Due: Tuesday, September 23 @ 2:00 pm

• Turn in .mp4 files to the Google Classroom assignment

• WIP Due by Thursday Sept. 18 by end of class: Reference Video! Upload or add a link to the Google Classroom assignment

This assignment is intended to get you used to looking closely at movement (how a shape changes over time), and using some of the most important Principles, as well as get used to the OpenToonz interface. Create an animation of a hand gesture, at least 1 second long (but it should be as long as it needs to be to complete the movement). The hand should change shape over time, and it should include at least the first three of the four of the principles discussed (below). Note: There is a pretty quick turnaround for this assignment, so you can keep it sketchy. You will have the opportunity to go back over your lines and add shading later.

• Anticipation

• Easing (slow in/ slow out)

• Overshoot - BAM video @ 3:04

• Squash & Stretch - if appropriate. You may use smears to illustrate this.

Framing: Should remain static; focus on the hand and ~forearm, and let it take up most of the frame. Don't move the "camera," but let the hand do all the moving.

Clarity: The action should be clear, with a defined start and end position. 

This assignment is based on the hand animation example from the BAM video on the 4 Principles (~2:40 - 5:20), where the hand moves into a point; you can re-create this gesture if you like. You may also choose another gesture, and stylize the hand how you like; see examples below. Whichever route you take, you definitely need to have a reference - find one or make one! This is your work-in-progress.

Start with the core drawings: first the key frames (the "storytelling" frames), then draw the breakdowns (passing positions). Then make your timing charts, and fill in the in-betweens - this is where you add easing. Then add anticipation at the beginning, and overshoot where appropriate (definitely at the end).

Resources:

• Assignment Slides

  • BAM Animation: How to Start Animating Your Characters - 4 Principles

• Klaus pencil test - watch the hands

• Hand gesture stock footage (not all of these would work - look for hands that change shape)

• Follow-through & Overlapping Action 

• Youtuber deep dive: The Hands in Disney's Atlantis are Glorious (thanks, Keith!)

• Hercules clip - Meg and Hades

• Student work from SU24

  • Keith Amamoo-baku

  • Ben Handler

  • Melissa Martinez

  • Vince Stevenson