Principles of Animation

Squash and Stretch 

Defining the rigidity and mass of an object by distorting its shape during a movement.

Good example

This example shows a ball squash in preparation for its jump to the next step and stretch as it takes off then the ball squashes on impact with the floor. The squash and stretch in this clip makes the ball look as if its moving under its own power similar to a person bending their knees before they jump. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9TmyzsYoEk

Bad example

In this clip the ball bounces down the stairs without any squash and stretch making the ball look rock solid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCBtIX3mpDE&feature=related

Timing and Motion 

Spacing actions to define the weight and size of objects and personality of characters.

Good example
In this clip timing and motion of the kick gives the viewer a clear idea of the weight of the character and how controlled their balance is. And the reaction of the character being kicked demonstrates the strength of the kick as well as the weight of the character itself as it hits the ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzAEx6d4ow4&NR=1

Bad example 

This example is obviously a poor animation in many respects but in regard to timing and motion its particularly lacking as the movements are very limited and give no indication to the weight and personality of the characters. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inls7kteYvI 

Anticipation 

The preparation for and action.

Good example 

This is a good example for anticipation, as the cat readies itself to pounce it bends its legs and pauses in a realistic manner before leaping.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTNAJ2RYdBk

Bad example 

In this clip the fish may react to other objects but their is no decent preparation for its actions, for example when the fish sees the castle it reacts but then zooms of towards it without any preparation. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd48CQq6KKc

Staging   

Presenting an idea so that its unmistakably clear.

Good example

The example of staging in this clip comes at the begging when the panel in the opens and the monkey looks in and its obvious something is going to come out. And again at around 1:49 as the the robotic arm twitches and is obviously about to extend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_nTlsTK7qo

Bad example

This example displays a lack of quality staging and through out the whole animation you are never presented with an unmistakably clear idea of whats going to happen. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwtXNDx_GNw


Exaggeration 

Accentuating the essence of an idea via the design and the action.

Good example 

This is a great example of exaggeration, particularly after about 8 seconds in when the object gets stuck and is struggling to get out, the object stretches in an exaggerated manner to represent how hard it its trying to get out.  Another good example is when the object expands and shrinks giving it the illusion of panting in exhaustion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZPT9br4bds

Bad example 

This clip has a realistic animation first to compare to the exaggerated animation second. However I believe the exaggerated version is a poor example as, although it its exaggerated, it seems tacky and instead of looking like an exaggerated version of the realistic animation it just looks over the top for no reason.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9R4-JLYtsc&NR=1

Secondary Action 
The action of an object resulting from another action.

Good example
This clip has many good examples of secondary action. The way the characters react when they hit each other is very cleanly, professionally and realistically done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug3PzD8GAfM

Bad example
This example is of less well-executed fight scene then the one above and although the animation isn't bad as a whole the last action clearly shows one characters knee passing strait through the others head with no reaction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VCAtoupEKQ

Follow Through and Overlapping Action 

The termination of an action and establishing its relationship to the next action.

Good example
This example shows brilliant follow through and overlapping action with the horses mane and tail reacting with the movement of the horse, which gives the animation a realistic look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTXiWQITb_0&NR=1

Bad example

This animation is a complete contrast with the one above as the tail and mane on the horse stay completely still and doesn't look at all realistic.    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw_ulKXDeYk


Arcs 

The visual path of action for natural movement.

Good example
This clip shows natural movement through the arcs made when he lifts his his arms and when he throws the ball. The animator clearly was careful to make sure the movements looked close to real life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-zQoNTklrg

Bad example
In this animation all the movements are overly exaggerated with no natural looking arcs and poorly executed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AUaFoXtHQQ

Personality 

How a character can be defined by what they look like and how they move.

Good example

This is a good example as the character is well detailed in its features and movements and manage two present two characters in one as the old man switches sides of the chess board by changing his mannerisms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnGBuhu6Txc

Bad example 

The character in this animation conveys very little personality as the character has a generic face design and has very little movement to define personality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUfXodJZlxw

Slow in and Slow out

The spacing of the in-between frames to increase the subtlety of timing and movement.

Good example 

This example shows as the characters move they accelerate as the action starts and slow down as they end. This is essential to creating a more realistic animation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU4QvpyfANA

Bad example

In Burnt Face Man there is not much attempt to employ the slow in and slow out method, for example when a character moves an arm it goes from point A to point B without any change in speed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxY5fDn5sjQ

Appeal 

Creating a design that the viewer finds appealing.

Good example 

The birds in this Pixar short film have been designed to look cute, be full of expression and are very detailed. In particular the big clumsy bird has been designed very well to capture the viewers sympathy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omk6TAxJYOg

Bad example
In this clip the characters not appeal as they have little expression and lack in detail so there is not alot for the viewer connect or relate to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwxEqFr5h2s