Time and spacing

physics of animating a jump

Arms stretch out, to power the body to push forward, the same works for the legs. The anticipation builds up the force to give power to the character. Get the head low and body low, to create a build-up of power. The body stretches, almost like ‘squash and stretch’. Arms should move like bird wings to propel the power of action.

Anticipation principle tutorial

Anticipation is the preparation before an action, It also shows the force you are about to apply. It allow prepares the viewer for the action about to happen, making it more visual.

Priniciple of anticipation tutorial

Anticipation - tutorial

In this video, Alan Becker gives examples and explains the importance of anticipation, to make movement look more realistic.

'My 7 Steps To Great Character Design' - Tutorial

Aron Blaise is an animation feature film director and wildlife artist, whom worked for Disney for twenty one years. In his tutorial, he gives a guide of seven steps of the process of creating a character, .
1. Research; Know about your character, know about the real thing. (his example was researching polar bears).
2. Learn to draw the real thing.
3. Know your character and your story.
4. Know the universe, rules, physics and design conceit.
5. caricature
6. Experiment with drawing.
7. Experiment with mood, expressions, different character reference sheets.