On September 9th, GIPHY is launching Frame By Frame — a self-published, first of its kind, physical book that brings the magic of animation to the static page. Creatively driven by the concept of “Be Animated” — GIPHY’s mantra and mission statement — 35 international artists showcase what the phrase means to them in a way you’ve never seen before.
What is Frame By Frame?
The first animated book of GIF art, Frame By Frame is a physical, limited edition publication (only 750 copies) that uses lenticular holograms, stickers, and image flips to translate 35 pieces of new digital animation to the real world in surprising ways.
In addition to representing animation via unique layouts and high quality prints of the work, each page also includes a QR code allowing readers to experience the full animation on a smartphone. The result is the ability to appreciate the intricate details present in a single frame of animation, along with the full, dynamic piece.
Why Now?
This groundbreaking book published by GIPHY Arts is our latest collaboration with artists to reimagine the potential and poignancy of GIFs and stickers beyond our phones, stories, and cameras. Previous examples we’ve done have ranged from gallery shows like Loop Dreams and Time_Frame, to NYC’s GIFs of Time and GIPHY Film Fest (New York’s first Micro-film festival). This project, however, began as an opportunity to commission and support independent artists as the pandemic was impacting working opportunities for the creative community.
Frame By Frame takes the envelope-pushing spirit and artistic celebration of previous IRL events and translates it to a format that can be safely shared and experienced without the complications of in-person gatherings.
With Artists, For Artists
The book features 35 all new commissions from a range of artists that represents GIPHY’s artist directory. It’s a group as diverse and varied as their preferred materials: flipping through the pages reveals a vibrant and diverse world of claymation, cel animation, computer renders, photographic portraits and more. All of which are united by a love for the animated GIF.
The book is a substantial addition to collections of art and design books, perfect for those interested in contemporary animation, innovative publishing and people who love neon green coils.
Get Yours
The book is currently available in limited quantities at the following locations:
- Books Are Magic (Brooklyn): Available online and in store
- Desert Island (Brooklyn): Available in store
- Museum of the Moving Image (Queens): Available in store
- GIPHY on Big Cartel (Internet): Available online
- House of Speakeasy (Brooklyn Book Festival): Available in person, 9/26 & 10/3
- Vroman’s (LA): Coming Soon
Frame by Frame retails for $75 and all proceeds go to the above independent establishments and local charities.
Additionally, a 3D experience of the book can be found HERE, allowing anyone, anywhere to flip through its pages and get a sense of its content. Nothing, though, will beat the experience of holding the book, and a little bit of animated history, in your hands.
See below for some of the digital works featured in the book — and quotes from the participating artists:
“This is part of a series of hand drawn animations drawn on my hands. This work is an example of tactile artwork that can tactilely feel.” — Matthias Brown
“If we can open ourselves up enough to share the playgrounds of our imagination, we might find we have more things in common than the outer world would let us believe.” — Head Explodie
“The art I created for this book is a potent blend of Indigenous Futurism and Queer Mutant Magick!” — Edgar Fabian Frias
“This is about pining for romantic Love during times of isolation.” — Dax Norman
“In this piece I depicted my personal “Big Bang Theory” informed by hours of in-depth research.” — Jimmy Simpson
For more inspiring Artist work and collaboration, follow GIPHY Arts on Instagram @GIPHYArts.
