Fundamentals of Animation

This is a class for children who have a serious interest in animation and want to improve their skills as artists. The class covers many of the fundamental principles of animation rather than on how to use one specific program. These concepts are the basic building blocks to learning how to create awesome animations and can be transferred to any type of animation, traditional or digital. Each week the class will focus on a different concept.

Some of the principals covered in this course are:

Week 1 - Squash and Stretch
Week 2 - Anticipation
Week 3 - Straight ahead action and pose to pose
Week 4 - Staging
Week 5 - Timing
Week 6 - Follow through action
Week 7 - Exaggeration
Week 8 - Solid drawing and appeal

In class we will be watching examples that explore the theme for that week. Children will then be guided through exercises and given time to explore the technique on their own. Animation takes time and patience to learn. Children are not expected to completely finish their assignments in class but will be given time to share their work at the beginning of each session. Please expect to set aside at least one hour outside of class for your learner to complete their work. Class participation is actively encouraged and children are allowed to raise their hand, ask questions, and receive feedback whenever they need.

Animating by hand or digitally is permitted in this class. Traditional learners can use paper and a light box. Digital learners can use any of a number of Apps available for digital tablets. (see materials section for recommendations)

Animation can be one of the most fun, creative, and rewarding projects out there. 
Let your child breath new life into their art through the power of animation!