Animate a Weight Shift [Locomotion and Mechanics for Animation - Unit 08]

Animate a Weight Shift

26/10/24

Introduction

This was a challenging animation exercise that explores a simple shift in weight from one foot to another. It is challenging due to the subtle motions that need to be mastered in order for this animation to look realistic. The audience needs to feel the weight transfer between the feet as the hips rest on one leg and then transfer to the other. Whilst this is a challenging exercise it is a good one to explore. This blog post will detail the exploration and development of this animation.

Thumbnails

The thumbnails used for this exercise were provided by Williams (2012) as part of the module's lecture series. There are two versions, a ball with legs and a full human, that follow the same theory.

Simple Rig (Ball with Legs) :

Williams (2012)

Full Human :
Williams (2012)

Williams (2012)

Animation

This section shows the animation development process.

Blocking :

Final Animation

Perspective :


Front View :

Conclusion

In summary, this animation was successful. Effective time was spent refining the animation to move the weight between the legs. The ball with legs rig was used to simplify the animation and focus on perfecting the transfer of weight from one leg to the other. In the assignment for this module a full human rig will be used and a weight shift segment will be incorporated to develop this further. 

The thumbnails significantly supported the quality of this animation to break down key poses, it is interesting that they are almost similar to a walk. This does make sense because a walk is a transfer of weight between legs, however, whilst moving forward. This same theory is used but on the spot. The arc in the body motion is good as the hip shift the weight between the two legs. The feet are quite cartoon-like which does work well but could be toned down to achieve a more subtle effect. To further support the cartoon-like style squash and stretch has been used on the body to make this animation feel bouncy. To develop this even further a set could be used to contextualise this animation and build in storytelling elements. This could be a bus stop scene where the character is waiting.

The learning outcomes, listed below, have been achieved because :
  1. Principles of the weight shift have been studied through the notes in the theory lecture and analysis and implementation of the thumbnail sketches.
  2. A weight shift has been animated, as shown in the playblasts.
  3. The 'Monty' rig hasn't been used, however, a similar alternative rig has been used due to personal preference.
  4. The humanoid rig has not been used, because this animation focussed on perfecting the core theory with a weight shift. However, later in this module a humanoid character will be used to animate a weight shift.
  5. Realistic motions have been created as described in the conclusion above. This has resulted in a good animation outcome that effectively explores this exercise.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand the principles of weight shift
  2. Animate a weight shift cycle
  3. Use the "Monty" rig for weight shifts
  4. Refine techniques with the "heavy" rig
  5. Create realistic character movements

Reference List

  1. Williams, A. (2012) ‘Biped Weight Shift‘ [Video Lecture], 7WCT2010-0901-2024: Locomotion and Mechanics for Animation. University of Hertfordshire. 24th August. Available at: https://vimeo.com/48206898 (Accessed: 03 January 2025).

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