How do you communicate your easing and overshoot choices to clients or stakeholders in 2D animation projects?

1 What are easing and overshoot?

Easing and overshoot are terms that describe how an object moves in and out of a keyframe. Easing refers to the gradual acceleration or deceleration of an object, while overshoot refers to the extra movement that occurs when an object passes its target position and then bounces back. Easing and overshoot can create a sense of realism, weight, and energy in your animation, depending on how you use them.

2 Why are easing and overshoot important?

Easing and overshoot are important because they can affect the mood, tone, and message of your animation. For example, if you want to convey a sense of urgency, excitement, or surprise, you can use fast and exaggerated easing and overshoot. On the other hand, if you want to convey a sense of calmness, elegance, or sophistication, you can use slow and subtle easing and overshoot. Easing and overshoot can also help you emphasize certain elements, create contrast, and establish hierarchy in your animation.

3 How do you choose the right easing and overshoot?

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for choosing the right easing and overshoot for your animation. It depends on your creative vision, your audience, and your project goals. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you make informed decisions. First, you should consider the type, shape, and size of the object you are animating. For example, a ball will have more bounce and elasticity than a box. Second, you should consider the context, purpose, and tone of your animation. For example, a logo reveal will have different expectations and constraints than a character animation. Third, you should consider the principles of animation, such as timing, spacing, anticipation, follow-through, and exaggeration. These principles can help you create realistic and appealing motion.

4 How do you communicate your easing and overshoot choices?

Once you have chosen your easing and overshoot settings, you need to effectively communicate them to your clients or stakeholders. To illustrate the effect and impact of easing and overshoot, use reference videos or examples, such as existing animations, online resources, or your own sketches or prototypes. Animation terminology can be used to explain the meaning and benefits of easing and overshoot - for instance, “slow in and out”, “bounce”, “spring”, or “snap”. Analogies or metaphors can also be employed to make it more relatable - for example, “like a rubber band”, “like a feather”, or “like a rocket”. Refining your easing and overshoot choices can be done through feedback and iteration - ask for opinions, preferences, and suggestions from clients or stakeholders; then show them how you can adjust your settings to meet their needs. Tools or plugins that allow you to tweak your easing and overshoot curves easily and quickly can also be used.

5 How do you avoid common pitfalls of easing and overshoot?

When using easing and overshoot, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls. For example, don’t use the same easing and overshoot for every object or element as this can make your animation look dull. Additionally, be mindful of the amount of easing and overshoot you use; too much or too little can make your animation look unnatural. Finally, ensure that the easing and overshoot you use are in line with the logic or physics of your animation; otherwise, it can appear confusing or inconsistent. To create interest, variety, harmony, and clarity in your animation, use a balanced blend of contrast and moderation.

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?