A personal study to practice AfterEffects and animation concepts; animating a looping walk cycle for a character or animal.
Naturally, I animated my Pomeranian, Max.
Good boy Max
Research
My first task was to learn exactly how quadrupeds walked. The image below quickly became my main source of reference for stills in key-framing. Max also enjoyed the increased amount of walks outside as I studied his movement and pacing of steps.
Walk Cycle reference study
Design and Visuals
I wanted the art-style to be bright and fun rather than realistic and constricted. This decision helped a lot with the complexity of the artwork, animation, and general application performance in AfterEffects. The scene choice was obvious: Max taking one of his daily walks in the great outdoors. All artwork was created in Adobe Illustrator.
Animation
Animation
The animation style is more "cartoony" than realistic. It's the weight of Max's hair and movements, subtly over-exaggerated to portray his confidence, happiness, and 100% Alpha Canine status.