Production Diary 9 - Head Turn

The next scene in my animation was of the astronauts head turn. Even though this was one of the most easiest movements I had to demonstrate, I have found this the hardest! I found there is a lot more to consider than just a simple head turn, as I had to reflect the 3D aspect of the helmet, and take into the consideration the reflection of the visor too.

I decided to just move the visor, moving the whole helmet would be pointless and moving the visor would look more aesthetic whilst remaining time efficient.

To get the movements right, I drew circles as a keyframe placeholder to where the middle of the visor would be when he moves:

I then used onion skins to draw the movement;

And I ended up with this;

I wasn't happy with it at ALL. The movement didn't seem fluid because the visor changed shape in each frame, it didn't seem like a realistic movement either.

So I tried again and this time I used the shape of the visor and didn't re-draw each frame, I just pasted it and moved it bit by bit, rubbing out the bit that went over the edge of his helmet. This way I maintained a consistant shape, and it looks more fluid and realistic as a result. I was also able to add the dip of the head' 'Swoosh' movement, to exaggerate his turning head; as defined by Richard Williams in The Animators Survival Kit;