Animation Principles According to Isaac Kerlow
Isaac Kerlow, recognized for his didactic approach to digital animation, has released the third edition of his book The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects. In this edition, Kerlow dedicates a full chapter to reviewing the twelve principles of animation, those fundamentals that emerged in Disney's golden age but remain essential today. What's fascinating is how Kerlow adapts these principles to the current 3D context, making them more accessible for those working with software like 3ds Max, Maya, or Blender. It's like having a survival manual for the animation world! 📚
Principles That Remain Alive in 3D
Although these principles were born for traditional drawing, techniques like Squash & Stretch, Anticipation, or Arcs have a direct translation in 3D animation. For example, in 3ds Max, correctly using scaling keyframes or motion editor curves allows applying Squash & Stretch to bring an object to life when bouncing. Kerlow explains how these techniques, far from being outdated rules, are shortcuts to give credibility and expressiveness to any animation. It's like bringing your creations to life with a touch of magic! ✨
- Squash & Stretch: To give life and flexibility to objects.
- Anticipation: Prepare the viewer for the action.
- Arcs: More natural and fluid movements.
Kerlow Doesn't Teach Just Theory
What's interesting about Kerlow's approach is that he doesn't stop at theory. He relates each principle to concrete examples of visual effects and computer animation. This way, one understands why something as simple as Timing can make a character seem natural or, on the contrary, walk as if they had springs instead of legs. Additionally, he proposes practical exercises that can be done directly in any 3D software, so you don't need to be an expert to start applying them. It's like having a personal trainer for your characters! 🏋️
If you were looking for what was missing to make your character stop looking like a sad robot with arthritis, the answer is probably in one of these principles. And yes, exaggeration might sound like something you already do when talking to your boss, but in animation, it works even better! 😄
In summary, Kerlow's animation principles are like spices in the kitchen: with the right amount, they can transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. So, hands on deck and let's animate! 🎬