For these sessions, we had a workshop class and a feedback class. For the workshop, we explored how to create the breathing simulation in a person/creature using the cycles once again. Since this class was online, we followed Ting’s instructions when animating each item. We began setting keys at 0 (where the movement would occur), 25 (where the movement would resume), and 50 (to the COG). First, set the torso and head; then, following the highest point of the torso and the elbows, set the keys on the hands. After all of this was done, the offsetting began. At first sight, it’s a fairly simple process; however, with so many controls, it was a bit complicated to use every key correctly. Said this, I really enjoyed this workshop. After having all the movement, I added some movement in the scales/hair and tail to finish the whole movement.
This was the final outcome:
The lip-sync assignment has a good start with a good reference, but lacks a bit of body movement, especially in the elbows. Ting mentioned that now everything was linear and needed a bit more expression and acting. I feel this was the outcome of the fear of trying too much from last term’s assignment, so I feel safer in beginning with something like this and pushing it from there. For next week’s blocking, I filmed another reference to combine with.
We were also introduced to creature animation and began preparing for a group presentation on creature study. We were divided into groups and asked to choose an animal, then research its anatomy, locomotion, movement patterns, and key behavioural traits for a presentation the following week. My group chose dogs, which allowed us to explore how weight, silhouette, posture, and emotional signals work together to communicate character. What I found most interesting was how much meaning can be conveyed through subtle physical details, such as the angle of the body, the positioning of the ears, or the tension in the stance. This made me think more critically about how movement can reveal emotion and intent without relying on dialogue.