12 Principles of Animation - Introduction to 3D Animation PDF

AS2418 12 PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION The 12 principles of animation, originally developed by Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, serve as the cornerstone of traditional animation and have seamlessly transitioned into the world of 3D animation. These princi...

AS2418 12 PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION The 12 principles of animation, originally developed by Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, serve as the cornerstone of traditional animation and have seamlessly transitioned into the world of 3D animation. These principles – such as squash and stretch, timing and spacing, anticipation, and follow-through – form a universal framework for creating animations that are lifelike, engaging, and dynamic. These principles will serve as a guide in crafting movements that will emulate natural physics, evoke emotional resonance, and enhance storytelling. Whether animating a bouncing ball or a complex character rig, the 12 principles ensure the animation feels polished and immersive. Introduction to the 12 Principles of Animation in 3D Animation The 12 principles of animation are essential for creating lifelike and engaging motion. From the stretch of a bouncing ball to the appeal of a memorable character, these principles bring depth, realism, and personality to 3D animation, making scenes dynamic and believable. 1. Squash and Stretch - This principle makes objects feel alive by showing their flexibility and weight. A bouncing ball squashes when it hits the ground and stretches as it moves upward. This also applies to facial expressions – like when cheeks puff out and the mouth stretches during a big smile. 2. Anticipation - Anticipation builds excitement for what’s about to happen. Think of Iron Man crouching before blasting into the sky—it tells the audience something big is coming. In 3D animation, tools like timelines and curves help fine-tune these moments, making them more dramatic or funny. 3. Staging - Staging is like setting the stage for a play—it’s about presenting your scene clearly. For example, if chaos is the theme, show cluttered objects and dark skies. In 3D animation, you control every detail, from the characters’ gestures to the environment, to make the story stand out. 4. Straight-ahead Action and Pose-to-Pose - Straight-ahead action: Animate frame by frame from start to finish for dynamic, spontaneous movements. - Pose-to-pose: Plan key poses first, then fill in the transitions. In 3D animation, pose-to-pose is common, as the computer fills the in-between movement automatically. 5. Follow-through and Overlapping Action - These principles add realism. After a character stops moving, their cape or hair continues to sway (follow-through). Overlapping action happens when different parts move at different speeds, like a turning head while an arm moves. 01 Handout 2 *Property of STI Page 1 of 3  AS2418 6. Slow-in and Slow-out Nothing starts or stops instantly. A car, for example, begins slowly, speeds up, and then slows down before stopping. This principle adds realism to motion. A reversed version (fast-in and fast- out) is often used in commercials for dramatic effects. 7. Arcs - Natural movement follows arcs, not straight lines. For example, a ball tossed in the air forms a curved path. Arcs make animations feel fluid, while straight-line motions are better for robots or mechanical characters. 8. Secondary Action - These are subtle details that support the main action. For instance, a character sipping coffee might have their hair blowing in the wind or their foot tapping. Secondary actions add depth and personality to your animation. 9. Timing - Timing controls the speed of actions. A large ship moves slowly, while a small boat moves quickly. Timing also sets the rhythm and mood of your animation, making it believable and engaging. 10. Exaggeration - Exaggeration enhances a character or action by making it more dramatic or fun. A big stretch during a yawn or an oversized frown adds personality and makes scenes more memorable. 11. Solid Drawing (or Solid Modeling) - This principle focuses on making characters feel three-dimensional and grounded. In 3D animation, creating solid models with weight, depth, and balance helps make movements look natural. 12. Appeal - Appeal is about designing characters that captivate the audience. It’s not just about heroes; even villains can be appealing. Features, clothing, and expressions all contribute to making a character memorable and engaging. 01 Handout 2 *Property of STI Page 2 of 3  AS2418 References: Beane, A. (2012). 3D Animation Essentials. Indianapolis, IN: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Chandramouli, M. (2022). 3D Modeling & Animation: A Primer. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Chopine, A. (2011). 3D Art Essentials: The Fundamentals of 3D Modeling, Texturing, and Animation. Oxford: Focal Press. Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington. (2009). Applying the 12 Principles to 3D Computer Animation. Retrieved from University of Washington: https://courses.cs.washington.edu/courses/cse490j/09wi/490j_assignment1/animation_principles.d oc Pluralsight. (2014, August 11). Understanding the 12 Principles of Animation. Retrieved from Plural Sight: https://www.pluralsight.com/blog/film-games/understanding-12-principles-animation Ritchie, J. (2017, July 19). The 12 Principles of Animation (With Examples). Retrieved from Idea Rocket: https://idearocketanimation.com/13721-12-principles-of-animation-gifs/ 01 Handout 2 *Property of STI Page 3 of 3