Critical analysis of animation principles teaching block 2

For the 2^nd teaching block of this unit, we have progressed to more complex animation techniques and principles, although it felt as though we were learning the same kind from term 1, but in much more advanced circumstances. Weight and timing were certainly explored more though. I also learnt a bit more of the more professional half of this unit, such as showreels.

Following through from the original walk cycle, we had to animate a second walk cycle, but one that had to show a distinct personality in its walk. I chose to show an eccentric walk. Although it is rather clunky, the personality shines through. However, the proportions could still have used some more work. I could have added arms to the character as well.

Next, we animated a simple limb making its way across the screen. My robot arm was very smooth, and the timing on it was rather good. Once more however, it could have still been improved in terms of weight and proportion. I do however consider it to be my best exercise of this term.

We next had to create a character and have him/her react to being given a certain weight. While I think the weight reaction is quite good, I think this one was the weakest of my exercises because of its proportion issues and could have be improved. I should also add an extra action next time, such as the character throwing the rock away into the air.

Finally we had to create a showreel that would show our work produced across the entire unit. An intro and outro clip also had to be produced. The intro in my opinion would have to be the better of the two, because there is more going on, and it lasts longer as well. The wizard’s expressions are shown quite well, and the rising block with my name is surprisingly smooth. I think as a result I spent too little time on the outro, and it shows in its lack of content and time. The wizard’s face needs more frames focused on it and the contact details need a few more frames on them as well. The showreel itself, while nicely timed, needs to be edited better next time, as the intro and outro clips go by too quickly. I need to ensure the quality is better as well.  

If there is anything this part of the unit has taught me, it’s that I need to be much more organised with my time. Because I was trying to focus on other units as well, I left quite a few exercises too long and because of this, many of them look rushed and unclean. I need to be better organised with my time in the future. It has also shown me that straight-ahead animation is not always the best course of action and careful planning would be very beneficial in the future as well. Consistency is still somewhat of an issue as well, and I hope that I can improve my drawings and make them less messy.