Mixing It Up:
How Changing Your Workflow Can Improve Your Animation

Tips and Tricks with Kevin Freeman

Sony Pictures Imageworks' character animator Kevin Freeman challenges animators to adapt their workflow in order to become more flexible and skilled animators.

Freeman explains that different scenes warrant different workflows; keeping this in mind has helped him animate on feature films like Spider-Man 2 and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.  He encourages students to mix it up by going straight to linear or spline in the graph editor rather than working in blocked mode first.

It can be an exciting challenge to not create every shot the same way. If you are comfortable using spline mode, try to do your shot in linear mode instead, or vice versa. Similarly, switch from IK to FK or try straight ahead animation instead of pose-to-pose. All of these methods will allow animators to break the mold and restrictions of a typical workflow to avoid getting stuck in a rut.

When working on complicated animals and creatures, Kevin encourages animators to remember a few things: get good reference, talk to experienced animators, and don't be afraid to change your workflow.  Overall, these tips will allow you to become a stronger and more flexible animator.