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2D Animation Foundations

From Novice to Pro: Online 2D Animation Classes with Industry Experts

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Overview

Learn 2D animation from top animators

Start your journey to become a 2D animator for film and games! Create the illusion of movement in your 2D characters and scenes while learning how to navigate Toon Boom Harmony, the 2D animation software used by studios worldwide.

Why study 2D animation at CG Spectrum:

  • Learn hand-drawn style character animation
  • Build skills in industry-standard tools and techniques
  • Receive mentorship from a world-class animator
  • Flexible study and payment options

You’ll explore both modern and traditional animation workflows to create hand-drawn-style character animations from scratch. Receive support and guidance from industry pros who have worked on iconic animated films and TV shows.

beginner-animation-course-overview
Qualification

Industry Certificate

Duration

9 months

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Beginner to
Intermediate

Start date

January 6th, 2025

February 3rd, 2025

March 3rd, 2025

Delivery Mode

Weekly live online classes
Video lectures
Mentor feedback
Access to vibrant community
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Why study with us

Receive 2D animation training from experts who've worked on your favorite films and TV shows

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.

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Flexible Scheduling

Plan your studies around your work and family commitments

Industry Mentors

Learn from experts who have worked on major feature films

Job-Ready Skills

Build practical, hands-on job skills that studios are looking for

Payment Plans

Pursue your passion and start working sooner with flexible payments
Curriculum

Industry-focused online course to launch your career as a 2D animator

Term 1: 12 weeks

Foundations 1: Essentials of 2D Animation

Starting with the 12 Principles of Animation, you'll learn 2D animation fundamentals step by step and start animating your first 2D pieces: the bouncing ball, flour sack jump, and a walk cycle that brings your animated character to life. You'll discover how to create an animated scene packed with personality and emotion, while also creating the illusion of three-dimensional space; learn key features of Toon Boom and get familiar with drawing tools, posing, timing, spacing, the timeline, and X-sheet. 

  • How to make your own 2D animations from scratch
  • Use Toon Boom Harmony software
  • Apply the 12 Principles of Animation
  • Create animated scenes using the most efficient workflows
  • 2D Animation Introduction and Overview
  • Bouncing Ball Animation Exercise
  • Adding a Tail to the Bouncing Ball
  • Drawing Fundamentals
  • Flour Sack Animation 01
  • Flour Sack Animation 02
  • Flour Sack Animation 03
  • Animating a Walk 01
  • Animating a Walk 02
  • Animating a Walk 03
  • Animating a Simple Character Take
  • Animating a Complex Character Take
Term 2: 12 weeks

Foundations 2: Core 2D Animation Principles

This term focuses on drawing skills, advanced physical human and quadruped animation, plus animating pantomime and simple dialogue scenes. You'll study the greats and discover what makes their work so captivating, learn the importance of silhouettes, how to use a variety of timing in your story, and gain speed creating thumbnails and key poses.

  • Identify what makes or breaks a scene
  • Leverage anatomy principles in your work
  • Create your own compelling pantomime animation
  • Bring creatures to life with believable movement
  1. Introduction to Drawing the Human Figure
  2. Drawing the Quadruped Figure
  3. Quadruped Walk: Rough Animation  01
  4. Quadruped Walk: Rough Animation 02
  5. Biped Run in Perspective 01
  6. Biped Run in Perspective 02
  7. Acting for Animators
  8. Creating a Pantomime Situation 01
  9. Creating a Pantomime Situation 02
  10. Study and Analysis of Animation Greats
  11. Short Character Monolog 01
  12. Short Character Monolog 02
Term 3: 12 weeks

Foundations 3: Professional 2D Animation

By this stage, you’re ready for more advanced aspects of 2D: creating appealing characters, solid drawings, expressive acting and FX animation. Increase your technical skills while working towards creating a polished dialogue scene. Finish the course by finalizing your animation projects for your portfolio and exploring next steps with your mentor.

