PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATIONApril 25, 2011

PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATIONSquash and StretchAnticipationStagingStraight Ahead v. Pose to PoseFollow Through and Overlapping ActionSlow In and Slow OutArcsSecondary ActionTimingExaggerationSolid DrawingAppeal

Gives the illusion of weight to an object as it movesAn objects volume must not be changed when squashed or stretched.

Another ExampleandCC-BY-SA Lapman 2008CC-BY-SA Lapman 2008

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ANTICIPATIONPrepares the audience for the action and makes the action appear more realisticCC BY-SA Dikeman 2004

STAGINGA scene should reveal the attitude, mood, reaction or idea of the character or story. Camera angles help frame this for the audience.

STRAIGHT AHEAD V. POSE TO POSEBegins with the first drawing and works drawing toward the end of a scene.

Planned out and chartedKey drawings done at intervals throughout the scene

Straight Ahead AnimationPose to Pose Animation

Straight Ahead Animation:Loss of size, volume, and proportions Maintains spontaneity and freshnessFast, wild action scenes are done this way

Pose to Pose Animation:Size, volumes, and proportions are controlled better this way, as is the action.

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FOLLOW THROUGH AND OVERLAPPING ACTIONWhen the main body of the character stops all other parts continue to catch up to the main mass of the character, such as arms, long hair, clothing, or a long tail.

Animated ExampleCC-BY-SA SunCreator 2010

SLOW IN AND SLOW OUTMore drawings near start and end pose. Softens the action

CC-BY-SA Lapman 2008

ARCSAll actions, with few exceptions follow an arc or slightly circular path. Road2Animate 2010

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SECONDARY ACTIONAction adds to the main action and adds dimension to the character

TIMINGTiming refers to the number of drawings or frames for a given actionOn a purely physical level, correct timing makes objects appear to abide to the laws of physicsTiming is critical for establishing a character's mood, emotion, and reaction.

EXAGGERATIONExaggeration is an effect especially useful for animation, as perfect imitation of reality can look static and dull in cartoons.

SOLID DRAWINGThe basic principles of drawing apply to animation as it does to academic drawing.

APPEALAppeal includes an easy to read design, clear drawing, and personality development to capture the audiences interest

*Straight Ahead Animation:Loss of size, volume, and proportions Maintains spontaneity and freshnessFast, wild action scenes are done this way

Pose to Pose Animation:Size, volumes, and proportions are controlled better this way, as is the action.

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