Want to learn animation but feel intimidated? Spacing and timing got you scratching your head? Well, get ready for the easiest animation exercise you'll ever try! This simple technique will teach you the fundamentals of constant speed spacing faster than you can say "cel animation"!
I'm so excited to share this method with you. We're going to use a simple exercise that’s perfect for beginners. So grab your stylus, open your animation software, and let’s jump in!
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What is Constant Speed Spacing, Anyway?
Okay, let’s break it down. Constant speed spacing is all about creating movement where an object travels a distance at a consistent speed. Think of a car cruising down a highway at a steady pace. That’s constant speed!
Why is this so important? Because it’s one of the core principles that makes your animations look smooth and believable. Without it, your animations can appear jerky and unnatural. This exercise is designed to help you understand and feel this principle in action. And trust me, once you get it, a whole new world of animation possibilities opens up!
The "Lazy" Animation Exercise: Let's Get Started!
Ready to get your hands dirty? Don't worry, it's not really dirty, it's super easy! Just follow these simple steps:
Setting Up Your Software (Rough Animator)
We'll be using Rough Animator for this exercise. It’s an awesome, user-friendly program perfect for beginners. You can find it here: Rough Animator.
Once you've got it open, take a peek at the interface. You'll see the timeline, where you'll create your frames. You'll also want to find the onion skinning settings – this is where the magic happens!
Drawing the First Slash Mark
Alright, time to draw! On your first frame, draw a simple slash mark. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but try to keep the size consistent as you draw subsequent slashes. Remember, we're going for consistent spacing, timing and ease of learning here.
Adding Subsequent Slashes with Onion Skinning
Now for the secret weapon: onion skinning! Press the forward button to advance to the next frame. Draw another slash. Notice that faint, ghostly image of your previous slash? That’s the onion skin, and it’s your new best friend.
The onion skin shows you the previous (and sometimes future) frames, allowing you to see the spacing between your drawings. Use it as a guide to draw your next slash.
Don't stress about being pixel-perfect. Just aim for consistent spacing as you move down the timeline. Consistent spacing is key for creating the illusion of constant speed.
Understanding the Onion Skin Colors
Let's talk colors. Onion skinning often uses different colors to indicate past and future frames. In Rough Animator, the previous drawings usually appear in green, while future drawings (if you've drawn any) show up in red. The current frame you're working on is typically highlighted in blue.
These colors are super helpful for visualizing the spacing and motion in your animation.
Playing Back the Animation
Okay, moment of truth! Hit that play button and watch your animation come to life. What do you see?
If you’ve maintained consistent spacing between your slashes, the animation should appear to move at a constant, smooth speed. If it looks jerky or uneven, don't worry! That just means you need to adjust your spacing. Go back and tweak a few frames until you achieve that smooth motion.
Why This Method Works: The Magic of Onion Skinning
So, why is this "lazy" method so effective? It's all thanks to onion skinning.
Onion skinning provides instant visual feedback. You can immediately see how the spacing between your drawings affects the motion. It simplifies the process, making it less about guesswork and more about observation and adjustment.
This exercise helps beginners grasp the fundamental relationship between individual drawings and the overall perceived motion. It’s a total game changer!
Beyond Slashes: Applying the Principle
Awesome, you've mastered the slash! Now it's time to take this newfound knowledge and apply it to other animations. Try animating a car,a train, an airplane etc , or any other movement you can think of.
Experiment with different shapes, speeds, and directions. The possibilities are endless! Remember, this exercise is just the foundation. The more you practice, the more intuitive spacing and timing will become.
Tips for Consistent Spacing
Want to take your animation skills to the next level? Here are a few tips for achieving consistent spacing:
Use reference points: Look for landmarks in your scene to help guide your spacing.
Practice regularly: The more you animate, the better you'll get at judging spacing.
Experiment and adjust: Don't be afraid to try different things and tweak your drawings.
Review your animations: Watch your animations critically and identify areas for improvement.
Don't aim for perfection: Try to get consistent in your spacing so that the spacing between the slashes will always be the same and equal in length
Further Learning
Want to dive deeper into the world of animation? There are tons of amazing resources out there! Check out some animation books, websites, and online courses. Explore different animation techniques like cel animation, stop motion, and 3D animation.
And don't forget to revisit Rough Animator! You can find it here: Rough Animator. It's a fantastic tool for practicing your skills and bringing your animation ideas to life. To start animating using a flip book check out my ebook on timing and spacing: EBOOK
Conclusion
So, there you have it: the laziest way to learn animation spacing! This simple exercise is a fantastic starting point for anyone who wants to create smooth, believable animations. With a little practice and a lot of experimentation, you'll be well on your way to becoming an animation master.
Now get out there and start animating! I can’t wait to see what you create!
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