Week #2 - Mastering Solid Posing and Timing in Animation

Tutor: Lou Kneath

ACTION, CHARACTER & PERFORMANCE

Drew Campbell

10/3/20241 min read

Understanding Solid Posing

Two crucial elements of animation are solid posing and effective timing and spacing. In this week’s presentation, we delved into the significance of these aspects, focusing particularly on their role in enhancing character communication. Solid posing is foundational; it establishes how characters exude emotions and physicality. A well-structured pose can convey excitement, joy, or tension, allowing the audience to connect with the character on a deeper level.

Animating a Bouncing Ball

For our sketchbook assignment, we were tasked with animating a bouncing ball from a side-view perspective. The goal was to accurately portray the weight and bounce characteristic of either a basketball or a football. To achieve this, we utilized timing and spacing principles. The initial drop of the ball should feel heavy, tapping into the object's inertia. As it hits the ground, it compresses slightly, and this compression phase is crucial—the ball should spring back with anticipation, showcasing energy and weight transfer.

Communicating Excitement with Human Poses

Alongside our animation work, we practiced sketching various human character poses that convey excitement. These sketches are not only an exercise in creativity but also an opportunity to explore how body language enhances storytelling. A character jumping with arms raised, or leaning forward with a wide smile, can vividly communicate the feeling of exhilaration. Each pose must reflect the character's personality and the situation's context, emphasizing the importance of solid posing in animation!