Squash and Stretch
Squash and Stretch is one of the most fundamental principles in animation that makes characters and objects look more lifelike and dynamic. It's a technique where animators make things appear to compress (squash) when they hit something and extend (stretch) when they move quickly. Think of how a bouncing ball flattens when it hits the ground and stretches when it goes up - this same principle makes animated characters feel more alive and less rigid. This technique is considered essential knowledge for animators, whether they work in traditional hand-drawn animation, computer animation (3D), or motion graphics.
Examples in Resumes
Applied Squash and Stretch principles to create dynamic character movements in children's TV series
Trained junior animators in Squash and Stretch fundamentals for feature film animation
Enhanced motion graphics using Squash and Stretch techniques for commercial advertisements
Typical job title: "Animators"
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Where to Find Animators
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Learning Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you guide a team in implementing squash and stretch for different character types?
Expected Answer: A senior animator should explain how different materials and characters require different amounts of squash and stretch - for example, a rubber ball needs more extreme squash and stretch than a wooden block. They should also discuss how to maintain consistent volume and mass while applying the technique.
Q: How do you balance realistic physics with artistic exaggeration in animation?
Expected Answer: The answer should cover how to make informed decisions about when to follow real-world physics versus when to exaggerate for dramatic or comedic effect, while maintaining believability in the animation.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Can you explain how squash and stretch applies to facial animation?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how the principle applies to facial expressions, such as how cheeks squash during a smile or how features stretch during extreme expressions, while maintaining character appeal.
Q: How do you adapt squash and stretch for different animation styles?
Expected Answer: Should explain how the technique varies between realistic and cartoony styles, and how to adjust the amount of squash and stretch based on the project's needs.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is squash and stretch and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic concept using simple examples like a bouncing ball, and explain how it adds life and flexibility to animated objects and characters.
Q: How do you maintain volume while applying squash and stretch?
Expected Answer: Should understand that when an object squashes, it should become wider, and when it stretches, it becomes thinner, but the overall mass should appear to stay the same.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of squash and stretch principles
- Simple character and object animation
- Knowledge of animation software basics
- Understanding of timing and spacing
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced character animation
- Complex movement sequences
- Style adaptation
- Facial animation expertise
Senior (5+ years)
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Advanced animation problem-solving
- Project workflow optimization
- Animation direction capabilities
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate basic understanding of animation principles
- No knowledge of industry-standard animation software
- Lack of animation portfolio or demo reel
- No understanding of timing in animation
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