2D Animation Essentials
Learn 2D animation for beginners taught online by professional animators
Begin your journey into 2D animation with this beginner-friendly course designed for aspiring animators. Build a strong foundation in animation principles, master hand-drawn techniques, and gain confidence using Toon Boom Harmony, the software behind iconic animated projects. Learn from industry professionals and start creating standout animations that set you on the path to a rewarding career in film, TV, or games.
- Master the 12 Principles of Animation: Learn the essential techniques behind smooth and engaging movement.
- Hands-On Training with Toon Boom Harmony: Gain proficiency in the industry-standard software used by top studios.
- Mentorship from Top Animators: Receive personalized guidance from experts who’ve worked on iconic projects like Klaus and Rick & Morty.
- Flexible and Personalized Learning: Study online with options for 1-on-1 or small group classes tailored to your goals.
Learn from professional animators who've worked on classics like Klaus, Rick & Morty, Pocahontas, and Road to El Dorado. They'll show you how to create 2D animations from scratch, frame by frame!
Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.
Whether straight out of high school, changing careers, or upgrading skills, our career-focused 2D animation courses help you build practical job skills that are required in the industry.
Industry Mentors
Learn from the best! Our instructors are seasoned industry pros and bring real-world knowledge to the classroom, ensuring you're equipped with the skills that studios demand.
Outcomes
Our goal is to make you job-ready. You'll graduate with technical skills and a deep understanding of the animation industry, making you a valuable asset to any studio.
Community
Join an active community and network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Our strong industry connections can help you access job opportunities post-graduation.
Qualification
Industry certificate
Study Load
20hrs/week
Program Length
3 months
Delivery Mode
Online live classesCustom video lectures
Personalised mentor feedback
Skill Level
Beginner
No entry requirements
Start Dates
Your pathway to the film and games industry
This short course is equivalent to term one of the Foundations course. On completion of the Essentials course, if you decide to progress further with your studies, you'll enroll straight into term two of the corresponding Foundations course which means you'll already be one-third of the way through your studies! Continue your learning journey towards an exciting career in the industry by enrolling into the Foundations Career Track.
Scott Claus
While at Disney and DreamWorks Scott animated classics like Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame and Road to El Dorado. He later won an Oscar for best special effects for Life of Pi.
Known for Hercules
Ben Li
Known for Space Dandy
Alfredo Cassano
Alfredo is a 2D animator and storyboard artist who has worked on feature films like Klaus (Lead Animator on Jesper), Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells, and several TV shows.
Known for Klaus
Sykosan
Sykosan is a 2D animation filmmaker with expertise covering all stages of the animation process and a unique style of modern western and Japanese influences.
Known for Katy Perry's Cry About it Later
Hubert Lapointe
Montréal-based Hubert Lapointe has worked as an animator and animation supervisor on hit shows like Rick & Morty and The Ollie and Moon Show, and as a software instructor for ToonBoom.
Known for Rick and Morty
Marcel Laurin
Marcel has animated for film, TV and video games since 2003 at studios across Canada and France including Bardel and Gameloft. He was also a Toon Boom instructor at studios and schools around the ...
Known for Go West: A Lucky Luke Adventure
Scott Sackett
Scott has been an animator and storyboard artist working on both feature and TV animation. Currently, he is working as a Supervising Director at Exceptional Minds Studios.
Known for Pinky and The Brain
Jim Richardson
Jim has worked in various animation roles on commercials, film, TV, and games, as well as teaching 2D Animation. He teaches animation online while working at CG Spectrum.
Known for Disney Junior
Todd Jacobsen
Todd is a thirty year veteran of the Hollywood 2D animation industry with extensive experience on features, TV, commercials, and theme park installations.
Known for Prince of Egypt
Richter Lewis
Known for ABC Mouse
Anna Pagliara
Known for Mulligan
Get The Education Your Deserve
"One of the best decisions I've ever made for my career.
I've learned and grown so much throughout this program and I loved the resources in the CG Spectrum community, such as finding new job opportunities and meeting other students and mentors. I took advantage of everything CG Spectrum had to offer and as a result, I landed my dream job at my dream company (Dreamworks). Thank you CG Spectrum!"
Tiffany L | 3D Animation
"The career program was invaluable!
I knew changing careers would have included things such as resumes, applications, networking, etc. The biggest thing I needed to understand was the nuances of the animation industry, etiquette for approaching recruiters, and what type of roles there were. These sessions really helped guide me, and explained how to approach my showreel and the subsequent application processes."
James B | 3D Animation
"I’d take the course again if I could!
I can’t praise CG Spectrum enough for the quality of teaching and dedication to their students. Mark was by far the best mentor I’ve ever had. He really took the time to help design the course around what it is that I wanted to get out of it. I’ve studied other animation courses in the past, but none even come close to the depth and speed of development as CG Spectrum."
Ned C | 3D Animation
"To better understand the industry, I enrolled at CG Spectrum.
There I was able to create a demo reel and build connections with professionals that ultimately led me to my first opportunity as an animator at Sony Imageworks. I have to give a HUGE shout-out to CG Spectrum’s Career Development Manager. She was the person who guided me through the entire application process. I honestly believe I would not have gotten this opportunity without her help."
Jasmeet S | 3D Animation
"CG Spectrum has been an instrumental part of my growth.
CG Spectrum has helped me sharpen my skills, acquire new ones and strengthen my character animation abilities. This is an invaluable experience for anyone looking to take their skills to the next level."
Phil M | 3D Animation
"It's been extremely helpful for my portfolio and my confidence as an artist!
I've learned so much about not only animation, but the thought process an artist goes through when creating a piece."
Shravani K | 3D Animation
"Getting access to industry mentors is huge.
There's a world of information out there, but nothing compared to talking to someone in the know. CG Spectrum was one of those places. I really liked the 1-on-1 format. It was the first time I had an experienced animator open my scene file. It was what I needed to get over some technical hurdles."
Kyle D | 3D Animation
"I learned more in 9 months than other students do in 2 years.
The level of education I have received is unlike any other school I've come across. What separates CG Spectrum from other schools is that the mentors are not only talented professionals in their own right, but they also care about your success as an artist both in school and after you graduate. CG Spectrum is incredible, I cannot recommend it enough."
David N | 3D Animation
Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios
Our mission is to train highly skilled graduates ensuring they are prepared for a successful career. Take the first step towards joining our alumni at world-class studios creating work that inspires.
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