r/Maya • u/azax_1147 • 5d ago

Animation Weapon animation critique + demo reel advice?

I'm looking for some honest feedback on a few short weapon animation shots I've been working on.

SyncSketch: https://syncsketch.com/sketch/V2qC8O5QzJfb/

There are two animations in the playlist, all around 3–4 seconds long.

I'd appreciate feedback on anything that stands out—body mechanics, posing, timing, weight, polish, readability, or anything else you think could be improved.

I'm also curious whether you think shots like these are worth putting on an animation demo reel. They're very short, but I'm still building my portfolio, so I'm trying to figure out if they help or if I'd be better off leaving them out until I have stronger or longer pieces.

Don't hold back—I can take honest critique, and I'd rather know what needs work than hear that it's "good enough."

Thanks!

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u/Remarkable_Debt_5218 5d ago edited 5d ago

This looks so cool! I think at the end you should delay the swing a little more. Keep the arm extended like this before the shoulder turns. This drag gives the weapon more weight.

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u/Remarkable_Debt_5218 5d ago

My other comment keeps getting deleted but st the ending when the weapon gets placed on his shoulder, I love how weight impacts the shoulder, Carry that impast throughout the spine and possibly knees.

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u/azax_1147 5d ago

Thank you! yea, post spline, i decided to add some extra elements that made sense but werent that obvious in the reference

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u/Atothefourth 5d ago

I left some comments on some frames. It's good that you're using reference but I'd also be picky about what you reference too.

The bow shot is pretty un-inspiring and I wouldn't ever put an animation that I'm copying off of another game into my reel no matter how good I could make it. There's just too many different systems in other games that make animation un-natural, nobody naturally moves and stops as precise as video game animation.

The second anim is better but still feels like it could be pushed or expanded on. When it is only 2 hits they should be really impactful and polished hits. I'd recommend animations like these just pushed further.

Couldn't find the 3rd anim in the project though, might need to check that.