Why Animators Need To Hold Poses Longer

Animation by Sunny Asadi - hold that pose

One of the common mistakes made by junior animators is the “default face.” A character smiles, frowns, gasps — and then, almost instantly, snaps back to a bland neutral expression.  It’s as if the performance forgets itself. 

This also happens in lipsync; where the character will make a vowel or consonant; then snap back into a default mouth shape much too quickly. Much better to hold the vowel or consonant longer, and really get the most out of the pose. 

Hold The Pose Longer

Zombie pose and live action ref by Eilin Berrio Pena

But in real life, emotions stick. People don’t beam for half a second and then wipe their face clean — a reaction lives in the body, even after the moment passes. That’s why holding a pose longer almost always makes animation feel more natural, more readable, and more entertaining.

Strong Poses Tell a Story

A strong pose is a storytelling tool. It lets the audience read the character’s thoughts. When you cut it short, you rob them of that connection. 

Instead of rushing back to the default pose, commit to the emotion. Linger.  Let the expression breathe.

Next time you animate, try this: when you think it’s time to move on from a pose, add another 8–10 frames to it.  See how much more clarity and personality you get.

Resources on Planning Animation

Hold that pose - animation by Alex Williams on "El Dorado"

For more resources on how to plan animation (including how to use thumbnail sketches and live action), follow the links below:

• Planning Animation with "Thumbnail" Sketches
• "Ursula" Thumbnails with Ruben Aquino
• Nine Ways to Create a Great Pose
• How to Block Out a Dialogue Shot
• How to Plan Animal & Creature Animation
• How to Enter the 11 Second Club
• Planning Animation on Stepped Curves
• How to Block Out Pantomime Animation
• Using Live Action to Create Great Animation
• Why Animators Avoid Symmetrical Poses

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects.  

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