Welcome to a New Animation Lesson! of Mastering Anime Animation: The Secret to Smooth Pose Transitions!
Today, we’ll learn how to animate a full character transition from one pose to another using Toon Boom Harmony. This lesson is designed for anyone looking to improve their animation skills and understand how to create smooth motion transitions.
If you already have a pre-drawn character, make sure it’s ready, as we’ll be using it directly in this lesson.
Mastering Anime Animation: The Secret to Smooth Pose Transitions!
1. Preparing the Character for Animation
First, we take the character from the library and place it on the timeline. Since the character is drawn from three angles (front, side, back), we’ll select only two angles and remove the third. This allows for an easier and smoother transition.
In this lesson, I’ve chosen to animate the character from the back to the front position.
2. Splitting Frames for Smooth Animation
Now, we need to divide the frames to ensure a smooth transition:
The first position (back view) is placed between Frame 1 and Frame 4.
The second position (front view) is placed between Frame 5 and Frame 8.
The transition happens between Frame 4 and Frame 5.
3. Adding Anticipation Before the Transition
To make the movement more natural, we’ll add anticipation at Frame 4 by making minor adjustments:
Press B on the keyboard (make sure it’s set to English).
Select the entire arm (it will turn yellow, meaning it’s ready for movement).
Move the arm slightly outward.
Adjust the elbow inward.
Slightly tilt the head to the right or in a direction that suits the scene.
Move the upper body in the same direction to add more fluidity to the motion.
4. Using "Squash & Stretch" for a More Dynamic Movement
While still on Frame 4, we select the entire body using the Peg and apply the following adjustments:
Slightly squash the body downward to create a preparatory motion.
Stretch the body outward slightly as the transition begins, making the movement feel more lively.
5. Adjusting the New Pose at Frame 5
Now, we apply changes to Frame 5 to ensure a smooth transition:
Raise the right arm slightly.
Move the left arm outward.
Adjust the head in the same direction as Frame 4 to maintain smooth motion.
Shift the upper body to the right to enhance the sense of movement.
6. Reapplying "Squash & Stretch" in the Opposite Direction
To keep the animation realistic, we repeat the Squash & Stretch technique but in reverse:
Select the Peg for the entire body.
Slightly stretch the body upward to simulate recovery from the movement.
Compress the body slightly inward to add a natural feel to the motion.
7. Adjusting Motion Speed with "Ease In & Ease Out"
For a smoother animation flow, we use the Ease tool in the Timeline:
Open Function Editor in the Timeline.
Go to Graph Editor, which displays motion curves..
Adjust the motion curve manually by dragging the control points.
Ensure the curve is smooth and not linear, allowing the motion to start slowly, accelerate, and then slow down naturally.
This way, we will achieve a smooth acceleration in animation, transitioning from fast to slow, or vice versa.
Now you have a clear understanding of how to animate a character transitioning between two poses smoothly using Anticipation, Squash & Stretch, and Ease In & Ease Out.
Remember, daily practice is the key to mastering animation! Try applying this technique to your own characters and share your progress with others.
Do you have any questions or new animation ideas? Let us know in the comments!
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