Creating the Run Cycle
https://youtu.be/Q_BvNBjPOsw
Reference used when creating the rig. I found this basic run cycle on YouTube which shows the weight shift, bounce and arm swing of a 3D character doing a generic run. To match the feminine rig, I will add more of a heel flick to the kick back of the legs, and more shoulder movement in the arm swing.
Creating the animation
Creating the run cycle is like creating the walk cycle, but more exaggerated. Similarly to the walk cycle, the opposite arm swings compared to which leg is forward. However the leg movements are sharper and kick further back, and the character is leaning forward, with more purpose.
Trail 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu_JXf0HOms&feature=youtu.be
Feedback
I received feedback from my peers Hannah Gordon and Emma Shanks on my trail run cycle. Hannah suggested that I should more the torso back and forth a bit more. Emma suggested that I should have the body move up and down more, having Azri higher in the air and lower when she’s pushing off the ground. I should also bend the feet more when they are making contact with the ground as she is currently running quite flat foot footed
While fixing the flat footness of the rig, I realised that the actual run of the legs looked unnatural, like Azri was running on the spot instead of running forward. I realised that this was because I didn’t animate the legs moving in front of the body, to gain ground and movement.
Adding more twist to the torso and purpose to the head directions.
Final thing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATcSuSsffJM&feature=youtu.be
Although I am pleased with the outcome, I found the run cycle the most difficult to do. I found it difficult to move the legs and arms with a faster purpose without making the rig seem robotic. I fixed the torso on the final video and tilted the head unison with the steps. The rig now bobs up and down more to create the recoil and passing of the legs.