vanoblog

Category: Maya

Categories
3D Computer Animation Fundamentals Maya

WEEK 9 – 11

Studied in-between animation between poses. The blocking and turning it into a real animation.

The work process of blocking involves, firstly, recording a reference, then posing and timing: key poses, breakdowns. After that, make sure the weight is correct. The next step is offset body parts should not all move at the same time. The last one is Inbetween. Adjust the parts that are done by the computer.

A weapon-throw attempt highlighted the need for more precise controller binding, so focus shifted to an empty-hand martial arts performance.

I draw a plan. Reference material was used, but exaggerating motion and avoiding straight-line posture created a more dynamic and expressive animation.

Categories
3D Computer Animation Fundamentals Maya

WEEK 7 & 8 Weight & Walking animation

Worked on walking cycles, including weight shifting and looping motion. Step lengths were initially inconsistent, causing foot placement drift. Used a fixed object to control step length and looped walk curves with constant offsets, enabling consistent forward movement.

Categories
3D Computer Animation Fundamentals Maya

WEEK 5 & 6 Pose

Learned about IK, FK controllers and their distinctions; the two should not be moved simultaneously. Practiced blocking before full animation. Explored the golden pose, emphasizing dynamic body shapes such as the “C-shape” and adjustments to the character’s center of gravity for balance and visual appeal.

https://syncsketch.com/sketch/7a4lxl4GZupX

https://syncsketch.com/sketch/bLDcr3w8A9R8

https://syncsketch.com/sketch/ibwbX1nMdqw3

Hand pose

Hands reflect what the character is feeling, help define their personality, and express emotion. Use grouping, the leading finger, and the inner connectivity method to do the hand pose.

https://syncsketch.com/sketch/SsRTkO7VQkHW

Categories
3D Computer Animation Fundamentals Maya

WEEK 3 & 4 Ball with tail & Juice box acting animation

This week, I worked on a bouncing ball with a tail, focusing on the principle of anticipation. I learned that anticipation functions as a mechanical build-up of force, allowing motion to appear more dynamic and physically believable. Since all movement is created by internal or external forces, anticipation helps store and release energy effectively before the main action.

I applied the idea that animation is structured around anticipation, action, and reaction, and used this understanding to improve energy flow and motion continuity. By applying anticipation before directional changes, the animation follows basic physical laws of motion and results in more natural conservation of energy.

I learned that character actions are driven by goals, and acting is reacting. Based on this, I created a simple juice box acting animation focused on clear intention and response. Including the planning, blocking and animation.

Categories
3D Computer Animation Fundamentals Maya

WEEK 2 Pendulum animation & Key pose

This week, I studied basic ball bounce animation principles, focusing on motion, timing, and physical behaviour. I practiced using Maya’s Reference Editor, motion trails for visualising movement, and the Graph Editor to refine animation curves.

I created a short animation of a ball falling, bouncing, and rotating. During the process, I fixed an issue with incorrect rotation direction and adjusted the motion using visualised trajectories and curve editing to improve accuracy and clarity.

I also improved my animation planning by refining my drawing-based timeline, which helped structure the animation more effectively before working in Maya.

In addition, I created a falling juice box animation. I recorded reference videos of juice boxes with different weights being dropped and used these references to study and replicate variations in falling speed and physical behaviour.

Animate two juice cartons falling:
One empty carton
One full carton

I studied the principles of timing and spacing in animation, including linear spacing and slow-in/slow-out, and applied them to adjust the motion rhythm and enhance the clarity and realism of the animation.

I record a reference.

Categories
3D Computer Animation Fundamentals Maya

WEEK 1 Bouncing ball animation

Planing

This week, I studied basic ball bounce animation principles, focusing on motion, timing, and physical behaviour. I practised using Maya’s Reference Editor, motion trails for visualising movement, and the Graph Editor to refine animation curves.

I created a short animation of a ball falling, bouncing, and rotating. During the process, I fixed an issue with incorrect rotation direction and adjusted the motion using visualised trajectories and curve editing to improve accuracy and clarity.

I also improved my animation planning by refining my drawing-based timeline, which helped structure the animation more effectively before working in Maya.