Step by Step Guide to Improve your Character Animation

Step by Step Guide to Improve your Character Animation

Mankind has been fascinated with art and motion for as long as we have been crawling upon the surface. In early cave drawings show how even primitive men would pose the limbs on their animal silhouettes in order to give the appearance of the movements. Edward Muybridge was using sequential photographs, even before the invention of motion picture cameras to study the movement of humans and animals in the 1800s. Which has been used by researchers ever since.

These days we are all surrounded by animation in one form or another, be it a cartoon or a film. So with animation all around us, it is up to an animator how will he/she improve their skills? So here in this article, we will discuss 5 steps that you can use to improve your character animation. 

Step 1: Observing the real-life characters

Though it may seem simple to breathe life into an inanimate object, it is the small nuances that can help give life to a piece and demonstrate the thought and consideration that went into it.

l Observe people: 1.  How they express themselves

                           2.  How they interact
                                   3.  How they move around

This will help you to gain a good understanding, not only of motion but also timing and weight. 

Step 2:Study the psychology of movement

To fully imitate someone, you must first comprehend their movements, not only in terms of method but also in terms of intent. Everything we do serves a purpose, and the way we stand and pose can say a lot about us. Understanding why we do what we do and when we do it will aid you in communicating this through your animation. For getting more information regarding this there are several animation courses in Kolkata that will help you to gain tips and tricks from the professionals themselves. 

Step 3:Real-world references are the ultimate solution 

It is very important to have a strong reference point while animating the face. Most of the top animation studios will record voiceover artists as they record the sounds for their characters. This reel is then provided to an animator, who can use it to capture the performers' expressions as they speak and emote while they work. If this isn't possible, how about using your face as a reference? Grab a mirror and repeat the words, or simply replicate key expressions, to give you an excellent place to start.

Step 4: Try to film yourself

Sitting at a desk can never give you a solid sense of how an animation should play out, and online references will only get you so far. Why not record yourself performing the movement to better understand how and why a character moves the way they do? These days, we all have access to video cameras; in fact, most of us carry one in our pockets. Why not get out of your seat and record yourself in action instead of just taking selfies? Act out the scene yourself, and no matter how clumsy or awkward it is, this tape will provide you with a solid foundation to build on. There are certain industry tools as well that can assist you.

Step 5: Keep your rig simple

It takes more than just the animator's talent to create a great 3D animation. The majority of what they can accomplish is reliant on the rig they are employing. A simple and general system will provide you with the essential tools, but in order to give your character that extra edge, the rig must be adjusted to the animator's individual requirements.

Some of the underlying mechanics and systems are freely accessible. The best rigs are those that let the animator animate the object easily without any deformity. They simply pick random characters and move them around without having to deal with sophisticated systems or frequent trips to the technical artist because the jaw is suddenly on the opposite side of the scene and they have no idea why.

Step 6: Form key poses first

It is incredibly rewarding to see a pile of polygons or clay come to life and express emotion, but it doesn't mean you should rush through each pose and refine it before moving on to the next. Working on one tiny section at a time prevents you from seeing the wider picture, which might cause the sequence to lack fluidity and naturalness. Following a layering system will save you from wasting time. To acquire a feeling of timing, the first layer should include rapid stances at precise frames. Then, once you have nailed those, you can go back and repeat the procedure, each time adding more and more detail.

To Wrap Up

These are some basic sketches that will assist you in improving your character animation. For getting more information about 2D or 3D character animation from a professional get into animation course in Kolkata that will assist you.