12 principles of animation

Definition

The 12 principles of animation are foundational concepts that guide animators in creating believable and appealing movement. These principles, developed by Disney animators in the 1930s, help to convey emotions, weight, and realism, making animations more engaging. Understanding these principles is essential for mastering the fundamentals of animation, recognizing the influence of iconic animators and studios, balancing exaggeration with reality, and applying traditional techniques in a digital format.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 12 principles were introduced by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston in their book 'The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation' published in 1981.
2. These principles help animators create characters that feel alive and have personality, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with the story.
3. Many modern animations still rely on these principles, whether in traditional hand-drawn techniques or contemporary digital methods.
4. The principles emphasize a balance between realism and stylization, allowing for creative expression while maintaining viewer engagement.
5. Understanding these principles is crucial for creating successful animations across various genres, from cartoons to serious storytelling.

Review Questions

• How do the 12 principles of animation enhance the emotional connection between characters and audiences?
  • The 12 principles of animation enhance emotional connections by allowing animators to create relatable and expressive characters. Techniques like squash and stretch convey emotions through exaggerated movements, while anticipation prepares the audience for upcoming actions. By implementing these principles, animators make characters feel more alive, helping viewers to empathize with their journeys and experiences.
• Discuss the role of influential animators and studios in popularizing the 12 principles of animation.
  • Influential animators and studios, particularly Disney, played a pivotal role in popularizing the 12 principles through their groundbreaking animated films. By showcasing these principles in character designs and storytelling, they set industry standards that many animators still follow today. The work of these studios not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the principles but also inspired new generations of animators to incorporate them into their craft.
• Evaluate how the application of the 12 principles can impact the balance between exaggeration and believability in animation.
  • Applying the 12 principles allows animators to strike a balance between exaggeration and believability by grounding exaggerated actions in realistic motion. For instance, using timing can give exaggerated movements a sense of weight, while principles like follow-through can enhance realism even when the actions are stylized. This balance is essential in creating animations that are entertaining yet relatable, ensuring that viewers remain engaged without losing their connection to reality.

Related terms

Squash and Stretch:

A principle that gives the illusion of weight and volume to animated objects by stretching them in motion and squashing them upon impact.

Anticipation:

The preparation phase for an action, where subtle movements indicate what will happen next, enhancing realism and audience engagement.

Timing:

The precise execution of movement within animation, determining how long an action takes to occur, which affects the perceived weight and realism of the movement.