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How can I effectively use anticipation to enhance character movements?
Asked on Feb 16, 2026
Answer
Anticipation is a fundamental animation principle that prepares the audience for a character's main action, making movements more believable and engaging. By incorporating anticipation, you can create a visual cue that signals the character's intent, enhancing the clarity and impact of the subsequent action.
Example Concept: Anticipation involves a preparatory movement that contrasts with the main action, such as a character crouching before jumping. This principle helps to build expectation and adds realism by mimicking natural human behavior, where actions are often preceded by smaller, opposite movements.
Additional Comment:
- Anticipation can be subtle, like a slight head tilt before a turn, or exaggerated, like a deep squat before a leap.
- Use anticipation to guide the viewer's eye and focus attention on the upcoming action.
- Integrate anticipation into your keyframes to ensure it aligns with the character's personality and the scene's pacing.
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