How can I effectively use anticipation to enhance character animations?

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How can I effectively use anticipation to enhance character animations?

Asked on Jan 06, 2026

Answer

Anticipation is a key animation principle that prepares the audience for a major action, making the movement more believable and engaging. It involves a small preparatory motion that contrasts with the main action, creating a visual cue that something significant is about to happen.

Example Concept: Anticipation in animation involves a preliminary action that sets up the main motion, such as a character crouching before a jump. This prepares the audience for the upcoming movement, enhances the impact, and adds clarity to the action. By exaggerating the anticipation phase, animators can create a more dynamic and readable sequence.

Additional Comment:

Use anticipation to guide the viewer's eye and focus attention on the main action.
Incorporate anticipation in both subtle and exaggerated forms depending on the scene's context.
Balance anticipation with follow-through and overlapping actions for fluidity.

✅ Answered with Animation best practices.

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