Squash and Stretch and Arcs

Note: Before reading this blog post I recommend reading the post about timing and spacing.

Now that you have learned about timing and spacing you can add more principles into your arsenal.

Squash and Stretch – gives an object mass and weight and which makes it believable.

Arcs – the path that something moves on. Everything in animation follows an arc.

Here is an example of squash and stretch:

John Q ©

Which one is the better one?

The second one of course, also notice that the ball travels in an arc. “If it isn’t in an arc or path of action – the animation will not flow got to go with the flow…”[1]

Notice how the second animation has more weight and feeling than the first one. The animation without the stretch and squash, the ball seems like it is just floating in the space it travels.  A simple stretch at contact then a squash can create that illusion of weight. As for the arc, it “…gives us the [a] continuous flow” of the action. [2]

Adding these little details to an animation really adds to the believability of weight an object has. 


This technique can be seen most evidently in the older cartoons like 'Tom and Jerry'.


Here is a clip showing squash and stretch in action:



M.G.M © [7]


As you can see the ball stretches into an elongated shape as it falls down. The ball then squishes as it hits the ground and bounces once then squishes again and finally retains it's original shape.

PRO TIP:

One thing to be really careful of when using squash and stretch is to not let your object get “…bloated or bulbous” when squashed and “…stringy or withered” when stretched. [3]

Keep the shape or volume of the figure to its longest shape; yet it will never change are drawing “like a half-filled flour sack.” [4]

“If dropped on the floor, it will squash out to its fullest shape, and if picked up by the top two corners, it will stretch out to its longest shape; yet it will never change volume.” [5]

Lastly “an object need not deform to squash and stretch.” [6]


Resources:


Williams, R. (2001). The animator's survival kit. Faber and Faber Inc.
[1](Williams, 2001)P 92
[2](Williams, 2001)P 91



Thomas, F, & Johnston, O. (1981). Disney animation the illusion of life. New York: Abbeville Press.


[3] (Thomas, & Johnston, 1981) P 49
[4] (Thomas, & Johnston, 1981) P 51
[5] (Thomas, & Johnston, 1981) P 51


Lesseter, J. (1987). Principles of animation applied to 3d computer animation. Proceedings of the Siggraph 87 (pp. 35 - 44). Anahiem:


[6] (Lesseter, 1987) P 36


Quimby, F (Producer). (1945). Tom and Jerry - Tee for Two[Web]. Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrYQKXGwQBc&feature=player_embedded


[7] (Quimby, 1945 )