COM 1145: Animation 1
Assignment #4b: Bone Tool Animation
Introduction:
The bone tool is a great
way to animate
characters by creating a
skeletal structure that
allows the body to move
naturally within a tween.
This method of
animation is far easier
and less time
consuming than using
individual symbol
tweens for each body
part and is rewarding
because you see your
characters “come alive”.
Activity:
After you have completed your character sketch and storyboard you can move
onto this next part which entails using the bone tool. The sketches in this activity
illustrate a basic skeleton structure you can create using the bone tool. Be sure
to start with the chest and branch outwards so the character will bend and pivot
naturally. Each red dot represents a bone joint. Of course, if you are animating
animals or inanimate objects other than a human, the skeletal structure will
change slightly but the concept is the same.
Using your character sketch and storyboard, create a 30 second animation to tell
a short story with a beginning, middle and end.
A demonstration in class will be given on the bone tool and other related
concepts for this activity. However, if you miss parts of the demonstrations you
can view YouTube videos:
Tutorial on using the bone tool: http://youtu.be/ngzO7nk2ZaY
Tutorial on working with sound/audio in Flash: http://youtu.be/cKQnz7ZM3Ts
Jasper Place High School
Computer Technologies Dept.
Business Technology
rob.petrovic@epsb.ca
1
Keys to success for this activity:
 Create a layer for your background set.
 Take a picture of your character that you created in the previous activity
and with your smartphone, send a copy to your E-mail account then save
to your F:\ drive. Launch Adobe Flash and from the menu select FILE >
IMPORT TO LIBRARY. Once the image is place in the library, drag onto
stage either trace your character with the appropriate tools or convert t a
vector drawing like we did in the intro Flash tutorial.
 If you don’t want to import and trace your image, freehand the character
directly into Flash.
 Each body part should be converted into separate symbols.
 Name each layer and symbol so it is easy to debug or understand later
when working with numerous objects.
 For each character you create, place all the symbols on a single layer.
 Create separate scenes with various character or view angles to make the
animation more visually appealing to the eye.
 Use onion skinning to see the progression of the tween so you can
accurately place characters or objects.
 When creating a skeleton, always begin at the chest and connect
outwards to different body parts or extremities. One bone is allowed per
symbol.
 When using the bone tool, symbols will be brought to the front by default.
Be sure to reorder by sending backwards or to the back as needed.
 Add sound FX and music on separate layers and adjust on the timeline as
needed. Fading music at the end of a sequence is a great way to end the
animation smoothly.
Each point
represents a bone
joint.
Jasper Place High School
Computer Technologies Dept.
Business Technology
Begin using the
bone tool at the
chest or torso and
connect from this
point.
rob.petrovic@epsb.ca
2
Evaluation – Bone Tool for a Short Animation
Name: ____________________________
Criteria
Story – The animation contains a distinct beginning, middle
and end told in a 30 second animation that is interesting and
captivates the audience. The storyboard has been effectively
implemented.
Quality of Animation – The quality of animation is excellent
and the character action is smooth and naturally orchestrated
using the bone tool, frame by frame or tweens.
Character(s) – The character(s) comes to life and is recreated
based on earlier planning stages. The character contains
exaggerated features, facial expressions, accessories, colours
and use of lines to enhance the animation.
Marks
/5
/5
/5
Sound – Sound is used for dialogue, sound FX or background
music to enhance the overall presentation. The sound is
suitable and a music track fades out at the end of presentation.
If dialogue or cartoon bubbles are used in the place of sound,
the writing conventions are excellent and the duration in which
they appear are long enough in duration for the viewer to read.
However, sound FX or background music must be incorporated
to add or enhance the overall animation.
Overall Appearance and Creativity – The animation is
aesthetically pleasing and contains a creative theme. The
designer / artist have paid attention to details within the
presentation.
/5
/5
Total
/25
Jasper Place High School
Computer Technologies Dept.
Business Technology
rob.petrovic@epsb.ca
3