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Introduction to Animation

Introduction to Animation Principles

Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion and change by rapidly displaying a sequence of static images that minimally differ from each other. In animation, there are certain principles that are followed to make movements appear more realistic and appealing to the viewer. These principles are the foundation of animation and are essential to creating smooth and believable motion. In this lesson, we will discuss the principles of animation and how they are applied in practice.

Principles of Animation

Squash and Stretch

The first principle of animation is squash and stretch. This principle involves changing the shape of an object to give the impression of weight and flexibility. For example, when a ball is bounced, it will squash as it hits the ground and stretch when it is in the air. This principle is used to create more lively and dynamic animations.

Timing

The second principle of animation is timing. Timing is the speed at which an action occurs and is essential to creating the illusion of weight, force, and mass. For example, a heavy object would move more slowly than a lighter one.

Anticipation

The third principle is anticipation. Anticipation is the build-up of energy before an action occurs. It allows the viewer to predict what will happen next and creates a more natural and believable movement.

Staging

The fourth principle is staging. Staging involves positioning the subject of the animation in a way that is clear and easy to understand for the viewer. This principle is used to direct the attention of the viewer to the most important parts of the animation.

Follow-Through and Overlapping Action

The fifth principle is follow-through and overlapping action. This principle involves the continuation of an action even after the primary action has stopped. For example, when a character stops running, their hair and clothing will continue to move due to the momentum of their movement. This principle is used to create more fluid and natural animations.

Appeal

The sixth principle is appeal. Appeal is the overall attractiveness of the animation and the characters within it. This principle is used to make the animation more visually pleasing and engaging to the viewer.

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Timing and Spacing

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