What are the best ways to communicate your vision for character animation to team members?

1 Use references and sketches

One of the simplest and most powerful ways to communicate your vision is to use visual references and sketches. References can be anything from photos, videos, drawings, sculptures, or even yourself acting out the character's movements and emotions. Sketches can be quick and rough, or more detailed and polished, depending on the stage of the project and the level of feedback you need. References and sketches can help you convey the style, mood, personality, and dynamics of your character animation, as well as inspire and inform your team members.

3 Use animation language and terminology

A third way to communicate your vision is to use animation language and terminology. Animation language is the set of principles, concepts, and techniques that describe how animation works and what makes it appealing. Animation terminology is the specific vocabulary that defines the elements and aspects of animation, such as poses, timing, spacing, arcs, anticipation, squash and stretch, and so on. Using animation language and terminology can help you explain your vision clearly and precisely, as well as demonstrate your knowledge and expertise. Animation language and terminology can also help you understand and address the challenges and solutions of your character animation.

4 Give and receive feedback

A fourth way to communicate your vision is to give and receive feedback. Feedback is the process of exchanging opinions, suggestions, and critiques about your character animation with your team members. Feedback can help you improve your vision, as well as learn from others' perspectives and experiences. Feedback can also help you build trust, respect, and collaboration with your team members. To give and receive feedback effectively, you should be specific, constructive, respectful, and open-minded.

5 Showcase your work

A fifth way to communicate your vision is to showcase your work. Showcasing your work is the act of presenting and sharing your character animation with your team members, as well as with other audiences, such as clients, peers, or fans. Showcasing your work can help you celebrate your achievements, as well as showcase your skills and talents. Showcasing your work can also help you get recognition, appreciation, and support from your team members. To showcase your work effectively, you should be confident, prepared, and professional.

6 Keep learning and improving

A sixth way to communicate your vision is to keep learning and improving. Learning and improving is the ongoing process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, and insights about character animation, as well as applying them to your work. Learning and improving can help you enhance your vision, as well as keep up with the trends and innovations of the animation industry. Learning and improving can also help you grow as an animator, as well as as a team player. To keep learning and improving, you should be curious, motivated, and adaptable.

7 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?