Shape and animation methods and systems using examples

Shape animation is described. In one aspect, examples that pertain to a shape or motion that is to be animated are provided. The examples are placed within a multi-dimensional abstract space. Each dimension of the abstract space is defined by at least one of an adjective and an adverb. A point within the multi-dimensional abstract space is selected. The selected point does not coincide with a point that is associated with any of the examples. The selected point corresponds to a shape or motion within the abstract space. A single weight value for each of the examples is computed. The single weight values for each of the examples are combined in a manner that defines an interpolated shape or motion that is a blended combination of each of the examples of the set of examples.