Lecture: 12 Principles of Animation

Introduction

• Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston: Legendary animators who described the 12 principles of animation.
• Purpose: Enhance the appearance and realism of animation by understanding these principles.

Principle 1: Squash and Stretch

• Definition: Objects change shape to denote speed, momentum, weight, and mass.
• Examples:
  • A bouncing ball with and without squash and stretch.
  • The difference in squash and stretch for a water balloon vs. a bowling ball.
• Application: Also applies to characters and facial expressions.
• Consistency: Maintain object's volume consistently when applying squash and stretch.

Principle 2: Anticipation

• Definition: Prepares an audience for an action, enhancing realism.
• Examples:
  • Characters preparing to jump by crouching.
  • Preparing a punch by winding back the arm.
• Importance:
  • Guides audience attention.
  • Can create surprise by misleading direction.

Principle 3: Staging

• Definition: Present ideas clearly and unmistakably.
• Elements: Acting, timing, camera angle, position, and setting.
• Examples:
  • Ensure main action is the focus.
  • Use camera proximity appropriately.

Principle 4: Straight Ahead and Pose to Pose

• Straight Ahead: Animate frame by frame sequentially.
• Pose to Pose: Draw main poses first, fill in-betweens later.
• Benefits:
  • Pose to Pose allows early error detection and more controlled animations.
  • Straight Ahead is better for unpredictable actions.

Principle 5: Follow-Through and Overlapping Action

• Definition: Parts continue moving after body stops.
• Examples:
  • Appendages dragging behind the body.
  • Action offsetting (like arms lagging behind elbows).

Principle 6: Slow In and Slow Out

• Definition: Movement accelerates and decelerates naturally.
• Application: Critical for lifelike motion in 2D and 3D animations.

Principle 7: Arcs

• Definition: Most movements in nature follow an arc path.
• Examples:
  • Head turns and limb movements following arcs.
  • Use arcs to avoid mechanical movements.

Principle 8: Secondary Action

• Definition: Supports the main action to add dimension.
• Examples:
  • Gestures, facial expressions, and body movements complementing the main action.
• Application: Must not overshadow primary action.

Principle 9: Timing

• Definition: Number of frames between actions affects perception.
• Frame Rates:
  • 24 frames per second standard.
  • Drawing on ones, twos, threes, etc.
• Impact: Speed and weight perception of actions.

Principle 10: Exaggeration

• Definition: Enhance actions beyond realism for impact.
• Application: Balance exaggeration without losing believability.

Principle 11: Solid Drawing

• Definition: Ensuring drawings have volume, weight, and balance.
• Techniques:
  • Avoid symmetry and flat lines.
  • Use solid shapes and perspective lines.

Principle 12: Appeal

• Definition: Characters should be pleasing and interesting.
• Techniques:
  • Variety of shapes, play with proportions, and simplicity.
• Goal: Create charismatic and dynamic character designs.

Conclusion

• Covered all 12 principles and their importance in animation.
• Future content will focus on walk and run cycles.