The rhythm of animation

Animation is often described as drawing in motion, but I think of it more like music. The frames are the notes; timing is the tempo.

Frames and feeling

Two drawings can be identical in shape and completely different in feeling. The difference lives in the spacing:

1. Even spacing — calm, mechanical, reliable
2. Easing out — weight arriving, a landing, a rest
3. Easing in — anticipation, gathering energy before a move
4. Held moments — the beat where the audience catches up emotionally

Why I still storyboard on paper

Before anything reaches software, I lay the shots out in frames. A storyboard keeps me honest about story: what does the viewer need to feel, and what is the fastest way to make them feel it?

Timing, like line work, improves with practice. The sketchbook is where the practice lives.