Shoulder Impingement
Shoulder impingement is a painful pinching when the arm is raised above the shoulder. People experience it for a variety of reasons, from the shape of the shoulder blade to a previous injury. It is often difficult to visualize because many of the anatomical structures involved are frequently difficult to see. The purpose of this project was to deliver this complex anatomical information in a visually compelling and approachable way, allowing viewers to observe the mechanisms behind this common medical condition.
Check the articles where these GIFs are featured on sports-health.com:
Media: Cinema 4D // Adobe Photoshop
Process
1. Research
To properly visualize the mechanisms behind shoulder impingement, I studied anatomical textbooks and literature on the soft tissues in the shoulder joint. In people with shoulder impingement, the topmost part of the scapula (shoulder blade) presses against muscles, ligaments, and protective tissues.
2. Concept
Creating a GIF is very similar to animating by hand. To develop a concept, I created several mini-GIFs to demonstrate the story I was trying to convey. Once several concepts had been developed and reviewed, my team and I selected two versions that would be developed into the final product.
3. Animation
In Cinema 4D, I animated a series of small motions in the shoulder joint. I then built on these animations by hand-drawing on top of them in Adobe Photoshop. This technique allowed me to retain the three-dimensional anatomical accuracy, but also lent itself well to the familiar, organic look of hand-drawn animation.
