at telling a simple story, typically comical. Its impact was to use darker colours to help the image be seen through the slits, the bolder it is, the better it will stand out.

Contemporary Example

Above is an example of a newer Zoetrope. What makes this one different is that fact that it is a silhouette Zoetrope; it essentially works the same but it structured differently. It has small black cut outs of a bird and when spun, looks like there is a bird in the centre flying. It’s clear this Zoetrope incorporated the idea of using black for the image but adapted it so that it’s easier to see the image- as it doesn’t require you to look through small slits.

Both Zoetropes are effective in portraying an object moving on a loop. However, the newer one is superior because it is less cramped- you don’t have to look through a small slit. This helps maintain the illusion of movement, as you can see the object moving clearer than the older one. Both use black though for the outside and white for the ring of drawings as the bold contrast helps the eye see the drawings through the slits- allowing for clear vision of movement.

My Zoetrope

Above is my Zoetrope that I made. I decided to go with the concept of Spider-Man swinging around the city, switching his webs from hand to hand. I used the template to use as a guide for how my drawings will line up. I shaded in the further back leg and arm so that it was clear which arm was moving. I also added some yellow speed lines behind Spider-Man to give the clear direction he was traveling in. I then cut them out and stuck them into a ring and placed it into the Zoetrope. After the first spin, I found that Spider-Man was not defined enough and needed to stand out. Thus I used a black pen to draw around some of Spider-Man, to outline a key part of his body. This worked well but next time I think I will outline all of him just to make it a bit clear. I’d also outline the web too, as that couldn’t be seen too well, which made him look more like he was dancing.