Create a dynamic and realistic human run cycle animation using a step-by-step, highly structured process.
Welcome to a structured method of animating a realistic human run cycle.
What you’ll learn
- Create a run cycle FAST in a few clearly defined steps.
- Create a realistic humanoid run cycle in a highly structured manner.
- Learn to use the dope sheet and the graph editor to make excellent run cycles in Maya.
- Create run cycles using Maya.
- Time the run cycle of a human.
- Plan and design a humanoid run cycle in a highly structured manner.
- Learn the complexity involved in the multi-axial movement of a realistic humanoid run cycle.
- Learn how to design the run cycle such that it can be easily edited using curves.
Course Content
- Introduction –> 1 lecture • 1min.
- Prep work – Downloading and prepping the humanoid rig –> 3 lectures • 3min.
- Prep work – Setting up the Maya scene file for your animation –> 4 lectures • 5min.
- Set up “Studio Library” tool to manage animation poses –> 2 lectures • 3min.
- Creating the Primary Running Pose! –> 6 lectures • 13min.
- Creating the 3 CONTACT poses –> 3 lectures • 3min.
- Timing, Stride Length, & Infinity Curves –> 5 lectures • 8min.
- The Timing Chart –> 1 lecture • 1min.
- DOWN, UP and FLIGHT poses –> 8 lectures • 19min.
- Hip Thrusts & Shifts –> 5 lectures • 4min.
- Firming up the legs –> 4 lectures • 8min.
- Two critical twists of the spine –> 3 lectures • 3min.
- Extreme poses for the arms –> 5 lectures • 5min.
- Squash & Stretch the spine –> 3 lectures • 5min.
- General improvements – Hip, Spine, Legs –> 3 lectures • 7min.
- Detailing the arm poses for accuracy in a realistic run cycle –> 4 lectures • 8min.
- Neck & Feet –> 4 lectures • 2min.
- Splining! –> 5 lectures • 9min.
- Rendering a playblast – the process –> 1 lecture • 3min.
- RENDERED Cyborg Run Cycle –> 7 lectures • 1min.
Requirements
Welcome to a structured method of animating a realistic human run cycle.
This structured method can be applied to create any humanoid run cycle, with a similar rig.
Hello there,
In this course, you will develop the skills to animate a dynamic humanoid run using a clear, structured method designed to strengthen both artistic sensibility and technical execution. The focus is on building a run cycle through a disciplined, layered workflow that mirrors the way professional animators approach complex motion.
The process begins with establishing a strong and balanced base pose. From there, you will construct the sequence by adding nine key poses that define a natural, believable run cycle. Each stage is designed to emphasize clarity, precision, and control, ensuring that the animation develops with purpose rather than guesswork.
By the conclusion of the course, you will have produced a polished run cycle that demonstrates rhythm, strength, and personality—qualities that elevate an animation from functional to expressive. Beyond the poses themselves, you will learn to refine movement through curve editing, achieving smoother transitions and more nuanced motion. You will also practice effective use of the dope sheet to manage timing and maintain clarity across the workflow.
This structured approach will enhance both confidence and efficiency, sharpening your understanding of timing, spacing, posing, and anatomy in motion—core skills that underpin professional-quality animation. Most importantly, this method is versatile and can be applied to creating any humanoid run cycle using similar rigs.