Tutorial: Anatomy of a Walk

walk5.jpgHave you ever tried to create a walkcycle only to find that it didn't 'feel' right? George Maestri, the original animation producer of "South Park", explains how to do it properly.

George writes:

Walks are very complex. Not only do the feet have to move across the ground, but the hips, spine, arms, shoulders and head all move in sync to maintain balance in the system. Though complex, if you break down each of these movements joint by joint, the mechanics of walking become clear.

Let’s break down a basic walk, step by step. For clarity, I’ve animated a simple skeleton so you can see exactly how each joint moves.

The main issues seem to be knowing where the center of gravity is, how the weight is shifting and how the body maintains its balance during the cycle.

Easy eh? I know for a fact that I still suck at it, but I'd love to see how you did after reading this tuto.

If you think walking is hard, you should see what Anthony Tuttle can do for a dance. This future dancing star can move his joints in unimaginable ways that will shock and amaze you. Watch out for him in an upcoming television show, kicking ass like Chuck Norris.



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8 Responses to “Tutorial: Anatomy of a Walk”  

  1. 1 rpgsimmaster Edit Link

    He makes it look so easy

  2. 2 tmr232 Edit Link

    This is great! It is really nice knowing that when I'll get to walk cycles, I'll have such a tut to help.

  3. 3 blendercross Edit Link

    Clear and prezise tut of walkmotion.

  4. 4 FastEddy Edit Link

    The knowledge of a Animation Pro in a few words. Great.

  5. 5 Goofster Edit Link

    Kind of ironic that the animation producer of soutpark is teaching us about walkcycles :)

  6. 6 ROUBAL Edit Link

    I have got the book (translation of the french title)"Create and animate your 3D characters", by George Maestri, and I think that it is the most usefull book of my library, related to 3D and animation !

    Thank you very much, M. Maestri !

    Philippe.

  7. 7 RANKN67 Edit Link

    its is ironic that there is tut from the animators of south park wen they have the worset walkcylcles on television, reading the introduction made me laugh at first but the show rules

  8. 8 Steve Edit Link

    Oh my god he animated kenny! you bas..!

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