Timing
Timing is a fundamental skill in animation that refers to how movement happens over time. It's like being the conductor of a visual orchestra - deciding how fast or slow actions should be, when they should start and stop, and how they flow together. Good timing makes animated characters and objects move in a way that feels natural and engaging, whether it's a bouncing ball or a complex character performance. When you see animations that feel "right" and believable, that's usually because of excellent timing skills.
Examples in Resumes
Created dynamic action sequences by applying advanced Timing principles to character animations
Improved character performance through careful Timing and spacing adjustments
Mentored junior animators on Timing and movement fundamentals
Typical job title: "Animators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Animators
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Events & Conferences
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach timing when directing a team of animators?
Expected Answer: A senior animator should discuss how they establish timing guidelines for consistency across scenes, methods for reviewing and giving feedback on timing issues, and how they help other animators understand and achieve the right timing for different character personalities and actions.
Q: Can you explain how timing affects emotional impact in animation?
Expected Answer: They should explain how different timing choices can create various emotional responses - like how quick movements can create excitement or tension, while slower timing can create sadness or thoughtfulness. They should provide specific examples from their experience.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you adjust timing for different types of characters?
Expected Answer: They should explain how character weight, size, and personality influence timing decisions - like how a heavy character moves differently from a light one, or how an energetic character's timing differs from a lazy character.
Q: Describe how you would time a simple bouncing ball animation.
Expected Answer: They should describe the basic principles of timing for a bounce - including the ball speeding up as it falls, the impact moment, and how the height of each bounce decreases naturally over time.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles of timing in animation?
Expected Answer: They should explain concepts like slow in and slow out, spacing between frames, and how timing affects the weight and feel of animated objects and characters.
Q: How do you plan the timing for a simple action?
Expected Answer: They should describe basic planning methods like using thumbnails or timing charts, understanding key poses, and how to break down an action into its main parts.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of timing principles
- Simple character movements and actions
- Understanding of frame rates
- Basic bouncing ball and pendulum animations
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex character movement timing
- Acting and performance timing
- Multiple character interaction timing
- Timing for different animation styles
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced performance and emotional timing
- Action sequence timing
- Team timing direction
- Project timing supervision
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate basic timing principles
- No understanding of how weight affects timing
- Lack of knowledge about frame rates
- No experience with timing references or planning
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