Share a time-lapse of a drawing from start to finish

All Activities

Record and share a time lapse video of creating a drawing from blank paper to finished artwork, experimenting with speed, composition, and color choices.

Table of contents

Drawing Apps

Step-by-step guide to record and share a time-lapse video of a drawing

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How to draw a banana - Time Lapse (Long Version)

What you need

Blank paper, pencil, eraser, colouring materials (markers crayons coloured pencils or paints), tape or clips to hold paper, tripod or a stack of books to hold your device, strong lamp or bright window light

Step 1

Clear your table so you have plenty of room to work.

Step 2

Lay your blank paper flat in the middle of the table.

Step 3

Tape the corners of the paper down so it will not move while you draw.

Step 4

Make a small thumbnail sketch on scrap paper to plan where things will go.

Step 5

Turn on a lamp or move your paper near a bright window so the paper is evenly lit.

Step 6

Put a tripod or a stack of books near your paper to hold your device steady.

Step 7

Place your device on the tripod or books so it will not fall.

Step 8

Move the device until the whole paper fills the screen and looks straight.

Step 9

Open your camera app and switch it to time-lapse or interval mode.

Step 10

Pick a recording speed or interval that you want to try.

Step 11

Record a short 10-second test clip to check your setup.

Step 12

Play back the test clip and look for good framing and brightness.

Step 13

Adjust the light or device position now if the test clip needs fixing.

Step 14

Start the full time-lapse recording and create your drawing from a light pencil sketch to finished colors and details.

Step 15

Share your finished time-lapse video of the drawing on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use instead of a tripod if I don't have one?

Use a stack of books or a sturdy box as described in the instructions to hold your device steady and secure it with elastic bands or tape while you also tape the paper corners down.

My test clip looks shaky or too dark—what should I check before recording the full time-lapse?

Follow the step to record a short 10-second test clip, then re-tape the paper corners, tighten or reposition the tripod/books, and move the lamp or paper nearer a bright window to improve steadiness and brightness before retrying.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children have an adult set up the taped paper, tripod/books, and camera and let them draw simple shapes from a thumbnail sketch, while older kids can plan a detailed thumbnail, use interval mode with longer sessions, and add layers of color and fine details.

How can we improve or personalize the time-lapse before sharing it on DIY.org?

Enhance the final time-lapse by trying different recording speeds or intervals, adding a title card or background music, and including close-up shots by moving the device on the tripod/books for variety before you share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to create a time-lapse video of a drawing

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Adobe Fresco Time Lapse Drawing Tutorial

3 Videos

Facts about drawing and time-lapse video techniques

🎥 Time-lapse cameras capture frames at much lower rates than normal video, turning hours of work into seconds of action.

⏱️ You can turn a 60-minute drawing session into a 1-minute, 30 fps time-lapse by snapping one photo every 2 seconds.

🖌️ Speed painting is a fun challenge where artists finish full artworks in short time limits like 10, 30, or 60 minutes.

🎨 Many time-lapse artists begin with quick thumbnail sketches to experiment with composition before adding color and details.

📱 Most smartphones have a built-in time-lapse mode or apps that stabilize and compress footage, so you don't need fancy gear to start!

How do I record a time-lapse drawing video with my child from start to finish?

To create a time-lapse drawing video, set up a stable overhead camera or smartphone on a tripod facing the work surface. Use bright, even lighting and plain background. Frame the paper, start recording in time-lapse or use an interval app. Plan composition, sketch lightly, then add color and details while keeping camera steady. Experiment with recording speed, pause to reposition for different angles, and stop when finished. Edit to trim, adjust speed, add music or titles, then share with privac

What materials do I need to record and share a drawing time-lapse?

You'll need a camera or smartphone with a time-lapse setting or interval app, a tripod or steady overhead mount (or stacked books), bright adjustable lighting, plain drawing paper or sketchbook, pencils and eraser, fine liners or markers, and optional paints or colored pencils. Also bring tape to secure paper, a charger or spare battery, a cloth to keep the area tidy, and a basic video-editing app to trim, adjust speed, and add music.

What ages are suitable for making a time-lapse drawing video?

This activity suits many ages: preschoolers (3–5) can participate with adult help for simple scribbles and color choices; ages 6–9 work independently on guided compositions and learn framing; ages 10–14 refine composition, color theory, and editing; teens can experiment with advanced techniques and storytelling. Supervise younger children with recording equipment and online sharing—get parental consent before posting. Adjust tools (washable markers, larger grips) for skill level and safety.

What are the benefits of recording and sharing a time-lapse drawing?

Benefits include building creativity, planning, and visual storytelling skills as kids make composition and color choices. Time-lapse shows progress, boosting confidence and helping children reflect on technique and improvement. It teaches digital skills like framing, lighting, and basic editing, plus patience and sequencing. Sharing finished clips can encourage positive feedback and community, but always manage privacy settings and discuss online etiquette with your child to keep the experience

Ready to create?

All Activities

Share a time-lapse of a drawing from start to finish

Record and share a time lapse video of creating a drawing from blank paper to finished artwork, experimenting with speed, composition, and color choices.

Table of contents

Drawing Apps

Step-by-step guide to record and share a time-lapse video of a drawing

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to draw a banana - Time Lapse (Long Version)

What you need

Step 1

Clear your table so you have plenty of room to work.

Step 2

Lay your blank paper flat in the middle of the table.

Step 3

Tape the corners of the paper down so it will not move while you draw.

Step 4

Make a small thumbnail sketch on scrap paper to plan where things will go.

Step 5

Turn on a lamp or move your paper near a bright window so the paper is evenly lit.

Step 6

Put a tripod or a stack of books near your paper to hold your device steady.

Step 7

Place your device on the tripod or books so it will not fall.

Step 8

Move the device until the whole paper fills the screen and looks straight.

Step 9

Open your camera app and switch it to time-lapse or interval mode.

Step 10

Pick a recording speed or interval that you want to try.

Step 11

Record a short 10-second test clip to check your setup.

Step 12

Play back the test clip and look for good framing and brightness.

Step 13

Adjust the light or device position now if the test clip needs fixing.

Step 14

Start the full time-lapse recording and create your drawing from a light pencil sketch to finished colors and details.

Step 15

Share your finished time-lapse video of the drawing on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use instead of a tripod if I don't have one?

Use a stack of books or a sturdy box as described in the instructions to hold your device steady and secure it with elastic bands or tape while you also tape the paper corners down.

My test clip looks shaky or too dark—what should I check before recording the full time-lapse?

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

How can we improve or personalize the time-lapse before sharing it on DIY.org?

Watch videos on how to create a time-lapse video of a drawing

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Adobe Fresco Time Lapse Drawing Tutorial

3 Videos

Facts about drawing and time-lapse video techniques

🎥 Time-lapse cameras capture frames at much lower rates than normal video, turning hours of work into seconds of action.

⏱️ You can turn a 60-minute drawing session into a 1-minute, 30 fps time-lapse by snapping one photo every 2 seconds.

🖌️ Speed painting is a fun challenge where artists finish full artworks in short time limits like 10, 30, or 60 minutes.

🎨 Many time-lapse artists begin with quick thumbnail sketches to experiment with composition before adding color and details.

📱 Most smartphones have a built-in time-lapse mode or apps that stabilize and compress footage, so you don't need fancy gear to start!