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How do timing and spacing choices affect the perceived weight of a character during fast actions?
Asked on Oct 27, 2025
Answer
Timing and spacing are crucial in conveying the perceived weight of a character, especially during fast actions. By adjusting the timing and spacing of keyframes, animators can create the illusion of weight, making characters appear heavier or lighter depending on the action's speed and force.
Example Concept: Timing refers to the number of frames between key poses, while spacing is the distance an object moves between those frames. For fast actions, using fewer frames (tight timing) with larger spacing can suggest a heavier character, as it implies more force is needed to move quickly. Conversely, more frames with smaller spacing can make a character appear lighter, as less force is required to achieve the same speed.
Additional Comment:
- Consider using anticipation and follow-through to enhance the sense of weight.
- Experiment with easing to emphasize the start and end of fast actions.
- Observe real-life references to understand how weight affects movement.
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