Animation Basics (2D) - Introductory Class

Ages 9-14

Live One-Time Class

In this 2.5 hour Animation course, we will learn the very basics of digital animation, animating a ball doing various bounces and movements. Gives a chance for anyone considering learning animation further to see if they will like it.

Paul Makowski

Live video meetings

Meets once

2-6 learners per class

150 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

2 hrs 30 mins in-class hours

Mastery Evaluation

Feedback will be provided after and during the in-class assignment done with the instructor's guidance.

Assessment

included

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8

Beginner Level

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

"Animation Basics (2D) - Introductory Course" works as an introduction to people completely new to digital animation who want to give it a try and see how they like it.
Through a 2.5 hour online class, students will learn how to animate a ball doing various motions, using the free and open source software "Synfig Studio".

The class will be all instructional hands-on work. 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.

The Class will be focused on understanding a basic animation software interface, and how to create basic shapes using the tools provided, and move those shapes using the timeline.

Learning Goals

Students will learn how to effectively move digital objects/shapes in an appealing way, with a foundational learning kit.

Other Details

External Resources

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Synfig Studio

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! 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 almost 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.