10 Common Animation Mistakes to Avoid

Want to level up your animation game? Here are 10 pitfalls to dodge:

1. Weak planning and storyboarding
2. Overlooking basic animation rules
3. Uneven character design
4. Poor timing and spacing
5. Making animations too complex
6. Bad lip syncing
7. Forgetting secondary motion
8. Incorrect body movements
9. Neglecting audio
10. Not getting feedback

Avoiding these mistakes will boost your animation quality and workflow efficiency. Let's break them down:

Mistake	Why It Matters	How to Fix It
Poor planning	Sets foundation for entire project	Create detailed storyboards, finish script first
Ignoring animation basics	Makes movement unnatural	Study and apply 12 principles of animation
Inconsistent characters	Breaks viewer immersion	Use character bibles and model sheets
Bad timing/spacing	Ruins illusion of life	Use timing charts, study real-life movement
Overcomplexity	Confuses viewers	Focus on key elements, keep it simple
Sloppy lip sync	Makes characters unbelievable	Match key mouth shapes, time it right
Lack of secondary motion	Makes animation feel stiff	Add subtle movements to hair, clothes, etc.
Unnatural body movement	Looks awkward and fake	Study anatomy, use reference
Poor audio	Incomplete viewer experience	Plan sound from the start, balance levels
No feedback	Misses improvement chances	Ask for input often, from various sources

By focusing on these areas, you'll create more engaging, professional-looking animations that connect with your audience.

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1. Weak Planning and Storyboarding

Many animators jump into production without a solid plan. Big mistake. This leads to costly errors and time-wasting revisions.

Think of a storyboard as your animation's blueprint. It helps you:

• See scenes before you create them
• Spot problems early
• Make your workflow smoother
• Keep your story on track

What goes wrong?

1. No finished script
2. Skipping storyboards
3. Poor team communication
4. Cramming too much into each frame
5. Too many cuts

Here's how to avoid these pitfalls:

1. Nail your script first

Your script is the backbone of your animation. Finish it before you start drawing. This way, your visuals will match your key points and call to action.

2. Create a detailed storyboard

Include:

• Scene backgrounds
• Action summaries
• Where text goes
• Camera angles and moves

3. Work with your team

Get writers, animators, and others involved in storyboarding. They'll catch things you might miss.

4. Show, don't tell

Use character expressions and body language to convey emotions. Don't rely on dialogue alone.

5. Keep it steady

Limit cuts and camera movements. This helps viewers focus and makes your story flow better.

Spend time planning and storyboarding. You'll save resources and make better animations. As Michelle Connolly, Director of Educational Voice, says:

"A robust script is the cornerstone of any successful animation. It's not just about telling a story; it's about crafting an experience that resonates."

2. Overlooking Basic Animation Rules

Ignoring animation basics can turn your project into a mess. Here's why these rules matter and how to use them.

The 12 Principles of Animation, from Disney's Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, are key to quality animation. They help create realistic, engaging animations that follow physics laws.

Let's look at some key principles:

1. Squash and Stretch

Adds weight and flexibility. Think of a bouncing ball: stretch it as it falls, squash it on impact.

2. Anticipation

Builds expectation before action. Remember Simba's brief pause before pouncing in "The Lion King"?

3. Timing

Controls movement speed and rhythm. Snow White's dance with animals in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" matches the music perfectly.

4. Arcs

Use curved paths for natural movement. When a character throws a ball, the arm should follow an arc, not a straight line.

To avoid common mistakes:

• Plan before you start
• Watch your frame spacing
• Match facial expressions with body movements
• Use anticipation AND aftermath

Even one missed element can throw off your whole animation. As Thomas and Johnston put it:

"The realism of motion in animation is as real as the placement of frames in time."

Don't let basic errors ruin your hard work. Stick to these principles, and you'll be on track for smooth, engaging animations.

3. Uneven Character Design

Inconsistent character looks can wreck your animation. It's a common mistake that throws viewers off and breaks their connection to the story.

Why does it matter?

• Viewers can't connect with characters that keep changing
• It makes the story hard to follow
• Your animation looks amateur

Here's how to fix it:

1. Make a character bible

Create a guide for each character with:

• Views from all angles
• Key expressions and poses
• Colors
• Unique features

2. Use model sheets

These are your go-to reference tools. They help keep characters looking the same in every scene.

3. Practice, practice, practice

Draw your characters often. It'll help you nail their look every time.

4. Check your work

Set up a system to catch mistakes early:

• Team reviews
• Software to compare designs
• Someone in charge of consistency

5. Use tech to your advantage

Some animation software can help. For example, you can make 3D models as references for 2D animation.

Even big studios mess this up sometimes. In "Mirai Nikki", characters' looks changed between scenes, distracting viewers.

"Most of the time, simplicity makes a character more recognizable." - Patricia Caldeira, Art Teacher

Remember: simpler designs are easier to keep consistent.

4. Poor Timing and Spacing

Timing and spacing make or break your animation. Get them wrong, and your characters move like robots or float like ghosts.

