Deer

[Zilant]

A Playblast of a deer animation I'm working on.
Still futzing with my grass, lights, render settings, and whatnot - but I think the Animation itself is ready for critique?

<embed src="http://www.motionbox.com/external/player/id%3D7c9adeb5181de7f4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" width="425" height="460"></embed>


The Deer rig is a freebie, found at:http://www.highend3d.com/maya/downloads/character_rigs/Deer-Rig-4963.html

[Black Spot]

Very good. Maybe a bit more weight when it pushes off to flee.

[Modesty Personified]

I think you did a very nice job on this animation. However, I do have to say that every once in a while, it feels a little jerky. For instance, I think the deer should bend down a little more slowly (like 10 frames slower). Also, at 8 seconds, when the deer raises its leg, I would have it raise a little more slowly.

Other than that, everything is perfect. I especially love the fluidity of the head movement. Good job.

[Uberslug]

There are a ton of deer that live around my house, and I'd say when it first walks up, it's way too bouncy. Deer also tend to keep glancing up while they eat off the ground. Also, its knees are bent forward while it's standing and that looks weird. I suggest looking at some videos like this one: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KIaOSuCJOu8&feature=related

[HunterKiller_]

Overall good. Nice attention to details.

Ditto with previous comments. Deer bending down slower, and the walk is a little bit awkward.

The video Uberslug posted is very relevant. You obviously know how to animate, it just takes a little more observation.

[Zilant]

<embed src="http://www.motionbox.com/external/player/id%3D7c9ddcb71a1fe0f4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" width="425" height="460"></embed>

Slowed the decent, minor re-time on the leg being lifted, and hopefully smoothed out the beginning walk? I tried to implement some more looking up as it grazed, but kind of felt it warned the viewer too much of the upcoming startle. Removing the bent knees when it's standing did wonders for making the deer appear more alert. (sadly the rig is somewhat limited, still needed to rely on bent knees just to get the anatomy to reach grass level).

All in all I found everyone advice to be very helpful.
Thank you folks for the Critique.

[egerie]

The takeoff is great. Be mindfull of weight shift when you want a character to go somewhere. Did you use video references on your first test?

[Zilant]

Referances were various Youtube videos, and this little write-up on deer behavior: http://www.huntingpa.com/Deer%20behavior.html. I kinda' wish I'd been able to find more reference on jumping specifically.

Be mindfull of weight shift when you want a character to go somewhere.
Could I get you to be more specific?

[BlightedArt]

Could I get you to be more specific?

I might be wrong, but I think what he's trying to say is specific to when the deer is trying to scamper off at the end: The deer would probably have to "tilt" to the side when doing a sharp turn, to sort of throw its weight around to accomplish said turn. Similar to how a motorcycle rider "leans" to the side when turning a corner.

But I might be wrong. ^^;

[Zilant]

Ahhh, I see.
Like so?:

<embed src="http://www.motionbox.com/external/player/id%3D7c9ddab2181fe1f4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" width="425" height="460"></embed>

Not that you can really see it too well from this angle, now that I think about it. I still think it helps. Thank you.

[HunterKiller_]

Much better. Very nice.

If you want to improve it even more, I think adding more drag to the head as he's taking off will add more impact.

I'll make a little clip or something to show you what I mean.

Here's a quick GIF I made just showing the head. Excuse the scribblyness.
I have slowed it down and exaggerated it a bit to show the movement.

Notice that the head drags behind the neck (considering the whole movement) and then it whips around quickly.

It's not the best example, and if anybody thinks I'm talking crap, please speak up.

[Uberslug]

You might want to make it look around before it starts eating as well. Deer are really nervous critters.

[Zilant]

Just for the sake of finishing off the thread.

<embed src="http://www.motionbox.com/external/player/id%3Dd49cddbf111ae45c" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" width="425" height="460"></embed>

Final render with ambient occlusion, incorporating the ideas of a dragging head (is it dragging enough?) and the idea of the deer looking around more at the start. Thanks guys :)

[HunterKiller_]

Video isn't there. :S

[Zilant]

Ohhh.
Thanks for the heads up HunterKiller. Let's see if I can't fix that.

<embed src="http://www.motionbox.com/external/player/id%3Dd49cddbf111ae45c" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" width="425" height="460"></embed>

Working for me, now. Is it working for you?



/edit:
Whoopsie, my bad, I didn't have the Privacy Setting to Open Access.
No wonder only I could see it.

[HunterKiller_]

Nope, it still tells me the video is no longer available. Weird.

[Wisteria]

it's working for me. Looks great :)

[Black Spot]

Tons better. What are you going to do with it now?

[Onir]

Oooo nice progression up to the finish; the final looks great, great job with the timing. Great crits in here as well.. I'm also curious where you are taking this?

[Zilant]

Thank you.

Putting it in my Portfolio, is all I'd really planned for it.
:bashful:

Do you folks ask that because it feels like it's lacking something?

[Onir]

Oh no, I was only asking because I wasn't sure if you were planning a short of some kind. It's not lacking in anyway, especially for a portfolio piece hehe. Again great work on this one!