2D Animation Essentials
Learn 2D animation for beginners taught online by professional animators
Build 2D animation essentials in our short course led by industry pros
This beginner's course will equip you with 2D animation essentials. You'll dive right into the 12 Principles of Animation, explore hand-drawn style animation, and learn how to navigate Toon Boom Harmony.
Why study 2D animation with us:
- Study with more flexibility (100% online)
- Start learning how to create industry-level work
- Gain direct access to film and game artists
- Choose 1-on-1 or small group classes (max. 4 students)
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!
Your pathway to the 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.
Manager of Animation
Known for Hercules
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.
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Rick and Morty
Zack Zand
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Wild Kratts
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 world.
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Go West: A Lucky Luke Adventure
Ben Li
Mentor of 2D Animation
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.
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Klaus
Anna Pagliara
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Mulligan
Richter Lewis
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for ABC Mouse
Absolutely amazing school!
I recommend it for complete newbs like I was who want to become animators. Mark Pullyblank was an amazing, kind, and helpful mentor who made sure I always knew what I was doing. He's probably one of the most dedicated teachers I know, and made sure he went over everything thoroughly with me and was quick to answer my questions. Definitely 10/10.
I'm learning so much and loving every minute of it!
I didn't realise how much I didn't know before joining CG Spectrum. I'm learning stuff you just can't get out of books and videos alone. You can't ask a book a question. Here, your mentors open your file and give a video critique showing different approaches and ways to improve your workflow, making sure you fully understand the lesson.
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.
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!
