5B: Cycles, Character animation and the requisite walk cycle

Cycles and loops are efficient and the staple of all early animation, Scooby Doo, and (oh yes) game animation.

Introduction to tweened animation using Flash.

Character Animation and Movement

Examples:

• A variety of looped movement cycle examples
• Walking Dots
• A beautiful step by step tutorial on how to do a walk cycle
  
• A visual overview of a walk cycle

Character Animation

• The Importance of Timing
• The Language of Motion (arcs, curves, etc.)
• Suggesting Weight
• Movement Cycles (walk, run, swing, etc.)
• Facial Animation & Expression
• Gender & Race
• Energy Level and Attitudinal Suggestion
• Limited Environments of Recreation (MMOs, Real-Time, etc.)

REFERENCE: Walking Dots: A study in motion with varying interactive attibutes (gender, weight, mood)

Video: http://www.squetch.com/tism.html