How can you provide effective feedback on animation timing and spacing?

1 What are timing and spacing?

Timing and spacing are essential concepts in animation that determine how fast or slow an object or a character moves, and how much distance it covers in each frame. Timing is the number of frames or seconds it takes for an action to complete, while spacing is the distribution of the object's position in each frame. For example, a bouncing ball will have different timing and spacing depending on how high, hard, and elastic it is. Timing and spacing can convey different emotions, moods, and intentions of the animated subject, as well as create a sense of weight, force, and energy.

2 Why is feedback important?

Feedback is a crucial part of the animation process, as it can help animators identify and fix problems, improve their skills, and achieve their creative goals. Feedback can come from different sources, such as peers, mentors, clients, or audiences, and it can vary in format, frequency, and tone. However, not all feedback is equally useful or effective. Feedback that is vague, subjective, or negative can demotivate, confuse, or discourage animators, while feedback that is clear, objective, and positive can inspire, guide, and encourage them. Therefore, learning how to give and receive feedback is a valuable skill for any animator or game developer.

3 How to prepare for feedback?

Before giving feedback on animation timing and spacing, you should prepare yourself by following some steps. First, you should understand the context and purpose of the animation. What is the genre, style, and tone of the game? What is the role and personality of the character or object? What is the story or message behind the animation? Second, you should watch the animation multiple times, from different angles and perspectives, and with different levels of detail. Pay attention to the overall motion, the key poses, the transitions, and the nuances. Third, you should identify the strengths and weaknesses of the animation, and prioritize the most important or noticeable issues. Fourth, you should formulate your feedback in a clear, concise, and respectful way, using specific examples and suggestions.

4 How to give feedback?

When giving feedback on animation timing and spacing, you should follow some guidelines to make it more effective and constructive. First, you should start with a positive comment, acknowledging what the animator did well and what you liked about the animation. This can boost their confidence and motivation, and create a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Second, you should focus on the animation itself, not the animator. Use objective and descriptive language, rather than subjective and evaluative language. For example, instead of saying "The animation is too slow and boring", you can say "The timing of the animation could be faster and more varied to create more interest and contrast". Third, you should be specific and precise, using examples and references to illustrate your points. For example, instead of saying "The spacing is off", you can say "The spacing between the frames 10 and 15 is too even, making the movement look linear and unnatural. You can try to adjust the spacing to create an ease-in and ease-out effect". Fourth, you should be respectful and empathetic, using a polite and friendly tone, and avoiding harsh or rude words. You should also acknowledge the animator's effort and intention, and ask for their opinion and feedback.

5 How to receive feedback?

When receiving feedback on animation timing and spacing, you should also follow some guidelines to make it more beneficial and productive. First, you should listen actively and attentively, without interrupting or defending yourself. Try to understand the feedback giver's perspective and intention, and ask questions if you need clarification or examples. Second, you should evaluate the feedback critically and objectively, without taking it personally or emotionally. Consider the feedback giver's expertise, experience, and expectations, and compare the feedback with your own goals and vision. Third, you should thank the feedback giver for their time and input, and show appreciation and respect. You can also share your thoughts and feelings about the feedback, and explain your choices and challenges. Fourth, you should apply the feedback selectively and creatively, using it as a source of inspiration and improvement, not as a limitation or restriction. You can experiment with different solutions and alternatives, and seek more feedback if needed.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?