This week, I began preparing for character animation and needed to consider which movements would effectively convey the emotions of the characters. Using the storyboard provided by Jixuan Chen, I analyzed each movement in detail, noting the duration of each motion as well as the intended emotion that the character should express. This information will guide me as I proceed with the animation process.
Upon completion of the analysis of the characters’ intended emotions and movements, I created a 2D layout for each shot that identified the key poses for the actions. With this information in mind, I began animating the characters using Maya.
Storyboard by Jixuan Chen
Animation Test
Additionally, I created a simple walking and running cycle animation test using the functions of the advanced skeleton plugin. The purpose of this is to import the animations into UE4 for testing, ensuring that the completed animations can be efficiently and seamlessly integrated into the engine, thus avoiding any unnecessary problems.
2D Layouts
Shot 01
Action: The rabbit pushes open the door and joyfully hops down the steps.
Shot 02
Action: The rabbit stares at the small sapling, with a look of confusion on its face. It blinks a few times and shakes its head.
Shot 03
Action: This is a continuous sequence of shots. The rabbit looks at the small sapling with confusion, looks around to its left and right, and then shrugs with an open palm gesture.
Shot 04
Action: As time passed, day and night came and went, the little rabbit watched as the seedling grew taller and taller. he walked into the frame, looked up at the growing seedling with a mixture of confusion and joy, and then walked out of the frame.
Shot 05
Action: The small seedling grew into a massive tree, adorned with twinkling stars that made it look breathtakingly beautiful. The rabbit looked up at the enormous starry tree and felt a great sense of joy.