Animation | How much is TOO MUCH? (Art of Exaggeration)
The 12 Animation Principles
But today, I would want to narrow in on a very specific animation principle which I still often struggle in properly applying it in my animation works. So what I'm about to share here are some of the lessons I've learned from mentors and also some methods that I used to improve on my animation. Would the action contrast enough to make it look real and believable? Or would it be too much and overpowering for audience to watch?
Exaggeration - How much is TOO MUCH?
When I was in university working on my projects, I often get told by my mentors that my animations are too stiff. Their movements can be bigger, more dynamic, and exaggerated. These were the words often used to describe my animations. Nodding my head, I walked back to my desk to do the necessary amendments, realizing that I had NO CLUE how big, how dynamic and how exaggerated they wanted my animation to be. The worst part was, I thought I exaggerated the actions and poses enough when submitting to them.
Then there are times that still often happen for me even now is that my supervisor often tells me there's a 'sweet spot' for every project you're working on. You can't exaggerate when you're working on something that's supposed to be realistic as much as cartoons but you can still exaggerate.
It is too much when it becomes confusing
It also depends on the project you're also working on. Does it carry the slapstick cartoon-ish style like Despicable Me? Or is it a more realistic animation like Godzilla?
As I've mentioned in my previous post before, "Exaggeration done right would still make the scene believable at the same time evoking a point across."
But @zord189.... I already know all this. I just want to know how much is too much?
Ah yes, after you've FULLY understood your story and the style given by the art director for your animation. One of the most effective ways I've found to be able to answer this question of yours and mine is to ask feedback/critique from someone.
I know, it's that simple. You can ask your peers and people who are NOT in the animation industry. It will be easier for your peers to understand your story because they might be working on the same project with you. Thus, understanding the full story before they look at your scene. But on the other hand, the challenge comes when your sister, brother or friends do not understand what your scene is trying to tell.
In action scenes for example, there would be a time where the hero stops so breathe, and when to punch. The speed of every moment defers for this sake.
A good job exaggerating a realistic scene is when it is believable that it doesn't take your mind off for a second from the story. Instead, it enhances it and makes it more beautifully dynamic.
That is exaggeration.
Oliver Johnston, an american animator, who is also recognized as a Walt Disney Legend. Who has done works for Pinnochio, Bambi, snow white and the seven dwarfs and many more."Don't make it real, make it believable" - Oliver Martin Johnston, Jr.
And this applies to all the animation when you're about to use exaggeration. It all depends how much do you need to use. Check the story again, the characters, the style that is wanted from the director. And when you've done your animation passes, always remember to get feedback from your peers.
Make sure they understand the story, and every movement of it, subtle and big. That it doesn't look like the whole scene is being taken up by a hurricane. Get a few eyes to look at your shot over and over again.
Thank You
If you like what I do, check out my other posts on meetups, animation, and designs.
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Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://zord189.steemblogs.club/2019/09/22/animation-how-much-is-too-much-art-of-exaggeration/
Hello @zord189! Thanks for sharing your awesome animation with the community.
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Wow, so much to learn, one of my reasons for loving animations is how it makes your imagination believe the impossible.
Great Post!
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Very informative and interesting post!
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The quote you used above, "Don't make it real, make it believable" by Oliver Martin Johnston, Jr. applies to SO many things in the artistic world! Needless to say, I can't think of a specific example at the moment, but there have been so many times hubby & I have been watching something on TV, and I'll complain about.... ugh, I'll make something up to explain my point... someone using a magic spell to become 50 feet tall.
Hubby will say, "you know this is a show where there are talking elephants, right?" and I'll respond, "yeah, but they made that part believable - this, they just dropped into the plot with nothing to back it up."
The devil is in the details, eh? 😂
Great suggestion to get feedback from people - I agree it's one of the best ways to find out if something works, be it animation, writing, or anything creative. Awesome use of gifs, by the way. 😊
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It’s so great that you share this knowledge, @zord189. It’s fascinating. I like how you described the art of exaggeration. That makes total sense.
When I was a child I wanted desperately to be able to run off of something and hang briefly in mid-air before falling into space and then perhaps onto a nice pile of pillows.
Animation, to me, is something so far out of my reach, it isn't even funny! I can't even draw the most simplest things for the life of me, and when I think about doing all the drawings of an animation, it would be mission impossible for me to attempt.
I don't think anything is out of my reach more than drawing, which is why I really appreciate those who can draw, and animate!