Guest Post, Taylor Offill

The animation process developed with ink and paper transfers directly to 3D animations. 

What is the purpose of animation?

The process of animation is to give life to the lifeless.  By exaggerating each of the twelve principles of animation the performance becomes believable to the audience.

What is a perfect animation?

The most important thing about animation is to always remember that story is king and animation is the way to show the story.  Many new animators jump into a project and start animating wildly. Make sure that every motion has a purpose instead of just having movement to fill space.  A perfect animation is one that lets the audience fall into the story by making them feel welcome or feel apart of that world. 

How do the principles bring a viewer into the world?

Fluid motions with slow in slow out allow the viewers eyes keep up with what has happened.

Arcs are more pleasing to the eye than sharp turn and jagged movements.

So now we get to squash and stretch. Many people may ask about photo-realistic animations and if you still need to squash and stretch. The answer is yes.  Granted its not like in a cartoon animation where you can pull a body part 20 feet away from its original orientation, but each part of the body still has the ability to stretch out or compress in a small about.   An example of this is your head, take the time to examine its range of motion.  It can turn side to side and pivot up and down. Now you can compress or stretch you neck out which deforms the body from it original position. Its the small details such as this which brings a character to life.

Anticipation builds suspense that gains get the audience on the edge of their seat. Getting them excited about what is to come. 

How does this information help me?

Keeping these principles in mind while animating will help animations become a better and pleasant experience for the makers and the viewers alike.

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