Why they matter:

• Natural movement
• Weight and emotion
• Viewer engagement

Common mistakes:

1. Robot moves: Same spacing = constant speed. Boring.
2. Weightless objects: No speed changes = gravity-defying weirdness.
3. Missed beats: Bad timing kills drama and comedy.

How to fix it:

1. Use timing charts: Map out keyframes and in-betweens.
2. Watch real life: People and objects don't move at constant speeds.
3. Apply animation principles: Ease-in/out, anticipation, follow-through.
4. Play with spacing: Adjust frame distances for better motion.
5. Get feedback: Fresh eyes spot issues you might miss.

Norman McLaren, animation pioneer, nailed it:

"What happens between each frame is more important than what exists in each frame."

It's all about those subtle changes between frames.

Practical example: Bowling ball throw

Phase	Timing	Spacing	Effect
Wind-up	Slow	Small gaps	Builds anticipation
Release	Fast	Large gaps	Shows throwing force
Roll	Slowing	Decreasing gaps	Friction and weight

Tweak these elements to make that bowling ball move like it should.

5. Making Animations Too Complex

Animations can simplify complex ideas. But go overboard, and you'll confuse your viewers instead of helping them.

Why Overcomplexity Fails:

• Viewers tune out when there's too much going on
• Your main point gets buried in visual clutter
• Websites and apps slow down, frustrating users

Real-World Example:

An e-commerce site tried fancy 3D animations on product pages in 2021. Bad move. Pages loaded 40% slower, and sales dropped 15%. They switched back to simpler animations and saw a 10% sales boost.

Keep It Simple:

1. Animate only what's needed to make your point
2. Use clear visual metaphors instead of cluttered animations
3. Stick to 2-3 key animated elements per scene

Simple vs. Complex:

Aspect	Simple Animation	Complex Animation
Load Time	Fast (< 2 seconds)	Slow (> 5 seconds)
User Comprehension	High	Low
Device Compatibility	Works on most devices	Struggles on older/mobile devices
Message Retention	Clear, memorable	Often confusing or forgettable

The point of animation in content? To boost understanding, not show off. As Leonardo da Vinci put it:

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

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6. Bad Lip Syncing

Bad lip syncing can tank your animation. When a character's mouth doesn't match their words, viewers check out fast.

Why is it such a big deal?

• It kills immersion
• Characters seem fake
• It's distracting

Here's how to nail lip syncing:

1. Listen closely

Play the audio over and over. Get the rhythm down.

2. Hit key mouth shapes

Don't sweat every syllable. Focus on B, M, and P sounds.

3. Use a mirror

Record yourself saying the lines. It's a great reference.

4. Time it right

Open the jaw 1-2 frames before the sound. It looks more natural.

5. Don't forget the face

Animate more than just the mouth.

Let's look at a real example:

The 2019 film "Arctic Dogs" bombed. Why? Terrible lip syncing. Critics couldn't connect with the characters. The movie made $8.1 million on a $50 million budget. Ouch.

Aspect	Good Lip Sync	Bad Lip Sync
Viewer Engagement	High	Low
Character Believability	Strong	Weak
Dialogue Clarity	Clear	Confusing
Animation Quality Perception	Professional	Amateur

Steve Bristow, a pro animator, puts it bluntly:

"Lip sync can make or break your character animation - done well it can take your character's performance to another level - done badly it can turn your shot into a train wreck."

7. Forgetting Secondary Motion

Secondary motion brings animations to life. It's the little movements that happen because of the main action. Think hair bouncing when someone walks or clothes fluttering in the wind. Without it? Your animations look stiff.

Why does it matter?

• Adds realism
• Shows character personality
• Makes scenes pop

Let's break it down:

Secondary motion is the movement that follows the main action. For example:

Main Action	Secondary Motion
Walking	Arms swing, hair bounces
Jumping	Clothes billow
Talking	Body shifts, eyes move

How to nail it:

1. Watch real life
2. Start small: Add one thing at a time
3. Time it right: Slightly behind the main action
4. Keep it subtle: Don't overdo it

Real-world example? "Frozen 2" in 2019. The hair and clothes moved so naturally, it wowed audiences. Result? $1.45 billion at the box office.

Kevin Koch, a pro animator, says:

"Good secondary action energizes your shots and marks the difference between being a competent animator and an entertaining visual storyteller."

Quick tips:

• Use props for natural secondary movements
• Think about body language and small gestures
• Try dynamics for cloth or hair

Remember: Secondary motion is the secret sauce that makes your animations feel alive.

8. Incorrect Body Movements

Body mechanics can trip up even experienced animators. Get them wrong, and your characters look stiff or just plain weird. Here's how to avoid this common mistake:

The body isn't a single unit. It's a collection of parts that move at different times. Ihor Karas, Head of Motion Design School, explains:

"All its parts are subsequently connected. There cannot be a situation when they move synchronically if you choose a natural approach."

