Anticipation
Anticipation is a fundamental principle in animation that helps make movements look more natural and engaging. It's like the 'wind-up' before an action - think of a baseball pitcher drawing their arm back before throwing, or a character squatting down before jumping. Animators use anticipation to help viewers understand what's about to happen and make animations feel more realistic. This technique is one of the core '12 Principles of Animation' developed by Disney animators, and it's essential knowledge for anyone working in animation, whether they're creating cartoons, video games, or special effects.
Examples in Resumes
Applied Anticipation principles to create more dynamic character movements in animated sequences
Enhanced action scenes by implementing Anticipation techniques in character animations
Trained junior animators in proper use of Anticipation and other fundamental animation principles
Typical job title: "Character Animators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Character Animators
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach teaching anticipation to junior animators?
Expected Answer: A senior animator should explain their mentoring approach, including examples of good and bad anticipation, how they break down complex movements, and methods for giving constructive feedback to help junior animators improve their work.
Q: How do you balance anticipation in fast-paced action sequences?
Expected Answer: They should discuss how to maintain clarity of movement while keeping the action exciting, including ways to show anticipation in quick sequences without slowing down the overall pace.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Can you explain how anticipation varies between realistic and cartoony animation?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how anticipation is subtle in realistic animation but can be exaggerated in cartoons, with examples of how to adjust the technique for different animation styles.
Q: How do you use anticipation to enhance emotional scenes?
Expected Answer: Should explain how anticipation isn't just for physical actions but can be used in facial expressions and subtle body language to make emotional moments more impactful.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is anticipation and why is it important in animation?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that anticipation is the preparation for an action, and how it helps make movements more believable and easier for viewers to follow.
Q: Can you give an example of anticipation in a simple jumping animation?
Expected Answer: Should describe how a character needs to bend down (anticipation) before springing up into a jump, and why this makes the movement look natural.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of anticipation principle
- Simple character movements and actions
- Following established animation guidelines
- Basic timing and spacing knowledge
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex character animations
- Varied anticipation techniques
- Style-specific animation skills
- Ability to give animation feedback
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced movement mechanics
- Animation team leadership
- Complex action sequence planning
- Teaching and mentoring abilities
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic animation principles
- No demo reel or portfolio showing movement examples
- Lack of understanding about timing in animation
- No knowledge of different animation styles and requirements
