The seven basic universal expressions for animation.

The seven basic universal expressions, as identified by psychologist Paul Ekman, are:

1. Happiness

2. Sadness

3. Surprise

4. Fear

5. Anger

6. Disgust

7. Contempt

These expressions are considered universal because they are recognized and displayed similarly across different cultures and societies around the world.

Elements of facial expressions.

Facial expressions are composed of several key elements that work together to convey emotions. These elements include:

1. Eyes and Eyebrows:

• Eyebrow movements: Raising, lowering, furrowing, or arching the eyebrows can express surprise, anger, sadness, or confusion.

• Eye movements: The direction and movement of the eyes (e.g., widening, narrowing, or looking away) can indicate interest, fear, or disbelief.

• Eyelid positions: The degree of openness (wide-open, partially closed, or shut) can suggest emotions such as alertness, drowsiness, or calmness.

1. Mouth:

• Lips: The shape and position of the lips can show happiness (smiling), sadness (frowning), disgust (lip curl), or surprise (open mouth).

• Mouth corners: Upturned corners indicate happiness or amusement, while downturned corners can indicate sadness or displeasure.

• Lip tension: Tensed or pressed lips can indicate anger, frustration, or determination.

1. Nose and Cheeks:

• Nose movements: Flaring nostrils can be a sign of anger, disgust, or exertion.

• Cheek positions: Raised cheeks are often associated with smiling and happiness, while lowered cheeks can indicate sadness or fatigue.

1. Forehead:

• Forehead lines and wrinkles: Horizontal lines can form when raising the eyebrows in surprise or concern, while vertical lines between the eyebrows can appear when frowning in concentration or anger.

1. Overall Facial Tension:

• The level of muscle tension throughout the face can indicate different emotional states. Relaxed muscles often signify calmness or neutrality, while tensed muscles can suggest stress, anger, or fear.

1. Microexpressions:

• These are very brief, involuntary facial expressions that occur in response to emotions. They can reveal true feelings even when someone is trying to hide them.

Understanding these elements helps in accurately interpreting facial expressions and the emotions they convey.

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Thanks for reading my facial expression blog articles. If you have any doubt, you can ask me in the below comments box. 

Thank you, and happy animating!

-- Suman mula.