Beginner 2D Animation Principles: Creating Your Animation Toolkit
In this 4 week course, we will go over 2D animation techniques, principles and create a foundational knowledge of the art form
Jessika Raisor
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:(53)
What's included
4 live meetings
4 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
This class will go over 2D principles and techniques for beginners. Students will not need any prior animation knowledge (but should familiarize themselves with the software of their choice). Strong drawing skills are also not necessary to get started, but an understanding of form and volume will always be helpful. Each class (except the 1st one!) will start with a detailed critique of the previous meeting's homework. Students will submit their animations before meeting so that I will be able to draw over the files, demonstrating where adjustments need to be made. Direct comments and critique will only be made by myself in this introductory class, students may still ask questions regarding the animation process or why I am doing something a certain way. After critique, there will be a lecture showcasing an animation technique or principle. Students will be able to follow along, take notes and are free to ask questions as I work. I will be sharing my screen digitally while I animate. If there is additional time left in the class after questions, clarifications, and critique, then we will get a started on the homework assignment. This assignment will use the information from the lecture and apply it to something new. This material is what will be critiqued during the next class meeting; as it is expected to be worked on outside of class, there often won't be time in class to finish it. This class does not teach how to use programs; before class begins, each student most know how to do the following in their animation app: 1. Turn on Onion Skin (this shows previous drawings) 2. Create new frames and layers (you'll need to make background layers that extend the whole animation) 3. Animate on 12fps or be able to change frames to "2s" or double exposure 4. Export out video - More information under the 'Supply List' section -
Learning Goals
Week One: The basics of animation and movement. We will go over arcs, exaggeration and how it's needed for realism, as well as keeping track of form & size. This lecture will go over the classic bouncing ball and students will apply their knowledge to animating a flour sack.
Week Two: After learning how things move, we will breakdown timing. Students will learn easy-ease and how to show anticipation in character actions. Students will create animations demonstrating the weight of objects falling, as well as human actions like kicking.
Week Three: Combining the lessons of timing and movements, students will learn the basic steps of a walk cycle. After learning the poses, students will spend the rest of class creating a smooth, looping animation of a walk.
Week Four: Walk cycles will then be critique and adjusted. Depending on the time remaining, students will get a walk-through on creating final animations and the stages going through from roughs, clean up and finally color.
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need a device to animate with, under "External Resources" are paid and free programs for the iPad, smartphone, and computer. Paper and pencil will work fine, but students will need to be able to record their animation. If animating on the computer, I strongly recommend a drawing tablet (i.e Wacom) or if on mobile, a stylus. These tools make drawing easier but it's not impossible to animate with a mouse or even your finger. This class does not teach how to use programs; before class begins, each student most know how to do the following in their animation app: 1. Turn on Onion Skin (this shows previous drawings) 2. Create new frames and layers (you'll need to make background layers that extend the whole animation) 3. Animate on 12fps or be able to change frames to "2s" or double exposure 4. Export out video Reach out before the first class if you have trouble finding out how to do the above.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2020
4.7
53reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree in animation from the Columbus College of Art & Design. I have been animating personally for the past seven years and professionally teaching art and animation for the past three. I most often work with middle school kids, gauging their capabilities and giving catered critique just for them.Reviews
Live Group Class
$55
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
70 min
Completed by 27 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-5 learners per class
