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How can I improve the sense of weight in my character animations?
Asked on Feb 10, 2026
Answer
Improving the sense of weight in character animations involves understanding and applying principles like timing, spacing, and follow-through to convey mass and gravity effectively. By adjusting these elements, you can create more believable and grounded character movements.
Example Technique:
- Step 1 – Identify the character's action and the weight it should convey (e.g., lifting a heavy object).
- Step 2 – Apply timing and spacing adjustments to show effort, such as slower movements for heavier objects.
- Step 3 – Refine the motion with follow-through and overlap to enhance the sense of inertia and mass.
Additional Comment:
- Use squash and stretch subtly to emphasize weight without exaggeration.
- Consider the character's center of gravity and how it shifts during movement.
- Observe real-life references to understand how weight affects motion.
- Ensure that the character's limbs and body parts move in harmony to maintain balance.
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