Role
Sole Designer
Tools
Blender
Scope
5 weeks (March - April 2025)
The Challenge
Animate a character navigating a 3D obstacle course with natural, convincing movement. Create obstacles of your own design using 3D modeling techniques. The animation’s duration is flexible—allow the character to move naturally through the entire course.
What I learned
Through this project I learned how to effectively translate research and concept development into intentional design choices. I deepened my skills in animation, motion design, 3D modeling, scene composition, camera angles, and lighting.
My Process
Research
For my ninja warrior animation, I began the research process by studying Ninja Warrior competitions to understand the movement styles and visual language associated with the genre. I also observed parkour videos and studied how the athletes bodies moved, to ensure my animation would be smooth and authentic.
Understand
My research helped me gain insight into how I could design a believable, action driven character. Understanding the physiology of the human body helped me define the tone, style, and set realistic expectations on how the audience would believe a Ninja Warrior athlete would move.
Ideation
I brainstormed obstacle concepts and action sequences that would successfully capture the energy and agility of a Ninja Warrior. I wanted to include moving obstacles, obstacles that required jumping, and the warped wall, all staples of the Ninja Warrior course.
Design
I began my design phase with modeling the course. After course modeling was complete I mapped out character key poses, the timing of moving obstacles, and camera angles I found interesting. This laid the groundwork for a visually engaging and believable animation. Next, I animated the character movements in between my character key poses and allowed for regular playbacks and critiques to help refine the pacing and visual rhythm. Finally, I added color and dramatic lighting to polish off my animation.