How do you do it?

How would you give directors notes on a shot that is so rough in it's initial pass? Well, first of all, there are shots that start off much rougher than this. However, this shot is pretty simple, as I can focus on pointing out solidifying the strengths in this initial step in order to make the second step easier, those things being; proportions, movement, timing and composition. Here's the disclaimer! None of my notes take away from the incredible skills that @waters possesses, this is simply from the perspective of the needs of the project and every animator has to adapt their style to fit the style of the new project they join. So one way is not better than the other, only different and tailored to the projects needs.

Anyway! Here is the written notes that @waters received!

"@waters you've done an incredible job as expected! What you'll probably notice in my notes, the only real thing I could point out and something that is reoccurring is just the character proportions, keep an eye on those and keep referencing back to the reference sheet. If you can lock down your proportions in this early sketch up stage, it makes it much easier when it comes to cleaning up in the future, something to keep in mind. The only other thing was mouth shapes, they appear very "flappy mouth" right now, and the actual pronunciation of the words isn't there (maybe this is your process and you're planning to come back and do that later, as that's similar to how I work, but I don't know so I thought I'd just wave a little flag on that too). Also, I put the original sound back in and I think you've mistimed the opening section, so it'd be good to double check that? And I will too, just to be sure. But besides that... dope! Keep going man!"

With all of that, I can't wait to see this shot when it's all done. What about you?

Please let me know how this might've been helpful to you, or how it could be more helpful! And while you're at it, go an show @waters some love by following them!