Squash and stretch is a fundamental principle of animation that breathes life into characters and objects. By exaggerating the way things deform during movement, we create a sense of weight, flexibility, and cartoonish charm that captivates audiences. While traditionally associated with 2D animation, squash and stretch is equally powerful in the realm of 3D animation.
What is Squash and Stretch?
Imagine a bouncing ball. In reality, it might compress slightly when it hits the ground. But to emphasize the impact and make the bounce more visually interesting, animators will squash the ball down dramatically before stretching it upwards as it rebounds. This exaggeration is the essence of squash and stretch.
Applying Squash and Stretch in 3D
While 3D software offers precise control over character movement, it can sometimes lack the inherent liveliness of hand-drawn animation. Here’s how to use squash and stretch in 3D to add that missing spark:
- Deforming Meshes: Utilize your 3D software’s tools to deform your character’s mesh during key moments. Squash a character down as they land from a jump, or stretch their torso as they reach for a high object.
- Bone Squash and Stretch: Many rigs allow for squash and stretch on individual bones. Squash legs during a jump or stretch arms during a swing to add secondary action and emphasize weight transfer.
- Inverse Kinematics (IK): IK can be a double-edged sword. While it simplifies character movement, it can also restrict squash and stretch. Use IK strategically, allowing for some squash and stretch in specific areas like the spine or elbows.
Tips and Tricks:
- Maintain Volume: Squashing one dimension should be balanced by stretching another. This ensures your character doesn’t appear to shrink or grow unnaturally.
- Readability is Key: While exaggeration is encouraged, don’t push it so far that the action becomes unclear. The audience should still understand what’s happening on screen.
- Apply Unevenly: Squash and stretch don’t have to be symmetrical. Squash a character more in the direction of the force they’re reacting to for added impact.
- Start Subtle: Especially when working with realistic characters, begin with subtle squash and stretch. You can always exaggerate further if needed.
- Observe the Real World: While squash and stretch is an exaggeration, take inspiration from how real objects deform under pressure. A bouncy ball squashes more than a bowling ball, for instance.
Beyond the Basics:
Squash and stretch isn’t just about physical deformation. It can be applied to facial expressions to enhance emotions. Squash a character’s face when surprised, or stretch their eyes wide for fear. Remember, squash and stretch is a tool to add life and personality to your animations. Use it creatively and explore its potential to take your 3D characters to the next level.