Follow through
Follow through in animation is when an object or character continues to move after the main action has stopped. For example, if a character jumps and lands, their hair and clothing will continue to move for a moment even after they have landed. This gives the animation a more realistic and natural feel. Think of it like a ball bouncing - it doesn't just stop moving as soon as it hits the ground, it bounces back up before settling down again. Follow through helps make animations look more alive and less stiff.
Animation is an art form that has evolved significantly over the years. From hand-drawn to computer-generated animation, it has come a long way. One of the key principles of animation is follow through. It is the continuation of movement after the main action has ceased. Follow through adds a level of realism and fluidity to animated characters and objects.
In order to understand follow through, it is important to understand the concept of momentum. When an object is set in motion, it tends to continue moving even after the force that set it in motion has stopped. This is because of momentum. In animation, follow through is used to show how different parts of an object or character react to the main action.
For example, if a character suddenly stops running, their hair, clothing, and other loose objects will continue to move forward due to momentum. This creates a more realistic effect that helps bring the character to life. Similarly, a bouncing ball will continue to bounce slightly after it hits the ground due to its elasticity.
Follow through can be exaggerated or subtle depending on the desired effect. In some cases, animators may choose to exaggerate follow through for comedic effect. In other cases, they may choose to use subtle follow through for a more realistic effect.
Follow through can also be used in combination with other animation principles like squash and stretch and anticipation. Squash and stretch refers to the stretching or compressing of an object as it moves. Anticipation refers to preparing the audience for an action before it happens. By using these principles in combination with follow through, animators can create more engaging and believable animations.
