Previous planning for Body Mechanics
After reflecting on the planning process for body mechanics last week, I identified several key aspects that require careful attention. Additionally, considering the complexity of the animation and the need for thorough testing, I have decided to focus on animating a body mechanics sequence involving a character yawning and transitioning to a standing position.
(1) Final Frame: Standing Upright
Ensure that the final frame of the animation depicts the character standing upright, with a balanced posture. Avoid any forward lean that might suggest the character is about to lose balance and fall. Additionally, incorporate a visible weight shift to convey the upward transfer of the body’s mass during the transition to a standing position.
(2) Use the Perspective View
The perspective view refers to the angle between the front and side views, providing a more dynamic representation of the object. Below is an example showcasing different views of the helicopter model.
Fig 1. Front view from Maya Help website
Fig 3. Perspective view from Polycount website
In the image above, both the front and side views of the model are visible simultaneously, providing a 45-degree angle of the model. This view is referred to as the perspective view.
Fig 4. Perspective view from Maya Help website
The image above is one of the tests I conducted last week. Although it is in perspective view, the side view of the model is barely visible. To improve this, it would be better to rotate the camera slightly to the left to achieve a more optimal perspective view.
This yawning stand-up animation serves as a better example of the perspective view.
(3) If the Arms Are Too Difficult to Animate, Hide the Arms and Focus on the Body
Animating in detail can be quite challenging, as the complexity increases with each additional body part involved. Therefore, I will focus on animating the body and legs of the model first. If time allows, I will also animate the character’s arms.
(4) Change the Starting Pose for a Smoother Animation
At the beginning of the animation, the reference shows different starting poses. While the first pose may be more visually appealing, animating the transition from the hand below the chin to placing it on the lap could be quite challenging. Therefore, starting the animation with both hands resting on the lap might be a more practical and effective option.
Blocking Animation of My Yawning Stand-Up Animation