Record GIF | Planning and tests

One of the first ideas I had for a GIF was that of a record playing, with an album by Denim Whiplash propped up in the background. It would be a subtle scene, where the arrangement and objects played a big part in telling a story.

Ideally, I would love this to be a concept for my 3D GIF, as I didn't want to create any models or sculptures of Denim himself (I feel that this would ruin the plausibility of the character!)

So I noted that my main focus for this idea, if it was to be the 3D one, would be LIGHTING, PROPS, and COMPOSITION.

Was I to use my own turntable, find another, make a dummy one?

Do I use lamps and artificial light, natural light, or a studio lamp?

Do I use an existing place/setting, or create a coloured backdrop? (e.g. a large sheet of coloured paper)

Some really quick album covers..

The main 'prop' would be a 12" album cover that I would create to scale, to lean against the wall/lid of the player. So I will also have to consider the design of this album, how I could convey the character himself, or the vibe I wanted to put across.

Tonally, it could be funny and quite goofy, or quite reflective and sad. Possibilities...

Just to test this all out on a really basic level, I measured out an approx piece of paper, drew out a quick design, and got a record spinning and filmed it.

I imported the short video into photoshop, cut down the frames to a small number, and cropped the size.

For a test it isn't bad, but I do think that background, a finalised cover, and a better arrangement that showcases this will elevate the entire thing. I could also design a proper center label (with more type and colours), to really highlight the movement of the vinyl.