Animation Principles - Anticipation

Anticipation is the energy or driving force behind any action. It is the first part of the action where the object prepares to move. It is generally in the opposite direction of the main action. In the above example we can see the kid pulls elastic band of sling shot back before it releases the object in it and this particular action of gathering energy and releasing is called anticipation.

Anticipation helps in animation in many ways. Without anticipation action  the cricketer will not be hit the ball hard enough.

It makes the action more believable and natural. The pillow above looks like it is alive by juts adding an anticipated pose.

Since anticipation requires a motivation and purpose to happen it adds purpose to the character's action itself and thus making them look alive.

Anticipation also intrigues the viewer of an action which is about to happen and create an excitement. 

Anticipation should be used whenever an character or object is going from resting state to a moving state on its own.

The character is crouching and gathering the energy to jump but without anticipated pose it look like he is getting pulled up with an external force.

The character is running towards the right but just before he gathers energy by moving in the opposite direction which is anticipation. Without it looks very unnatural and not that believable.

Anticipation can be as minimal as an eye blink just before turning head to give a surprise reaction to someone calling out.

Anticipation can be as minimal as an eye blink just before turning head to give a surprise reaction to someone calling out.

Select the right anitcipation pose from the given poses.

Select the right anitcipation pose from the given poses.