Reading Assignment 1

Arcs define a character’s movement along an imaginary curve. No organic movement is totally straight and angled, it always flows along a curve. Without arcs characters would move too stiffly and appear to be mechanical instead of alive. Arcs also add personality and depth to characters as they move in expressively. “The discovery of arcs made a major change in the type of movements animators designed for their characters, breaking with the rigid and stiff actions that had gone before” (Arcs). An understanding of arcs helps to build and develop interesting, well rounded characters whose personality and mood can be seen though their movements.

Squash and stretch is another tool for animation. It can be used to give characters and objects weight and speed that make them seem more natural. It smooths out quick movements so they look fluid.

Another principle of animation is Timing. Timing is very important to showing a characters personality or mood as well as giving weight to objects and movement. With proper use of timing you can make objects seem to have weight that is otherwise non-existent. Without proper timing interactions such as picking up a bag, pushing furniture, or even walking would seem to take no effort and be unrealistic or even unnerving.

Reversal of curves also helps to add personality to a characters movement. It helps loosen up stiff unnatural movements and emphasizes important poses to keep them as dynamic and interesting as possible.