3D Modeling Animation & Rigging Flashcards

What is a 'pose library' used for in character animation?

Answer: Saving and recalling specific rig poses for reuse during animation

A pose library stores named rig poses that animators can quickly apply and blend, speeding up facial expression and body pose workflows.

What does 'anticipation' mean as one of the 12 principles of animation?

Answer: A small preparatory motion that signals a larger action is about to occur

Anticipation is a brief preparatory movement (like a crouch before a jump) that prepares the viewer for the main action.

In 3D animation, what is 'secondary animation'?

Answer: Additional motion on parts like hair, clothing, or accessories that follow and react to the primary motion

Secondary animation refers to the follow-through motion of attached elements (hair, coat tails, ears) that lag behind the primary body movement.

What is 'non-linear animation' (NLA) in software like Blender or Maya?

Answer: A system that blends and layers multiple animation clips non-destructively on a timeline

Non-linear animation lets you combine, blend, and reuse animation clips (like walk and wave) on separate tracks without destroying the originals.

What frame rate (FPS) is the standard for video game animations in North American production?

Answer: 30 FPS

30 FPS is the standard animation rate for game characters in North American game development, matching common display refresh rates.

What is 'retargeting' in the context of motion capture and rigging?

Answer: Transferring animation data from one rig's skeleton to a differently proportioned rig

Retargeting maps animation data from a source skeleton (e.g., a mocap actor) to a target skeleton with different bone proportions.