Creature Animation
Role:
Animator
Software:
Autodesk Maya
Duration:
8 weeks
Rig by:
Nav Singh (Creature Station)
Model by:
Fernando Usabiaga
Brief
I created this independent creature animation project to showcase weight and a seamless transition from a grounded walk into flight within a single cinematic shot. I used the Vesperion bat-dragon rig by Nav Singh from Creature Station, with the goal of creating a performance that could fit into a game or VFX pipeline.
Process
I studied bat and goose movement early on to understand how a real creature shifts its weight between grounded motion and flight. I blocked out the walk cycle first, then worked into the transition and fly cycle, keeping the wing and neck mechanics grounded in that reference throughout. I used SyncSketch to get regular feedback from Professor Tiffanni Blevins, which helped me refine the timing and weight at each stage before finalizing the shot.
I studied bat and goose movement to translate natural wing, weight, and neck mechanics into the dragon’s performance.
I used SyncSketch throughout the process to receive feedback from Professor Tiffanni Blevins and refine the animation at every stage.
Fly Cycle
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