An Modern Ode to Early Animation

The Thaumatrope was invented by J. A. Paris, an English physician, in 1826. Credited as the first cinematographic device, the "Bird in Cage" was an early optical illusion created with by quickly flipping between two images of an empty cage and lone bird.

"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" comes from a two-part song by Binary Star about life imprisoned.

Using these two pieces of inspiration, I wanted to create a modern take on this fundamental form of animation. After illustrating a geometric animation of a bird flying, paired with the outline of an old victorian bird cage, the two elements were paired together in After Effects— creating a whimsical and seamless animation.