Animator how-to

How to Block a Character Animation

Blocking sets key poses before polish.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Blocking sets key poses before polish. In short: study; plan; set, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Study reference footage.

  2. Plan poses with thumbnails.

  3. Set key poses.

  4. Add breakdowns.

  5. Review timing with the director.

  6. Refine into spline animation.

Safety reminders for animators

  • Use ergonomic setups
  • Take screen breaks
  • Manage crunch to avoid burnout
  • Respect intellectual property

Keyframe · In-betweens · Rigging · Modeling · Texturing · Rendering: see the full animator glossary.

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