Jump into the animation industry with CG Spectrum! Learn how to animate from scratch with professional software, build your portfolio and be job-ready in just 18 months.
Why study 2D animation at CG Spectrum:
CG Spectrum is one of just 16 Toon Boom certified schools and the only 100% online 2D animation school. This means our students receive the highest quality education and learn the latest techniques used by major studios.
Kick-start your career and become a professional animator. These online courses are designed to give you the necessary skill set to prepare you for your animation career.
Peek inside the world of animation! Choose this short animation course if you want to pick up a new hobby, learn the basics and start animating your first smaller pieces using Maya and Toon Boom Harmony industry softwares.
Dive right into the full study pathway and be industry ready in 18 months.
Not quite ready to commit? Start with the intro course and graduate with the option to continue to term 2 of the foundations course.
Delivery
Online classes, feedback and support
Software
Toon Boom Harmony
Classes
1-on-1 or small group classes (4 students)
Community
Lifetime access to online community of mentors, alumni and students
Access mentoring sessions and live weekly calls with top film and game experts to master your technique. All classes are taught by established animators with years of experience working on films and video games at major studios.
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.
Read full bioMentor of 2D Animation
Known for Go West: A Lucky Luke Adventure
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Wild Kratts
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.
Read full bioMentor of 2D Animation
Known for Rick and Morty
Based in Tokyo, Misu has worked as a storyboard artist for Pokemon Sun & Moon, Vinland Saga, Overlord II and Bleach Brave Souls.
Read full bioMentor of 2D Animation
Known for Pokemon Sun & Moon
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.
Read full bioManager of Animation
Known for Hercules
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.
Read full bioMentor of 2D Animation
Known for Klaus
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Space Dandy
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.
Read full bioMentor of 2D Animation
Known for Katy Perry's Cry About it Later
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our students create high quality work that speaks for itself. We provide you with the tools and resources to help you build a portfolio that gets noticed.
Our commitment to job-outcomes and focus on career development has helped graduates find work at studios all over the world.
We're proud to say that the majority of our advanced graduates are now working in the highly competitive film and games industry.
Our courses and in-house career services are created to give you the essential skills to be job-ready after graduation. Still wondering if CG Spectrum is right for you? Chat with our student ambassadors.
Get a more hands-on education with mentorship from top film and game experts, an industry-approved curriculum and a thriving creative community cheering you on.
By giving you access to the most talented artists in the industry, we help you to become well connected, trained and prepared for life beyond school.
What you get when studying at CG Spectrum:
Progress faster with expert feedback from mentors and join an inspiring and supportive community of industry experts and peers.
Our mission is to make sure our students are best prepared for a successful career when they graduate.
We strive to provide affordable, high quality and personalized education and believe in the power of learning first-hand from industry experts who already established a fantastic career.
What makes CG Spectrum unique:
As an online school with students and mentors in 90+ countries, we're proud to bring the industry to you - wherever you are in the world!
Discover free 2D animation resources and articles to inspire you on your journey into the film and games industry
Is 2D animation hand drawn?
2D animation can be either hand drawn or computer-generated in a hand-drawn style. Traditional 2D animations were drawn frame-by-frame and transferred to clear sheets, called cels, for painting. This was a time-consuming process. Today 2D animations are created digitally using software like Toon Boom Harmony or Adobe After Effects.
Do I need to know how to draw to do 2D animation?
No, you don't need to know how to draw to do 2D animation. Many professional animators use software like Adobe Flash, After Effects or Toon Boom Harmony to animate. However, drawing is a handy skill for expressing ideas and creating original artwork for your animations, so it doesn't hurt to know how to draw!
Should I study 2D or 3D animation?
Choosing between 2D and 3D animation comes down to personal preference. 2D animation tends to suit people who are more artistic in nature, whereas 3D animation often suits those with a more technical mind.
2D requires a large amount of illustration, as every frame needs to be drawn, either on a digital tablet or by hand. 3D Animation requires creating movement via 'rigs', where a 3D model is essentially given a skeleton that can be manipulated in a virtual 3D space.
Can I learn both 2D and 3D animation?
Yes you can. CG Spectrum offers beginner animation courses in both 2D and 3D animation, however it is not recommended to do both at the same time, unless you can dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week for each course.
What jobs can I get if I study 2D animation?
Studying 2D animation will prepare you to become a 2D animator, storyboard artist or clean up artist. Explore other animation jobs.