WEEK 20 – Creature Animation
Today, George, took us on a deep dive into the fascinating world of creature animation. Specifically, we tackled the challenge of animating quadruped walks.
He started by reminding us of the key differences: contacts, ups, downs, and passings. With four legs, that means double the number of contact points with the ground, double the potential for wobbly movements, and double the work!
George emphasised the importance of understanding what’s moving and carrying the weight. It’s not just about animating legs in a repetitive cycle. We need to visualise the underlying musculature, the weight transfer, and how each movement affects the entire body.
For a smooth and realistic walk cycle, we have to aim for 32 frames. This magic number allows for enough time to depict each step realistically, ensuring your creature doesn’t look like it’s teleporting from one leg to the next.
And finally, George stressed the importance of having a library of creature reference at your disposal. Whether it’s real-world footage of animals or meticulously crafted animations, having visual references to guide your work is crucial. By studying how real creatures move, you can capture the essence of their movements and translate it into your animation.
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