Animation Basics (2D) - 1-on-1 Tutoring

Ages 9-14

Live 1-on-1 Lessons

In this Animation course, we will learn the basics of how to animate things in a digital environment, using a free basic software called Synfig Studio. Students will also learn character creation and rigging, as well as background design.

Paul Makowski

Live video meetings

Meets on demand

120 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What’s included

Meets on Demand

schedule meetings as needed

120 mins

per session

Teacher support

Homework

1 hour per week. Occasionally, students may need to finish projects in their own time. It is estimated that they will need no longer than 1 hour in a week for this (if they need the extra time at all)

Assessment

included

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8

Beginner Level

A HOME LAPTOP/DESKTOP COMPUTER IS REQUIRED FOR THIS COURSE!

"Animation Basics (2D) - Dedicated Course" will go over everything necessary for children aged 9+ to create their own basic animated videos for themselves to own or publish online to websites such as YouTube to TikTok.
Through online meeting classes, students will learn animation, rigging, character and background creation, using the free and open source software "Synfig Studio".

This will be taught over the course of 18 weeks, 1 class a week, 2 hours for a class.

All teaching will be mostly hands on, with the instructor guiding the students through lessons, with occasional lectures going over important subjects such as lip sync and perspective. The instructor will ask students questions from time to time to evaluate whether or not they understand certain ideas and concepts taught previously to them. Students may ask the instructor any questions at any time.

Classes will be focused on having a fun and easy-going time-- just as animation is supposed to be!

Learning Goals

Students will learn how to effectively move digital objects (characters, shapes, etc) in an appealing way, with a professional, foundational learning kit.

Students will learn the basics of how to create digital puppets (character rigs) using layers and layering interaction methods.

Other Details

Language of Instruction

English (Level: A2)

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

Synfig Studio: https://www.synfig.org/ This software will be the one students will be using to learn animation, and will required to be downloaded and ready to use on the device students will be using to login to the class. (It's 100% free). Everything will be made and done in this software! Students who have their own software for DRAWING will be encouraged to use it for the "Backgrounds" creation portion of the course. An email address will be required one-time to download (but not to use) this software.

Meet the teacher

Paul Makowski

Joined March, 2025

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I have 7 years of experience in animation, having previously worked on 2 animated shows for television and streaming, with a few freelance clients on their creative and promotional visions and needs, and consistently on my own experimental work. I am an expert in both 2D and 3D styles of animation, as well as highly skilled in rigging, character and background creation and video editing.