How Squash and Stretch Creates the Enchantment of Bounce, Elasticity, and Dynamic Movement
What is the Squash and Stretch Principle in Animation? Squash and stretch is a core animation technique that animators utilize to amplify the movement and expressions of characters or objects. Although it was first popularized in the 1930s by Disney Studios, it continues to be a vital principle in animation today. When applied skillfully, squash and stretch can effectively convey weight, force, flexibility, and emotion in the movement of any subject. This article will delve into the technical aspects that contribute to successful squash and stretch techniques. Understanding this principle is crucial for creating dynamic and engaging animations, as it adds a layer of realism that captivates audiences. By manipulating the shape and volume of characters, animators can evoke a stronger emotional response and enhance storytelling. Whether animating a bouncing ball or a character in motion, the impact of squash and stretch is evident in its ability to create memorable and visually striking scenes. Mastering this technique enables animators to push the boundaries of creativity and bring their characters to life in ways that resonate with viewers. 12 principles of animation The 12 Principles of Animation are fundamental guidelines that enable animators to create realistic and engaging motion. Key concepts like timing, squash, stretch, and anticipation enhance storytelling and visual appeal. Mastering these principles helps animators craft fluid animations that effectively convey emotion and action. 1. Squash and Stretch2. Anticipation3. Staging4. Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose5. Follow Through and Overlapping Action6. Slow in and Slow out7. Arcs8. Secondary Action9. Timing10. Exaggeration11. Solid Drawing12. Appeal What is Squash And Stretch? Among the most significant discoveries in animation is the principle of squash and stretch. This technique involves deforming an object or character along specific axes to exaggerate motion and impacts. Squash techniques compress key dimensions, causing objects to flatten dramatically under force. In contrast, stretches elongate shapes, emphasizing rebounds and elasticity. Together, these actions alter an object’s volume and proportions over time. “Originally introduced as one of the 12 Principles of Animation for 2D, the same concepts apply seamlessly to 3D animations as well“ When a static shape is moved across successive drawings, it creates a sense of rigidity. In reality, this rigidity is only observed in the most solid objects, like chairs or dishes. In contrast, anything made of living tissue, regardless of how thin or bony, displays considerable movement as it progresses through actions. A clear illustration of this is seen in a bent arm with bulging biceps when straightened, showcasing only the elongated sinews. A crouched figure appears compact, while a figure in a full stretch or leap demonstrates expansive movement. Mastering the art of squash and stretch allows animators to create characters that feel alive and relatable. It adds a layer of depth to animations, making them more engaging for viewers. I highly recommend reading Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. This book will significantly enhance your understanding of any aspect related to animation. Deep Dive Into Squash and Stretch: Key Concepts and Execution Section Description Definition of Squash and Stretch – Squash: Flattening or compressing along a certain axis (e.g., ball squashing vertically).– Stretch: Elongating or enlarging a form (e.g., ball stretching vertically on the rebound). Illusion of Weight and Flexibility Squash and stretch together create the illusion of weight and flexibility, adding the z-axis when needed. Both squashing and stretching preserve the total mass and volume of the object. Squashed Position Depicts the form as compressed or bunched up under great pressure. Stretched Position Shows the same form in an elongated condition. Timing and Volume Consistency – Squash: Sharp timing over a few frames for abrupt impacts, maintaining volume.– Stretch: Slower timing to emphasize elasticity, maintaining volume. Flour Sack Analogy Like a half-filled flour sack:– Squash: Fully flattens when dropped.– Stretch: Lengthens when picked up.Volume remains constant in both cases. Executing Squashes and Stretches – Squash: Sharp timing, mesh deformers, shape keys, and proper edge topology for natural compression.– Stretch: Slower timing, bone scaling hierarchies, stretchy IK constraints for elongation. Facial Squashing and Stretching Shape key libraries for different facial poses (eyes, mouth, cheeks). Corrective shapes and secondary jiggle dynamics enhance realism and personality. Key Principles for Application Follow principles like anticipation, overlap, follow-through, and secondary motion. Subtlety ensures believability and prevents cartoony distortion. Enhancing Animation with Squash and Stretch Proper use brings natural bounce, flexibility, and personality to characters, enhancing storytelling and making animations dynamic and appealing. Squash and Stretch In Action The principle of Squash and Stretch is distilled to its core in the classic Bouncing Ball animation. The ball squashes as it makes contact with the ground, and stretches just before and after, creating the contrast needed for dynamic movement. This technique adds realism and energy, enhancing the illusion of weight and impact. By adjusting the amount of squash and stretch, animators can emphasize different characteristics, such as softness or rigidity. Mastering this principle is essential for bringing life and believability to any animated scene. The classic bouncing ball with and without Squash and Stretch Now, let’s see it in action. The Squash and Stretch effect is subtle in the following clip, yet it adds a sense of elasticity to the material. Even with minimal exaggeration, the object no longer feels rigid or like a flat cutout. Instead, it gains a more natural, dynamic quality, bringing a sense of life to the motion. This subtle use of Squash and Stretch helps create a smoother, more engaging animation. Squash and Stretch not only adds life and flexibility to animation, but it also conveys the material’s properties. In the case of a bouncing ball, minimal Squash and Stretch suggests a firmer material, like a ping-pong or bowling ball. On the other hand, a rubber ball would naturally display more Squash and Stretch. When applied with nuance, this principle can be highly detailed and effective. However, more isn’t always better it’s about striking the right balance for the object’s characteristics. Thoughtful use of Squash and Stretch
