Week 11 Lab 2

1) Why is squash and stretch so useful in animation?

It makes objects appear real rather than static or stiff. In addition, squash and stretch actually happens in real life, albeit not being so obvious.

2) Think of a situation in which extreme squash and stretch could be applied to a character - try to be original.

In a cartoon world, a character may be pelted with objects dropping on his head thrown by another unhappy character. It begins with small objects and lesser squash and stretch before bigger objects comes down and hence, more squash and stretch. This applies to the character and the falling objects. Rather than falling down onto the ground, the character remains still, allowing the squash and stretch to appear obvious, and exaggerated.

3) Think of an animation example where squash and stretch would NOT be appropriate

When a crane or a character gently places an object onto the ground regardless of hardness.

4) If squash and stretch doesn't really happen so obviously in real life, why do you think is it so effective in animation?
(Look at the title of Disney animator Ollie Johnston's famous book about animation - do an Amazon search ... there's a clue in the title!)

It gives the animation and the object the image of it being real or alive, or the illusion of life in its movements.