How can you approach facial animation for different character types?

There's a technique in animation to show a character's humanity without explaining it. It's the blink. The more human and close to the living, kind character, the more often it will blink. Have you noticed that the villains in cartoons usually do not blink or blink only in moments of loss, when they are hurt? That is when life and humanity awaken in them.

For realistic characters, prioritize subtlety and authenticity in facial animations. Focus on accurate facial expressions, nuanced movements, and lifelike emotions. Use reference materials, including human facial anatomy, to ensure realism and emotional depth.

Stylization in stop-motion animation significantly impacts viewer engagement. Unique textures, vibrant color palettes, abstract forms, and retro aesthetics enhance visual interest. For instance, experimenting with textures like expressive branches on a tree or using vivid colors creates emotional connections. Abstracting forms or incorporating vintage elements adds character. Fantasy characters, such as monster dolls, foster emotional bonds. Stylization elevates the visual experience, making the project distinctive and memorable

Stylized characters allow for exaggeration and creative expression. Emphasize defining features and characteristic expressions. Experiment with bold poses and movements that enhance the character's unique style. Balance exaggeration with readability to convey personality effectively.

In object-based commercial animation, we don't often use lisping to bring our characters to life. So we look for other ways to show the character and mood of our characters. A paper coffee cup can be a tired mother of a family - then it will move slowly, tiredly. But if we want to show that the apple juice in the bottle is the energy of childhood, we will make it bounce lightly, slightly naughty, moving like a 5-year-old child. And so on. You don't have to have a face to show the mood. That's the magic of animation

Cartoony characters thrive on exaggeration and expressive animations. Emphasize squash and stretch principles, stretch facial features for comedic effect, and explore dynamic poses. Prioritize readability and clarity in facial expressions to convey emotions in a vibrant and engaging manner.

Animating non-human characters requires understanding their unique anatomy and expressions. Consider the species or entity's characteristics and adapt facial animations accordingly. Focus on conveying emotions through non-traditional features, ensuring the character's expressions align with its nature and context.

Aside from following the logic and personality of a character/creature to find its motion design, secondary action is crucial for facial expressions and animations. Even just the direction your character is looking can completely shift the expression or impression of their thoughts. Sometimes I find it's helpful to fully animate a sequence with facial expressions and dialogue before going back in and reviewing the flow and staging of it to see if there are ways of varying the timing of finer details to break up/stagger the full motions of the face and other head features.

Tailor facial animation based on character personality and role. Collaborate with the character designer to understand the intended style. Use reference materials and observe real-life counterparts for inspiration. Seek feedback from peers and adjust animations accordingly.