Animation Feedback Part 1

In this animation, there is a good amount of technical skill displayed such as:

- fluidity
- solid timing
- thoughtful avoidance of "twinning" during key poses
- overall solid body mechanics


 There are 3 main points of feedback I will cover in multiple blog posts.

1. Posing (appeal)
2. Footwork (mostly during the turn around portion of the animation)
3. Timing/Style (A subjective examination of current popular animation styles that emphasize poses and snappy timing)

Posing Part 1:"Downstage"

Compare the following two gifs that contain key poses for the "jumping" portion of the animation.

The original version has lots of good technique including thoughtfully avoiding "twinning", a little bit of hang time and clear poses overall.

The modified version has the body "open" by slightly turning towards the camera/audience or "downstage".

In classic stage acting terminology, downstage is the side of the stage closest to the audience. 

  

Slightly angling the body increases the readability and appeal of many, but not all, full body gestures.  Arguably, facial expressions are more clear as well.

Direct

Angled

A good example of this technique is this fight scene from "Naruto Shippuden".

For the majority of the fight the front of Sakura's body and face are clearly visible and emphasized despite complex spinning strikes.

Individual Pose Comparisons

Start:

Original

Modified

- Shoulders and hips angled slightly towards camera

- Both arms clearly visible

- "cross" step gather for 2 foot takeoff

Anticipation/Load/Gather:

Original

Modified

-Mostly similar to original pose

- Footwork is "flipped" to open pelvis to camera

In Flight:

Original

Modified

- "Opened"

- Head is "spotting" landing target

Landing:

Original

Modified

- Pelvis opened

- "Braking" posture to stop forward momentum and prep for turn

Next post: Cardinal Motion and Anatomical Planes

I'll go into into how I think about posing overall regardless of camera using anatomical planes.