Creating the Walk Cycle
For the walk cycle I’m going to use the above reference to help me animate it. I believe out of all the references I have looked at so fair this will be easiest to follow, as it has both front and side views as well as the frame numbers. It’s a simple generic walk but still involves swinging arm movements. Although I am using a male reference for a female rig, the reference is a similar more athletic figure, so as long as I remember to add more female characteristics to the walk, it should end up a feminine walk style.
creating the animation
Pulling the arm back to match the swing of the reference. Opposite swing to opposite leg.
Screenshot of me creating the back step from the reference. I have added more of exaggerated feminine swing to the arm.
Trail 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7GNIMd-rPU
This is my first completed Walk cycle. Compared to the reference I have added a head turn, and further swing of the arms. I am pleased with the outcome as it makes it look like Azri is wondering, more than walking. I also believe that I’ve been able to repeat that steps and arm swings without making them repetitive, and that each step is an individual movement.
Feedback
I got feedback from my peers Emma Shanks and Rachel Martin. Emma suggested lifting the legs off the ground a bit more, as the left leg buckles when it’s being kicked back. Rachel suggested on top of that possibly moving and twisting the body a bit more as it seems like it doesn’t move at all and looks unnatural.
Twisting the torso with turning the head, adds more direction and purpose to the character turning to look at something.
Raising the back step and bending the foot more to prevent the leg from buckling when being thrown back.
Final Thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vvr2Gk8Wxo&feature=youtu.be
This is my final walk cycle. I am pleased with the outcome on this and believe that the feedback received from my peers improved the cycle. I’ve twisted the torso more with the left turn of the head, and exaggerated the hip movements to make the walk appear more feminine. The left leg now buckles less when kicked back and I believe now looks more natural.