First, I enhanced the richness of the visuals by incorporating background elements that served as spatial references. These elements not only provided clear spatial cues for the characters but also added depth to the scenes. At the same time, these background elements played a crucial role in storytelling.

When designing camera transitions, the backgrounds became key references for positioning the characters and planning camera movements, making the transitions between scenes more seamless and natural. For instance, as the characters moved, changes in the background elements helped convey shifts in the environment and the extension of space, allowing the audience to visually follow the characters’ journey more effortlessly.

These backgrounds were not just decorative but also integral to the narrative, closely interacting with the characters to enhance the overall expressiveness and cohesiveness of the animation.

My mentor gave me some very practical suggestions for improvement, particularly on refining the details in the animation. For instance, he pointed out that the hand movements in certain scenes need to appear more natural and subtle. This includes not only the bending angles of the fingers and the positioning of the palms but also the alignment of hand gestures with the narrative context.

In addition, my mentor suggested paying closer attention to the dynamic balance in the characters’ walking animations, especially the rhythm and amplitude of their side-to-side swaying. He emphasized that the body’s motion during walking should not only reflect the character’s personality traits but also stay consistent with the overall rhythm of the animation. For example, the character Big Monkey, being confident, could have steadier steps and a more pronounced sway to emphasize their self-assurance.