This year, as a second year, I was introduced to a new module called Animation Strategies. Animation Strategies is important for young animators like myself as it ‘provides a visually engaging medium that can simplify complex ideas. Whether it’s a product’s functionality or a company’s service, animations can break down intricate concepts into digestible, easy-to-understand visuals.’ (LinkedIn, 11/09/2023)
Animation strategies are advertising strategies that determine your direction and purpose of your work before the animation begins.
Helping you, as an animator, on what to define before the production starts.
Animation strategies can be a difficult subject, as animation requires a lot of time and effort only if you don’t have a technical perspective or thought. Having a technical perspective/thought is about having ‘an aptitude, ingenuity, and affliction for solving practical problems through experience.’ (Eric.ed.gov, ca. 2024) This means that a person with technical thinking can naturally perform physically and intellectually. Being able to think of new ways to solve problems when it comes to animation.
For this module’s assignment, we had to create a regular walk cycle as well as a personalised walk cycle such as an angry walk, a snooty walk, or a feminine walk. Anything that shows emotion or personality. We also had to do a regular run cycle as well as a run and jump cycle. Therefore, we animators have to do our own research into animated-styled cycles and movements in order to become a better, more professional version of ourselves. We also get to choose whether to do 2D or 3D. I personally like 2D, as I have the most experience with 2D.
‘2D animation is the process of creating that illusion of movement for characters and objects within a two-dimensional space.’ (Unity.com, no date)
When doing 2D animation, I must use a 2D animation software called Harmony, which is most used in every 2D animation industry. If there was any issue accessing Harmony, I was also recommended to use Krita when animating walk cycles, etc.
3D animation is a moving, 3D-dimensional image that is made in 3D digital software like Blender. 3D software allows animators like myself to create computerised 3D objectives.
Walk Cycle
In week 2, at class, we were introduced to walk cycles. ‘A walk cycle is a series of frames or illustrations drawn in sequence that loop to create an animation of a walking character. The walk cycle is looped over and over, thus avoiding having to animate each step again.’ (Wikipedia, 12/07/2006)
Walk cycles are valued in every animation industry as they are a good way to configure or comprehend the basics of the human movements and body mechanics. They are also a great method for animating a realistic walk. A walk cycle should be at least 24 frames per second. This isn’t considered an ironclad rule but a consideration, as too many frames can take a lot of time and effort to do.
‘Traditional wisdom and industry standards suggest that a full walk cycle typically comprises about 24 frames. This count allows for a complete cycle of a character’s stride—from one footfall to the next—delivering a lifelike representation of walking.’ (Business of Animation, 27/10/24)
In our module, we had to create our very own walk cycle while using some references for guidance. For my first walk cycle for my 2D animation, I used this image for inspiration by Preston Blair.
(Angry Animator, ca. 2018)
I also used this image example by William Gadea, which I found on a website called idearocketanimation.com. It basically demonstrates a basic walk cycle in a 2D format. Originally made by Richard Williams.
(IdeaRocket.com, ca. 2024)
Personalised Walk Cycle
On week 3 of Animation Strategies, we were introduced to walk cycles with personality. Personality in walk cycles is a technique that brings animated characters to life by giving the character a distinct personality, motivation, and emotion that resonates with audiences. Learning about personalised walk cycles is vital, as it helps you to improve the quality of a walk cycle. Bringing your character to life, setting the character into place. Making the character fit in the world they inhabit.
For this, I used an example image from a Pinterest post by Storyliu. It was hard to find the exact creator of this image, as the post itself wasn’t defining the actual author nor the location where they found it from.
(BlogSpot.com, ca. 2024)
Things to know involving animated movements are that ‘small steps and a slow pace indicate a calm and charismatic personality with a touch of narcissism. Fast pace and rapid walking suggest a go-getter attitude with high energy levels. Long strides reflect enthusiasm, passion, and a willingness to stand up for others.’ (Times of India, 25/08/2024)
Run Cycle
On week 4 of Animation Strategies, we were introduced to run cycles. ‘A run cycle shares many poses with a walk cycle, which typically consists of a contact pose, down, passing, up, and back to the contact pose. However, there are some crucial differences: in a run, the character is in the air for longer than they would be for a walk, resulting in some different key poses.’ (Animschool.com, ca. 2024)
For this assignment, I used this image for reference by Matthew Hamill from WordPress.com. I thought this was a good image to get inspiration from, as it looked very clear and informative.
(WordPress.com, ca. 2015)
Run and Jump Cycle
In week 5 of our semester, we learnt about running and jumping cycles. For my jump cycle, I used this video for inspiration by Brian Kouhi from the YouTube platform. In this video, it basically demonstrates the key postures and positions visually whilst giving informative guides on each movement within 50 seconds.
(YouTube.com, ca. 2023)
I used this image for reference. This image was created by Sarah Hansen; her work had been reposted on Pinterest by Jo Whimsey’s Resources. Unfortunately, the website source of this image has been taken down.
(Pinterest, ca. 2014)