  • Create successful model sheets
  • Develop a 2-person dialogue scene
  • Add compelling FX and details
  • Finalize projects for your portfolio
  1. Getting To Know Your Character: Movement & Body Language
  2. Study and Analysis of Great Animated Acting Scenes
  3. Two-Character Dialogue Scene 01: Preliminary Planning
  4. Two-Character Dialogue Scene 01: Thumbnail Planning
  5. Two-Character Dialogue Scene 03:
    Rough Key Poses
  6. Drawing the Human Figure with Character
  7. Two-Character Dialogue Scene 04: Rough Breakdown and Inbetween Poses
  8. Drawing Quadrupeds
  9. Cleanup Animation
  10. Tradigital FX 01: Creating a Hand-Drawn Visual Effect
  11. Tradigital FX 02: Harmony Node
    Visual Effects & Camera Movement
  12. Animation Reel Review
Course structure

Your pathway to the film and games industry

The 9-month Foundations Course is the first half of our Career Track, helping you pave your pathway into the creative industries. Gain foundational skills and knowledge that will prepare you for advanced industry training.

Pathway illustration for Foundations 9 Month Course

 

Want to Take Your Education Higher?

Did you know that the subjects you complete in the career track courses can be used to apply for credit toward our accredited degrees and diplomas in the same discipline? 

The skills and knowledge you build in any industry-certificate course can be transferred into academic credits through our Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer process. So, if you decide to take your studies to the next level, know that your prior learning will be recognized.

Compare your options and find out which course is right for you.

FIND OUT MORE
Mentors

Training and support from film and game industry experts

Learn 2D animation guided by professional artists and academics. These experts have the skills, knowledge, and industry insights to support you throughout your studies.

Scott Claus's Work
Scott Claus

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

Alfredo Cassano's Work
Alfredo Cassano

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

Sykosan's Work
Sykosan

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.

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Katy Perry's Cry About it Later

Ben Li's Work
Ben Li

Ben Li

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Space Dandy

Scott Sackett's Work
Scott Sackett

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.

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Pinky and The Brain

Hubert Lapointe 's Work
Hubert Lapointe

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

Marcel Laurin's Work
Marcel Laurin

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

Todd Jacobsen's Work
Todd Jacobsen

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.

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Prince of Egypt

Jim Richardson's Work
Jim Richardson

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.

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Disney Junior

Anna Pagliara's Work
Anna Pagliara

Anna Pagliara

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Mulligan

Richter Lewis's Work
Richter Lewis

Richter Lewis

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for ABC Mouse
Student Showcase

Student work that stands out

With a focus on industry software and practices, our courses teach students relevant skills to help them hit the ground running in the fast-paced film and games industry. See their work!

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Studios that hire our students

Our commitment to job outcomes and a focus on career development has helped graduates find work at studios all over the world.

Weta Digital
Ubisoft
Dreamworks
EA
Industrial Light. & Magic
Sony Pictures Animation
Frequently asked questions

Have questions? We've got answers.

Age Minimum
The general minimum age to be able to enroll in our industry certificate courses is 16. We require parent or guardian consent during the enrollment process for applicants under 18.

Students under 16 will require a further assessment before they can officially enrol. This may include an interview with a course advisor and the creation of a study plan to ensure they have considered how they will manage a college-level workload.

English Proficiency
We expect our students to have a good understanding of written and spoken English. There’s no specific ’level'; however, you must be able to understand video tutorials in English (no subtitles) and speak with your mentor in English during your live Q&A session.

Computer Literacy
To be successful in this program, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

Software:

Toon Boom Harmony Premium will be required to take this course.  Instructions for how to obtain a license with a student discount will be provided upon enrollment.

Hardware:

You will need a computer that meets the minimum system requirements for Toon Boom, and a graphics tablet (see 2D animation software and equipment).

This course gives you an excellent understanding of 2D animation fundamentals. Depending on your level of commitment, skills, and portfolio pieces, you may be ready to start applying for entry-level artist positions.

To further hone your skills and increase your hiring potential, the 2D Animator Specialization is recommended. It covers more complex techniques and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and building your portfolio to prepare you for junior 2D animation jobs such as:

Students also gain access to additional career services to support them in their job hunt. The CG Spectrum community is another great resource—you can network and find out about game development job vacancies through graduates and mentors already working in the industry. 

Discover more about these 2D animator jobs, tips, salary expectations, and other animation and digital art careers here:

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
Shravani K
Animation

If you’re looking to enhance your specialist skills to industry level, CG Spectrum is the place to be.

Having never done an online course, I didn’t expect to receive this level of personalised learning and quality teaching. The amount of 1-on-1 is second to none. The techniques not only improved my animation skills by leaps and bounds, they taught me to be a better storyteller.

Richard S
Richard S
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
Phil M
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
Phil M
Animation