Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Balance and Weight
One of the greatest difficulties animators face is creating the illusion of weight
in an object or character. This is such an important aspect of animation that
it is worth linking with the principles of animation. The balance of an object
or a figure depends on both its weight and its shape. As a figure moves,
shifting its weight to adjust its balance, it undergoes a shift around its center
of gravity. Identifying and working with this center of gravity and the shifting
of the weight around it are central to creating believable dynamics in a figure.
An object's weight may be illustrated in a number of ways, and the timing of
the action will illustrate the amount of inertia a figure, or a part of a figure,
possesses. Timing also illustrates momentum of a figure, with both inertia and
momentum directly linked to the mass an object possesses.
It is the illusion of weight and balance that gives drawings, models, and
images of other kinds a level of believability in their movement. This illusion
may be achieved through the use of squash and stretch, overlapping action,
follow-through, and drag. Balance and weight are among the basic currencies
of animation; if they are not achieved in an animation, more elaborate aspects
of movement linked with acting and performance will become difficult, if not
impossible.
Solid Modeling
As with solid drawing,
solid modeling
deals with aspects of form, volume,
space, and surface values that impact the animation of any character. Solid
modeling can also give a character a good deal of appeal. The transition from
design to build is a very important one, and retaining the qualities of the
concept art or the character design is important but often presents difficulties
when translated into three dimensions. The practicalities of articulating a
figure, particularly one that needs to demonstrate naturalistic and believable
qualities, are substantial. Poor modeling will not only restrict the way a
figure moves and behaves; this restriction in turn will definitely impede
performance. Lack of solid modeling may also mean that the character not
only lacks any kind of appeal but appears “dead” and incapable of expressing
the spark of life that all characters must have if they are to be believable and
capable of expressing emotion.
It is important that any figure be built in such a way that the animator is
capable of using it to create the animation necessary for the narrative. If
movement is restricted at all, it is doubtful that the animator will get the best
from the model, regardless of that animator's skills.
Energy Flow
With a figure in motion it is possible to track the way energy is directed
through the body as an action progresses. This capability may prove very
useful in thinking about how the body shifts and rotates and how the various