Quick guide to natural movement:

Body Part	Movement
Torso	Leads
Arms/Legs	Follow (slight delay)
Head	Moves last

Don't forget the up-and-down motion in walks. Without it, characters look like they're floating.

Bodies move in arcs, not straight lines. This applies to everything - arm swings, head turns, you name it.

Eddy Okba from Pixar has a handy tip:

"For a human character, you can check the pose against the limitations of your own body. Can you get your hands and feet into those positions naturally? If not, change them!"

Small details matter. When arms move more than 30° from the body, the shoulders should get involved.

Finally, watch that weight distribution. Robert Gillanders, a Physical Therapist, warns:

"Patterns of movement where the spine isn't in its natural alignment can cause strain to structures like the intervertebral discs."

Keep your character's spine natural during movements. It looks more realistic and mimics how real bodies work.

9. Neglecting Audio

Sound can make or break your animation. Many animators get caught up in the visuals and forget about audio. Big mistake.

Here's why sound matters:

• Adds depth and realism
• Helps tell the story
• Creates emotional impact
• Guides viewer attention

Common audio blunders:

• Using generic stock sounds
• Mismatched audio and visuals
• Unbalanced sound levels
• Lack of ambient noise

How to avoid these pitfalls:

1. Plan for sound from the start
2. Create custom sounds when possible
3. Balance dialogue, music, and effects
4. Use silence strategically

Jeff Shiffman, Co-owner of Boom Box Post, says:

"The secret truth is, the key to great animation sound design is great clients."

Teamwork between animators and sound designers is crucial.

Real-world examples:

In "Kick Buttowski", sound designers turned lawn mowers into race cars. They said:

"This is where sound design starts to feel like composing."

For "Ben 10: Omniverse", they added electrical crackling to Shocksquatch's dialogue. Simple, but effective.

Søren Bendixen, Composer and Sound Designer, reminds us:

"Don't forget the power of silence."

Sometimes, quiet packs a punch.

10. Not Getting Feedback

Skipping feedback in animation? Big mistake. It can tank your work quality, waste time and money, and miss chances to level up your skills.

Why feedback matters:

• Spots errors and glitches
• Brings fresh eyes to your work
• Pumps up team spirit
• Keeps clients happy

Make feedback work for you:

1. Ask everyone: teammates, mentors, clients
2. Try Kitsu for easy online feedback
3. Write it down (you'll thank yourself later)
4. Use Non-Violent Communication (NVC) to keep things smooth

Next Day Animations puts it simply:

"Good feedback keeps things moving."

Real talk:

No feedback? Watch your costs explode. One studio saw project expenses jump 30% because of missed issues and mixed messages.

Dodge that bullet. Build a feedback-friendly team:

Do This	Not That
Open up conversations	Give fuzzy critiques
Point out specifics	Get personal
Hear your artists out	Ignore team worries
Write down feedback	Let feedback slip away

Conclusion

Animation is tough. But by dodging these 10 common pitfalls, you'll boost your animation quality and work smarter.

Let's recap the key points:

Mistake	Why It Matters
Poor Planning	Sets the stage for everything
Ignoring Animation Rules	Makes movement feel real
Inconsistent Characters	Keeps visuals cohesive
Bad Timing and Spacing	Creates fluid motion
Overcomplicating Things	Keeps the message clear
Sloppy Lip Syncing	Makes characters believable
Missing Secondary Motion	Adds depth
Wonky Body Movements	Improves character realism
Neglecting Sound	Completes the experience
Skipping Feedback	Catches issues and ups quality

Even the pros struggle sometimes. Glen Keane, who animated Disney's The Little Mermaid, says:

"Any time you design a character for a Disney picture, especially a fairy tale, it's going to become the definitive design for that character, so you don't want to hack something out. You need to put in the kind of care it warrants if it's going to live in history."

Want to keep getting better? Try these:

• Watch real people move
• Practice basics like bouncing balls
• Break down other animations
• Start small, then go big
• Give and get feedback often

Remember: great animation takes time and effort. But stick with it, and you'll see your work improve with each project.

FAQs

What are the common issues with animation?

Animation issues typically fall into three buckets:

1. Timing problems: Characters move at the wrong speed, ruining the illusion.
2. Character design flaws: Weird proportions or expressions make characters look off.
3. Technical glitches: Rendering errors or software issues mess up the final product.

These can range from small annoyances to big problems that kill the animation's impact. Think of a character's arm stretching like rubber during a fast move, or lips that don't match the words. It's like hitting a pothole while driving - it jolts you out of the experience.

What are some animation rules to avoid?

Want better animations? Dodge these common mistakes:

Avoid This	Why It's Bad
Broken ankles and wrists	Makes movement look weird
Fists when grabbing stuff	Looks fake
Tube limbs	Creates a flat, 2D look
Stiff shoulders	Limits natural movement
Almond eyes	Makes characters look boring
Blinking along eye's middle	Looks robotic
Looking down while blinking	Just looks wrong

Stick to these guidelines, and your animations will look more natural and engaging.

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