Hats off to the animators out there. This was a difficult project but I learned a lot about the After Effects software through this little animation. 

The idea was to create a short animation that showed off Ron's personality and captures his personality. I wanted to expand my knowledge and skills in After Effects and with the animation show off several different aspects of the software.

I started with a simple story board. I thought that I wanted to just make different emotions for him and it shows in the simplicity in the sketches, but I decided to flesh out the scene more.

I ended up creating a full body for Ron with his trademark maroon sweater. I wanted to add more depth to the animation by adding a scene. I recreated a simple version of Ron's office. 

Within the background there are several different layers so that I could move the clouds in the window. 

Ron himself has several layers that he is composed of to allow for more movement. The hinges on his arms, hands and mug helped the drinking motion while the opacity keyframes and puppet pin created the "pleasant" face after he takes a sip.

Ron sipping coffee in his office, finding a little bit of peace, and then remembering where he is, is almost Ron's daily routine. His grimace, to pleased mustache lifting at the corners, and his calm and rigid motions depict the lovable grump that is Ron Swanson.