Character Animation Crash Course!

Synopsis

Character Animation Crash Course! is a veritable Genies lamp stuffed with everything the aspiring animator could wish for! Renowned animator Eric Goldbergs detailed text and drawings illuminate how to conceive characters "from the inside out to create strong personalities. Classic animation techniques are analyzed and brought to life through this unique book and its accompanying website companion that offers readers animated movie examples that show, in real time or frame-by-frame, the authors principles at work. Add to this Goldbergs discussions of classic cartoons and his witty, informative observations based on the wealth of knowledge hes gained during his 30-plus years in professional animation, and you have a tour-de-force guide to character animation with the classic touch.

Summary

Chapter 1: Understanding Character Animation

* Defines character animation as bringing life to characters through motion.
* Discusses the importance of acting, timing, and squash and stretch.
* Real-life example: A bouncing ball demonstrates squash and stretch principles.

Chapter 2: Facial Animation

* Introduces the key facial muscles involved in animation.
* Explains how to create expressions that convey emotion.
* Real-life example: A person making facial expressions in the mirror for reference.

Chapter 3: Body Language

* Explores the role of body language in communicating character traits.
* Discusses the use of gestures and posture to enhance storytelling.
* Real-life example: A bodybuilder posing to showcase exaggerated body language.

Chapter 4: Motion Principles

* Covers the twelve principles of animation by Disney.
* Explains how these principles guide the creation of believable motion.
* Real-life example: A dancer demonstrating the principle of anticipation.

Chapter 5: Animation Tools

* Introduces various software and techniques used in animation.
* Discusses the benefits and limitations of different tools.
* Real-life example: A digital animation workflow using Maya software.

Chapter 6: Storyboarding

* Emphasizes the importance of planning an animation sequence through storyboarding.
* Explains the key elements of a storyboard and how to use it.
* Real-life example: A storyboard for a short animated film.

Chapter 7: Lip Sync

* Provides tips for creating realistic lip movements.
* Discusses the use of phonetics and timing in lip sync.
* Real-life example: A lip sync exercise using a mirror and a reference video.

Chapter 8: Walk Cycles

* Covers the anatomy and mechanics of walking.
* Explains how to create a believable walk cycle.
* Real-life example: A live observation of someone walking.

Chapter 9: Run Cycles

* Explores the differences between walking and running cycles.
* Discusses the key postures and timing involved in running.
* Real-life example: A sprinter being filmed from multiple angles.

Chapter 10: Advanced Techniques

* Introduces advanced animation techniques such as rigging, morph targets, and motion capture.
* Explains how these techniques enhance the efficiency and accuracy of animation.
* Real-life example: A behind-the-scenes look at a motion capture session.