Hi Colby.
Nope. For the Melvin lip sync shot, all the body movements are reacting to the sound I hear and I’m creating this with my imagination.
In the Baker lip sync shot. Yes, those movements are animated from reference.
It’s a skill to practice both ways, so here is my advice to you.
Why not practice this both ways too!
One submission w/o reference for the body.
And then one version with. This will be better if you chose a different audio clip for both of these too.
Yes I know it’s twice the work, but you clearly love learning animation so this is really going to help you!
I’m here to help you, and I would recommend starting with the reference version first.
Go, Colby, Go!