Master 2D Animation

2D animators create the illusion of motion and change via analog and digital media. Beginning with the foundations of animation, learn everything you need to know to get started in 2D animation.

• Learn animation fundamentals.
• Explore various ways of creating characters and motion.
• Discover real-world career paths in animation.

• Course 1: 2D Animation: Walk Cycles Basics
• Learn how to create a walk cycle for 2D animation. This tutorial is appropriate for all levels of animators, using any software.
• Course 2: 2D Animation: Character & Attitude Walk Cycles
• Learn 2D animation techniques to express personality, body type, and attitude in a walk cycle, and turn walks into full-on runs.
• Course 3: 2D Animation: Animal Walk Cycles
• Discover how to animate four-legged animals as they walk, trot, and run. Learn 2D animation techniques for making these motions look realistic or cartoony.
• Course 4: 2D Animation: Animate Flying Creatures
• Learn how to animate the motions and anatomies of different flying creatures—from insects, to birds, to dragons.
• Course 5: 2D Animation: Animate Monsters & Aliens
• Learn 2D animation techniques for making monsters, aliens, and other supernatural creatures come to life.
• Course 6: Story and Character Development for Animation
• Learn the secrets of developing great characters and telling stories for animation. Animators Andrew Gordon and Nate Stanton recreate the story process for us.
• Course 7: Animation Foundations: Gesture
• Gestures make animated characters more interesting and believable. Join Pixar animator Andrew Gordon to learn how to create expressive gestures using simple animation principles.
• Course 8: Animation Foundations: Storyboarding
• Get started in storyboard animation. Learn storyboarding techniques for illustrating action, angles, shot composition, character, and drama.
• Course 9: Alison Mann: Animation Talent Scout
• Learn what a Paramount Animation recruiter looks for when hiring artists and animators. Discover what makes a portfolio stand out and how to use social media to promote your work.
• Course 10: Sharon Ross: Character Designer for 2D Animation
• Get insights from a real character designer. In this interview, Sharon Ross explains how she went from art student to illustrator to character designer for Family Guy.
• Course 11: Darin McGowan: The Storyboard Artist's Life
• Darin McGowan, a storyboard artist for shows such as The Wild Thornberrys, The Loud House, and Futurama, offers insights into the storyboard artist's life.