Animation Exercise Pendulum

Summary

In this exercise, we combine text tools, text runs, and modifiers to create a looping "metronome" animation. The lesson focuses on splitting a single word into multiple runs to apply independent motion, using cubic interpolation to simulate physics, and implementing "overshoot" for a more organic feel.

Step by Step

1. 00:18
   Splitting Text Runs

   Double-click the text object "METRONOME" and highlight the letter "O". Use Run from Selection to split the text into three parts: "METRA", "O", and "GNOME".
2. 00:50
   Setting Up Modifiers

   Create three text modifiers. Assign them to the respective runs and add the necessary properties: Position for "METRA" and "GNOME", and Scale for "O".
3. 02:10
   Animate X-Position

   On a looping 1-second timeline, animate the X-position of the side runs. "METRA" swings left at frame 15, while "GNOME" swings right at frame 45.
4. 03:00
   Interpolation & Easing

   Change keyframes from Linear to Cubic. Adjust curves so the swing starts fast (impact) and slows down at the peak, then accelerates back to the center.
5. 04:04
   Adding Overshoot

   Add extra keyframes after the runs return to center to allow them to "overshoot" slightly past zero before settling, creating a snappier, more natural return.
6. 05:34
   Animate Y-Position

   Add Y-position keyframes to create an arcing motion for the "swinging" parts, ensuring they move up as they move out.
7. 06:41
   Impact Feedback (Scale)

   Animate the scale of the "O" to squash (wider, shorter) and stretch (taller, skinnier) whenever the other runs hit it. Note that 1 equals 100% in these scale properties.

Notes About Current Rive

• Overshoot in Loops: To apply overshoot at the very end of a timeline, place the "rebound" keyframes at the beginning of the timeline to ensure the loop remains seamless.
• Scale Value Representation: In some Rive properties, scale is represented as a decimal where 1 is 100% and 1.2 is 120%.
• Secondary Motion: Adding Y-axis movement and scale reactions (impact) provides the secondary motion necessary to make a procedural animation look hand-crafted.