AnimationMentor – Body Mechanics: Learn the Principles Behind Complex Movement

In the Body Mechanics animation course, dive deep into the physicality of animating bipeds, including full body walks. Begin by honing your observational skills and understanding of human anatomy in relation to posing and mechanics. Once you understand the source of realistic motion, you’ll learn how timing and spacing choices can take your animation from realistic to stylized. Finally, add polish and shine to your animation.

Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to focus on Body Mechanics. In this course you will

• Use anatomy and physiology to animate a convincing full body walk cycle
• Learn and explore different animation workflows, adapting them to more complex characters and ideas
• Animate a biped character using proper mechanics to maintain the relationships between the hips, chest, head, and limbs
• Explore physicality by adding personality and character to your animation, integrating key storytelling components in each shot
• Film clear video reference, study the source of realistic motion, and learn where to deviate in your animation in order to further your story

Table of Contents:

1. FULL BODY WALKS PART 1: ANATOMY, THEORY AND DEMO : Week 1
2. FULL BODY WALKS PART 2: ANATOMY, THEORY AND DEMO : Week 2
3. ARCS AND PATH OF ACTION: Week 3
4. NUTS AND BOLTS OF QUADRUPED WALKS: Week 4
5. UNDERSTANDING WEIGHT AND PHYSICALITY – THEORY: Week 5
6. CREATING WEIGHT IN FOUR-LEGGED WALKS – THEORY AND WALKTHROUGH: Week 6
7. LOCOMOTION: Week 7
8. ADVANCED POSING: FORCE: Week 8
9. WALKTHROUGH: BLOCKING TO FINAL : Week 9
10. TIMING AND SPACING : Week 10
11. ADDING THE FINAL 10%: Week 11
12. REVIEW OF BODY MECHANICS : Week 12
13. APPENDIX A: SUCCESS TIPS
14. APPENDIX B: ASSIGNMENT AND GRADING OVERVIEW