Pre--Production Portfolio

Behind the scenes of my animation workflow, showcasing research process, visual planning and the steps I take to bring my animation from rough blocking to refined motion.

References

The first step I take in the animation process is gathering references for the scene. I find it particularly helpful to film my own references, as it allows me to explore different acting options, body mechanics and facial expressions. In addition to recording self-references, I also look for additional references on platforms such as YouTube and other websites.

Thumbnails

Based on the animatic and the collected references, I like to sketch out some of the more complex movements to determine what will work best in terms of motion arcs and the secondary movement of different body parts.

Lucy's Run Cycle

Susuwatari's Run Cycle

Lucy's Climb

Lucy's Run Cycle

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Checking Rigs

I believe it is essential to thoroughly review each rig to understand its functionality and limitations. This includes looking over available drawing swaps, character rotations and controls.

Layout

Before beginning the animation process, I organise the scene by placing all characters, establishing correct camera angles, arranging either multi-plane or traditional backgrounds, as well as adding the audio.

Blocking

After completing the initial setup, I begin posing the characters according to animatic and references, ensuring that each pose clearly reflects the intended emotions and body language. At this stage, I also create additional drawing swaps when necessary to improve transitions between poses and enhance clarity. The blocking phase serves as a crucial step in my process—it allows me to analyse the scene in greater depth, refine the overall flow of action, and establish accurate timing for character movements.

Rigging

Before proceeding to the breakdowns, I review the rig and the scene to determine whether any adjustments or additional parts need to be drawn and rigged. In this case, I created a separate arm rig with independently animated fingers to enhance the overall quality of the scene.

Breakdowns

The breakdown stage plays an essential part in the animation process, helping to define motion arcs, refine the timing of secondary actions, and resolve other key elements of movement. During this phase, I analyse realistic references to enhance the readability of movement while keeping in line with the chosen animation style.

Polish

In the final stage, I create the inbetweens to achieve fluid motion and cohesive arcs. After refining and offsetting primary body movement, facial transitions, and secondary actions, I add lip-sync if needed, bringing the animation to its final, polished state.