12 Principles of Animation

7. Arcs

Source: https://idearocketanimation.com/13721-12-principles-of-animation-gifs/

The 12 principles of animation are guidelines created by ex-Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. They were made to teach animators how to create lifelike characters. This post will explain one principle.

For the most part, objects move in a natural arc. When a ball is thrown there’s an arc to its movement. If you swing a bat, if you move your arm, or if you turn your head there’s always a natural arc to the motion. Arcs are a good way of predicting motion and making it look realistic. If an object moves outside of this arc it will look erratic or incorrect. Arcs keep objects positioned correctly as they move.