Arc is a reflection of the underlying force, converting its strength into velocity and curvature. A successful arc allows viewers to feel this hidden sense of energy.
On surface, arc seems rather simple to understand and easily put into animated applications; but if without regards to its invisible side, path of arc might appear hollow and mechanical, lacking organic senses.
In common-sense physics, soft forces allow higher degree of curvature, creating lyrical and more complex series of unfolding arcs; stronger forces cause arc to be straighter and simpler, lesser in degrees of flexibility.
Since in animation, we can plot any arc paths and structures will follow; we can defy reality, but they have to feel ‘right’ and comfortable to look at in motion.
In short, strength of internal force (embodied in character’s structure and make of mass), interacting with gravity and other external forces determine the curvature, distance and path of arc.
(In example above, the rough animation follows a higher degree of curvature, generating a more relax feeling; but in the final animation, it followed a straighter curve, giving a more hurried and streamline look. This was an implemented design choice from a production I’ve worked on, helping to define a certain sense of light-hearted and mischievousness to character.)
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June 13, 2010 at 6:40 am
Chan Ghee Leow
Hi Mike,
Thanks for another great post!
I’m glad to announce that I’ve been able to put some of what you’ve talked about into practice at work (particularly on the subject of timing being affected by camera fielding).
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that your blog continues to inspire
June 13, 2010 at 9:39 pm
rainplace
Thank you Chan
When you found some thoughts of interest, understood and able to put into practice, it becomes yours
July 18, 2010 at 5:01 am
Patrick Semple
Hi Mike
I’ve never really though about arcs in this way. Like i think everyone knows they are important but i have never treated them with the level of care that you are describing here, But i see your point and want to give it shot.
I love your posts man, your always talking about something new while still basing it on a few core ideas which makes what you say easy to follow.
Thanks from Ireland
P.
July 18, 2010 at 1:55 pm
rainplace
Nice to hear from you Patrick
Thank you very much as always for your very kind comments. Hope you’re having great time animating!
July 28, 2010 at 4:51 am
Bill Breneisen
Very energetic and full of life! I love to watch your pencil tests!
July 28, 2010 at 9:57 pm
rainplace
Thank you Bill
July 28, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Rami Daoud
Woaw… Mike, This site impressed me so much, a few days ago i bookmarked the site and till now i’m still reading your posts again and again..I’m still an animator student…and those life breathing posts are helping me so much…thank you for sharing…plz keep it up..:)
July 30, 2010 at 10:01 am
rainplace
Thank you Rami
Glad you’ve found the posts of interests. (My posting speed has gone down quite a bit, but will try to keep it up
)
July 31, 2010 at 12:05 am
Rami Daoud
Hello Mike, sorry to disturb… but i was wondering…how your golden keys or main keys look like, to get this fluid motion??..it’s all in your mind??…I already got the point of going inside the character first…but technical wise how do you think to analyze an action you want to do?? i mean in the very first stage…if there is an example, it will be great..thank you
July 31, 2010 at 1:06 pm
rainplace
Hello Rami,
It’s GREAT that you”re in search for fluid motion in your work
For me, it is one unique quality that attracts me to communicating with animation.
Please back track to earlier posts and you will find answer to your question; (if you have time and would like to, you can back track to the first post relating to animation thinking approach in this site, and read forward to current post. Hopefully you will find them interesting and useful to your animation endeavor).
From your site, you’re from Egypt. Nice to meet you here and happy animating! (Please do feel free to write when you have questions).