1.1 Fundamentals of 2D animation

2D animation brings static images to life through movement and storytelling. Core principles like timing, spacing, and anticipation form the foundation, while techniques like keyframes and in-betweens create fluid motion. These elements work together to craft engaging visual narratives.

Squash and stretch adds depth and personality to animated characters, making them more believable and relatable. The 12 principles of animation, developed by Disney animators, provide a comprehensive toolkit for creating compelling and dynamic animated sequences that captivate audiences.

Core Principles and Techniques

Core principles of 2D animation

• Timing controls speed and rhythm of movement affects perceived weight and personality measured in frames per second (fps)
• Spacing distributes in-between frames creates motion determines smoothness and character of movement affects perception of acceleration and deceleration
• Anticipation prepares viewers for main action adds realism and weight to animated actions (wind-up before a punch)

Keyframes and in-betweens

• Keyframes establish main poses in animation sequence set timing and major changes in movement usually created by senior animators
• In-betweens fill gaps between keyframes create fluid motion determine smoothness and style traditionally drawn by assistant animators
• Keyframes define start and end points in-betweens create illusion of motion number of in-betweens affects speed and fluidity (walking cycle)

Squash and stretch in animation

• Exaggerates deformation simulates weight and flexibility maintains volume while changing shape
• Applications include bouncing ball effect facial expressions and dialogue character movement and impact reactions
• Conveys weight more squash and stretch for lighter objects less for heavier objects (rubber ball vs bowling ball)
• Enhances flexibility exaggerated deformations for organic forms subtle changes for rigid objects
• Creates appeal and dynamism adds life and energy helps avoid stiff movements (cartoon character jumping)

12 principles of animation

1. Squash and stretch simulates weight and flexibility (bouncing ball)

2. Anticipation prepares audience for upcoming action (winding up for a pitch)

3. Staging presents ideas clearly through positioning and camera angles

4. Straight ahead action and pose-to-pose contrasting approaches to creating sequences

5. Follow through and overlapping action continues movement after main action (hair swinging)

6. Slow in and slow out mimics natural acceleration and deceleration

7. Arc follows curved paths for more natural movement (pendulum swing)

8. Secondary action adds supplementary movements to support main action (whistling while walking)

9. Timing controls speed and rhythm of movements

10. Exaggeration amplifies actions for greater impact and appeal (cartoon takes)

11. Solid drawing maintains consistent volume and perspective

12. Appeal creates charismatic and engaging characters or actions (Disney princesses)