Draw a map of a world you want to animate
Draw and color a map of your imaginary world, label locations and characters, add landmarks, then plan simple movements to animate scenes.
About this activity
Draw and color a map of your imaginary world, label locations and characters, add landmarks, then plan simple movements to animate scenes.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose a name for your imaginary world and write it big at the top of your paper.
- 2
Step 2
Use your pencil to sketch the big outline of your world like one island many islands or a floating map.
- 3
Step 3
Draw the main regions such as mountains forests rivers cities or deserts inside your outline.
- 4
Step 4
Label each region by writing its name clearly next to it with your pen.
- 5
Step 5
Draw 3 to 6 characters and at least 3 special landmarks like castles waterfalls or weird trees on the map.
- 6
Step 6
Write a name and one short trait (brave funny sleepy etc.) next to each character.
- 7
Step 7
Color your map and characters so each place and person looks bright and different.
- 8
Step 8
Use your pencil or pen and ruler to draw arrows showing where each character will travel on the map.
- 9
Step 9
On a separate sheet draw three small boxes and sketch or write what happens in the start middle and end of one animated scene.
- 10
Step 10
Draw each character on a sticky note so you can move them later.
- 11
Step 11
Put each sticky-note character on its starting spot and move them along the arrows to practice the animation steps.
- 12
Step 12
Share your finished map world and animation plan on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I create and animate a map of an imaginary world?
Start by sketching a large outline of your world—continents, islands, or floating islands—and choose a scale. Add named locations (cities, caves, forests) and characters, then draw landmarks and color each area. Storyboard one or two short scenes and plan simple movements: pan across the map, zoom to a location, or move character icons along routes. For animation, use flipbook frames, paper cutouts with stop-motion, or a phone/tablet app to capture frame-by-frame images.
What materials do I need to draw and animate an imaginary world map?
You'll need plain paper or heavyweight cardstock for durability, pencils and erasers for sketching, fine-tip markers or colored pencils for details, and paints if desired. Scissors and glue work for cutout characters; clear tape or stapler for assembly. For animation: a smartphone or tablet, a stable tripod or a box to steady the camera, and a stop-motion/animation app (many free). Optional: index cards for frames, stickers, laminating sheets, and non-toxic supplies for young children.
What ages is this activity suitable for?
This activity suits a wide range: ages 4–6 can enjoy simple drawing, coloring, and moving stickers or cutouts with adult help. Ages 7–10 can plan locations, label places, and try basic stop-motion or flipbook animation. Ages 11+ can design detailed maps, storyboard scenes, and use tablet or computer animation apps. Adjust complexity, give younger kids templates, and encourage older kids to write character backstories to deepen storytelling and planning skills.
What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for this map animation activity?
Making and animating an imaginary map boosts creativity, storytelling, spatial thinking, fine motor control, and planning. It encourages writing, collaboration, and problem-solving when children design journeys or scenes. Safety tips: supervise scissors and adhesives, choose non-toxic art supplies, secure cameras on stable surfaces, and limit screen time. Variations: create a group map, turn it into a board game, use toy figures for stop-motion, or digitize the map in simple animation apps for v
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have sticky notes, colored pens, or a ruler?
Cut small squares from scrap paper and tape one corner to the map to act like the 'Draw each character on a sticky note' pieces, use crayons or markers in place of colored pens to 'Color your map and characters', and use a book edge or a strip of cardboard as a straight edge instead of a ruler for 'Use your pencil or pen and ruler to draw arrows'.
My arrows look messy and the sticky-note characters tear or fall off when we move them—what should we try?
Lightly pencil the paths first using a straight edge from the 'Use your pencil or pen and ruler to draw arrows' step, then go over them in pen, and reinforce each sticky-note character from 'Draw each character on a sticky note' by attaching the top edge with a small piece of clear tape so they slide without tearing.
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, pre-sketch the main regions and provide stickers for the 'Draw 3 to 6 characters' and let them color, while older kids can add more characters and traits, create detailed travel arrows and timing, and expand the three boxes into a longer storyboard as in 'On a separate sheet draw three small boxes'.
How can we improve or personalize the animation beyond the paper practice?
Make the movement step 'Put each sticky-note character on its starting spot and move them along the arrows' into a stop-motion by photographing each incremental move with a phone, name and decorate special landmarks like the castle from 'Draw 3 to 6 characters and at least 3 special landmarks', and write short dialogue for the three storyboard boxes to add personality.