Animating a believable tiger walk cycle is one of the most challenging tasks in quadruped and creature animation. In this course, you’ll learn how to animate a realistic tiger walk cycle in Autodesk Maya using professional techniques applied in film, TV, and game production. Creature animation is a unique skill to master and who better to teach it than the former creature animation specialist who worked as the Lead animator on the Game of Thrones.

This course focuses on the fundamentals of quadruped locomotion as applied to a large, heavy animal. You’ll begin by exploring the animation rig and studying reference to understand anatomy, weight distribution, balance, and movement rhythm. From there, you’ll block out a complete tiger walk cycle, concentrating on strong poses, correct foot contact, and clear weight shifts.

As the course progresses, you’ll refine timing, spacing, and body mechanics to enhance realism and fluidity. You’ll then move into the final polish stage, where subtle adjustments to overlap, arcs, and secondary motion bring the animation to life. Every step is demonstrated clearly and methodically so you can follow along and apply the techniques to your own work.

Rather than relying on formulas or shortcuts, this course teaches you how to think about quadruped movement. The principles covered can be applied not only to tigers, but also to other big cats and four-legged creatures.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a fully animated and polished tiger walk cycle suitable for inclusion in a demo reel or portfolio. This course is ideal for beginner animators learning quadrupeds for the first time, as well as intermediate animators looking to strengthen their creature animation fundamentals.

All lessons are taught step by step in Autodesk Maya.