Sign In

Close
Forgot your password? No account yet?

Expressions and character performance by Hyprole

I'm sure most people have seen those expression memes based on putting a character into a specific scenario. This one looks like a lot of fun to do -

totally going to try this

If I don't end up finishing it though I thought I'd share since it does actually look quite useful for 'getting into character'. Even if you make up your own scenarios. I just like how some of these are events that could happen everyday. Like stepping on an upturned plug - it's so human to make a mistake like that. And it's a different kind of pain than, for instance, being punched in the stomach. It gets you thinking about what the character could be feeling at that particular moment, in a very specific kind of way, and what their expression might be.

However... as useful as it might seem I'd like to point something out:

Personally, from an animation student point of view I'd suggest people stop focusing on faces so much in these memes - especially ones like these when a scenario is given. I might sound a little biased here but character animation is a really good medium for learning a really important part of anatomy - locomotion and performance/expression. Since I've started the course I'm on I often see really well drawn pieces of characters running/or doing some kind of action but the weight/gait is wrong and it throws me off. Also if it's really fun to try and push the poses. And, for me at least, looking at the facial expression alone of someone stepping on a plug isn't going to be as fun as seeing the whole body's reaction too.

If anything I suggest drawing two or three poses if it's something like a scenario based expression meme so that you can explore the anticipation, action and reaction poses in if they apply to the scenario. I say this since even the action of stepping on a plug could produce a number of different reactions and emotions - the moment of impact, the moment when the pain as at its worst and even afterwards... what would they be do? Get angry, shrug it off or what?

Just some thoughts for anyone who might be interested. I kinda ramble a bit but I can't help it when I'm interested in the subject. :)

Expressions and character performance

Hyprole

Journal Information

Views:
240
Comments:
8
Favorites:
3
Rating:
General

Comments

  • Link

    Oh I really like this one. Those are fun situations! And I agree body language and locomotion is very important and can be very unique and telling about someones character. Not that facial expression can't be important, but the body says so much its a shame not to learn to use that.

    • Link

      I'm looking forward to coming up with some character specific scenarios since all characters will have different needs and back story, etc.

      Yeah and performance is so important for the appeal of the character. People can really push poses without things looking wacky. I've read that some animators start with the silhouette before adding details when drawing so that they can focus on conveying the emotion and get the right movement/arcs rather than be bogged down with anatomy. Even drawing the face - I think I've read someone suggest to start with the expression and add the facial structure after. Obviously that has pitfalls ... but it's probably a good place to start when you're trying to get the feeling across.

  • Link

    this is very very wonderful advice thank you so much!

    • Link

      I'm glad you like it. I think sometimes people forget to put these things into consideration when drawing their characters. We're supposed to draw the emotion, not draw the action... I'm not sure if this makes sense or not but it's really good advice that some of the animators have said in the animation podcasts. Those are totally worth listening to if you're interested in that kind of thing.
      They always put me in the mood for working~

  • Link

    Ohhhh definitely some good advice :O

    • Link

      :D I'm happy people seem to like it!

  • Link

    wow you've go some good points there. i'll definitely try some of that stuff! thanks for the advice.

    • Link

      Yeah I'd love to see more full body expression memes being used. :)