11.12 The Walk Cycle and Animation

Towards the beginning of the chapter the Walk Cycle was introduced showing a series of images

depicting a figure walking. If each image were displayed in quick succession you would see an

animation of the figure walking. This method is called Time Laps Animation and requires that

each pose is drawn separately.

Figure 11.27

In the Grease Pencil you can trace Strokes

from one of the pose images constructing the

components of the character (arms, legs etc.)

Figure 11.28

then manipulate the Strokes in Edit Mode to

Stick Figure Tracing

create an animation.

If you would like to try this method, it is

suggested you trace a simple stick figure

which will show the technique before delving

into too much detail.

Even with a Stick Figure you have to consider how you draw the individual Strokes forming the

Character. Trace individual Strokes which will allow you to select and reposition the components

of the Character at different Frames in the Animation.

(See Add Image Chapter 8 – 8.3)

Strokes repositioned

Individual Strokes

at

the

second

separation.

scale down showing

Keyframe

in

the

Animation Timeline.

In practice, overlap

as shown above.

Figure 11.29

Reposition Strokes by

selecting

and

manipulating in Edit

Mode.

Keyframes in the Animation Timeline determine how fast your

Character walks. A little arithmetic is required.

Assuming 2 sec to traverse the Screen. The Walk Cycle has 9 Poses, therefore, 9 Keyframes

required. The default Frame playback rate is 24 FPS. 2 sec X 24 FPS = 48 Frames. 9 Poses,

therefore, 8 Frame Groups. 48 / 8 = 6 Frames in a group = Keyframe every 6 ^th Frame i.e. F1,

F6,F12, F18, etc.

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