Penguin Animation

In order to produce this animation I started with the modelling of my character. I have a male and a female character but I used the same model for both and I only added a pink ribbon bow on the head of the female penguin, which I did not model myself because it was a last minute touch. I gave my model a simple rig with controllers that provided me with the freedom of movement. This is how my rigged model looks like:

I was trying to follow the storyboard I created before starting with the animation and I managed to work with it and it was very helpful in the process of animating.

In the first couple of frames the male penguin passes through an open door and notices the red present box on the table. He displays curiosity by peeping into the room behind the wall. He looks around to check if somebody is watching which indicates his cautiousness because he is still not sure if the present is for him. He gets a bit closer and examines the object, the eyebrow movement shows his doubtfulness but keeps his curiosity. When he decides it is safe to get even closer he gets under the table. The scene with the flipper looking above the table gives the character personality and adds a more cartoon-like look of the animation. When he reads the little card by the present his movements get quicker, showing his excitement. While he is opening the gift box he is facing the corner of the room as if he was hiding from someone. But he is not because the present was addressed to him, his behavior shows us that he is shy by nature.

He opens the present and he presents it to the camera...but he is not very fascinated. Why would anyone give him a present with a female ring? This is not a problem because he knows just the penguin who would love this little gift. The movement of the camera, slowly zooming to is eye, sends us to the last scene where he gives the ring to the female penguin. The clumsy way of walking indicates his growing excitement.

Overall, I am happy with the animation, it successfully shows the character thinking, which was the task. It also brings out the character and follows a consistent story. The thing that can be definitely improved is the walking of the character. As he is walking he is tottering, he is being clumsy because of the size of his body and his little legs. But the feel of weight when he is shifting from a foot to foot does not feel quite right. This can be improved by some slight changes on the rig because this is what limited the movement.