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2D FX Animation Course

Learn to create hand-drawn 2D animated FX from industry artists

Image: Sykosan
Overview

Expand your animation toolkit by mastering 2D FX techniques

Master the art of hand-drawn 2D animated effects, from initial design to final rendering. In this course, you’ll animate five distinct types of effects—flames, gasses, liquids, magic, and more—while incorporating advanced camera movements to showcase your creativity. By the end, you’ll have a polished portfolio that demonstrates your ability to bring dynamic, high-impact effects to life.

Why study 2D FX animation with us:

  • Lessons are taught by an experienced industry artist
  • Learn hand-drawn style FX animation
  • Build skills in industry-standard tools and techniques
  • Flexible study and payment options

Carefully designed by industry pros, this short course will expand your skill set and help you gain the confidence to create high-impact animations that stand out.

 
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Qualification

Industry Certificate

Duration

6 weeks

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Intermediate

Start date

January 6th, 2025

February 3rd, 2025

Delivery Mode

Weekly online classes, feedback and support
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Curriculum

Industry-focused curriculum to further your 2D animation education

Term 1: 6 weeks

2D FX ANIMATION COURSE

In six weeks, you will learn how to animate natural and magical effects using the 12 Principles of Animation. Explore how real-world dynamics translate to animation, focusing on forces like gravity and light and how to apply these to create convincing effects. Experiment with camera effects, such as shakes and lens flares, adding impact and realism to scenes. The recommended study time per week is 20+ hours.

  • Create dynamic, realistic effects like fire, smoke, and water.
  • Design and animate a variety of natural and magical effects, such as explosions, liquids, and energy.
  • How to incorporate camera effects, like shakes and speed lines, to enhance the visual impact of your animations.
  • Develop a portfolio showcasing your skills in animating complex effects and integrating them into storytelling.

 

  1. Shapes, Designs, and Physics
  2. Animating Flames
  3. Gasses and Atmospherics
  4. Convincing Liquids
  5. Creating Magic
  6. Camera Effects
Career Track

Your pathway to the industry

This course is designed as a supplement to CG Spectrum's Career Track, offering 2D animators an opportunity to deepen their skills and explore the exciting realm of 2D FX animation. To be eligible, you must have completed the 2D Animation Foundations course. This course can also be taken after you have completed the entire 2D animation Career Track (Foundations + Specialization).

Pathway illustration for 2D Animation FX Course
Meet Your Mentor

Sykosan

Sykosan is a 2D animation filmmaker whose expertise covers all stages of the animation process, including writing and editing, film directing, character design, background, asset design, 2D effects, and compositing. His distinctive style is a modern blend of Western and Japanese influences, but he also demonstrates a strong ability to match a large variety of animation styles. 

Throughout his career, Sykosan’s work has been used across advertising, feature films, video games, and music videos for a diverse range of clients, including Katy Perry, the BBC, Netflix, Adobe, MTV, Samsung, Sony, Adidas, Gucci, and Megan Thee Stallion. 

sykosan-headshot
Frequently asked questions

2D FX Animation Course FAQs

Learn more about the prerequisites for this course and the 2D animation careers you could explore in the future. For general questions about studying at CG Spectrum, visit the main FAQ page or contact us.

COURSE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

You must have completed 2D Animation Foundations or be able to demonstrate the basics of character drawing/acting and perspective knowledge (via portfolio submission).  

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

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).

This course is designed as a supplement to CG Spectrum's Career Track, offering 2D animators an opportunity to expand their skill set, refine their craft, and dive deeper into 2D art through the specialized discipline of 2D FX animation.

This short six-week course provides specialized one-on-one training to elevate your animation abilities.

This course offers one-on-one mentorship with an experienced instructor, ensuring personalized guidance tailored to your needs. Each session includes at least 30 minutes of individualized review, followed by a 30-minute lecture, blending practical feedback with in-depth learning.

Throughout the course, you'll receive comprehensive feedback on assignments. Clear assignment breakdowns and structured lessons provide a focused pathway to mastering the craft.

Software:

You will be required to purchase Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects for the length of your studies. Although Adobe is recommended, you can also use Toon Boom or Krita if preferred.

Hardware:

You will need a computer that meets the minimum system requirements for Photoshop, and a graphics tablet (see digital art software and equipment).

Please note: As the software we use is regularly updated, please check the specs against the latest available version at the time of enrollment.

This course gives you an excellent understanding of 2D animation FX. 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:

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
Tiffany L
Animation

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.

Andrea L
Andrea L
Animation

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.

Chris E
Chris E
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
Shravani K
Animation