Facial Animation II – Eyes Animation

This lesson mainly focused on eyes animation. Compared with the previous facial pose lesson, this week focused more on the movement and transition between expressions. The tutor emphasised that the eyes do not move alone. They are connected with the character’s thoughts, attention, head movement and body reaction.

Eye Blink: Do not blink for the sake of blinking

In the lesson, we learned that blinking can be related to attitude changes, changes of eye direction, changes of thoughts, head movements and staring. The tutor also reminded us not to blink only for the sake of blinking. This means a blink should have a reason, instead of being randomly placed in the animation.

In terms of timing, a normal blink can close quickly, stay closed briefly, and then open slowly.

Eye Dart: Showing that the character is thinking and observing

Eye dart can show that the character is thinking or gathering information. It can also make the character feel more alive. The PDF mentioned that the eyes should lock onto something step by step, rather than floating randomly. Eye movement is usually in a straight line, and the eyelid shape should also change with the eye direction.

Eyebrows and Natural Facial Movement

Practice

Heavy Object & Change of Mind Polish

The second part of this week was to continue improving last week’s Heavy Object & Change of Mind animation. My animation is about a character walking forward in strong wind and rain while holding an umbrella. Last week I mainly finished the blocking. This week I started moving towards polish, making the sense of weight, rhythm and centre of gravity clearer.