Animator's Paradox: Desks
This page is part of the BA Thesis "The Animator's Paradox" by Lukas Wind (2022)
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Contents
Exercises
Feet
While thinking about desks, we shall never forget our feet. Some gadgets for massaging the feet can be used while standing at a desk.
Desk Workout
Desks
One of the reasons for the existence of chairs is the existence of desks. Most of the times, a desk can't be avoided for the work of an animator. Though it should always be considered if the work at hand can be done while walking (a phone call or a meeting) or on the floor (reading, writing and even some drawing). That consideration can be done with this guide. If movement is neither possible nor practical, the desk may be used. From what we learned about sitting and standing, it is highly beneficial to have the flexibility to work either seated or standing. Thus, a height-adjustable workstation is an imperative.
There are many options to quickly transform a casual desk into a workstation that allows for both options. Besides the professional options, there are gadgets like laptop stands and graphic tablets with adjustable arms that may enable standing even at a low desk.
About the surface: Where the skin touches, we should always aim for a material like wood or cork since this reflects the body warmth better as opposed to glass or metal which looks nice but literally sucks entropy like a vampire. In the combination with repetitive and straining movement (which we practice most of the day), this is an unnecessary inconvenience for muscles and tendons that can be easily avoided.