Spline Final Polish
This is the final version of the animation that I will be submitting. I feel significantly more confident with this version, particularly after incorporating the dragging of the body toward the head and adding more in-betweens to enhance the transitions between movements and facial expressions.
Through this exercise, I have developed a deeper understanding of facial animation. I discovered that using filmed references of myself was more challenging than anticipated, especially in comparison to exercises focused on body mechanics. Even when attempting to portray a specific emotion, it often does not register clearly on the face.
For instance, I have learned that a worried expression typically involves the downward corners of the eyes and mouth, along with eyebrows that curve downward while maintaining a slight separation above the eyes. This understanding is reflected in the screenshot provided below.
Achieving convincing facial expressions in conjunction with appropriate body gestures requires a high level of observational skill and familiarity with both real-life behavior and animated performances. I intend to continue applying the insights gained from this experience.