Discover what it takes to become a professional 2D animator! In this comprehensive 2D animation course, you’ll learn how to use Toon Boom Harmony to create hand-drawn style character animations from scratch, and be guided step by step by industry professionals who have worked on iconic animated films and TV shows.
Why study 2D animation at CG Spectrum:
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This 2D animation for beginners course is an excellent way to start your career as an animator! Starting with the basics of animation and working your way up to much more complex projects, your mentor will guide you through fun exercises, share both modern and traditional animation techniques, and offer insightful feedback on your work, frame by frame, to help you progress faster as an artist.
CG Spectrum’s 2D animation classes are conducted online, meaning they’re available to all international students. You’ll be personally mentored by former Disney and DreamWorks artists with decades of real world experience working on TV shows, and feature films.
Get expert career training and kick-start your journey as a 2D animator!
Certificate
24 weeks
20 hrs weekly
Beginner to Intermediate
Basic computer and drawing skills
Weekly online classes, feedback and support
Toon Boom Harmony
Jan 8, 2024
Whether straight out of high school, changing careers, or upgrading skills, our specialized expert-led 2D animation training programs help you build practical job skills that serve throughout your career
Plan your studies around your work and family commitments
Learn from experts who have worked on major feature films
Build practical, hands-on job skills that studios are looking for
Pursue your passion and start working sooner with flexible payments
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.
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.
Dive right into the full study pathway and be industry ready in 18 months.
To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. All 2D animation classes are led by industry mentors with years of experience in feature film and cartoon animation.
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
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
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
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.
Read full bioMentor of 2D Animation
Known for Pinky and The Brain
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
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
Todd is a thirty year veteran of the Hollywood 2D animation industry with extensive experience on features, TV, commercials, and theme park installations.
Read full bioMentor of 2D Animation
Known for Prince of Egypt
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.
Read full bioMentor of 2D Animation
Known for Disney Junior
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Mulligan
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for ABC Mouse
The most affordable way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.
Progress faster and enjoy more flexiblity with private mentorship. Ideal for busy schedules, career-changers, or artists upgrading skills or changing specialties.
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(6 x payments)
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(2 x payments)
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For this course, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).
Please note: Term 1 of this program is the same curriculum as the Introduction to 2D Animation Certificate. So if you've already completed the introduction course, you may skip to term 2.
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).
What 2D animation careers can I explore post-graduation?
This course gives you an excellent understanding of 2D animation essentials including how to rig and animate. Depending on your level of commitment, animation skills, and demo reel, you may be ready to meet the minimum requirements to start applying for entry-level artist positions.
To increase your hiring potential, the Advanced 2D Animation Course is recommended. It covers more complex techniques and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and portfolio preparation. Unlike some other schools offering animation programs, CG Spectrum includes additional career development services including portfolio/CV reviews, application help, a jobs database, interview preparation, and more.
Once you've completed the full study pathways, you could apply for junior 2D animator jobs such as:
Discover more about these 2D animator jobs, tips, salary expectations, and other animation and digital art careers here:
With a focus on portfolio preparation, we help students build their competitive edge with high quality work that gets noticed. See what they are creating.
With a focus on portfolio preparation, we help students build their competitive edge with high quality work that gets noticed. See what they are creating.
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 landed a job immediately after finishing the course.
When I started CG Spectrum's animation program, I wasn't sure what to expect. Now, I can surely tell that choosing CG Spectrum was the best decision I've ever made. My mentors were incredibly knowledgeable, dedicated and supportive.
I was hired by Ubisoft!
It’s your career success that matters. I applied to some companies with my updated reel and got hired by a studio named Dwarf-Labs where I did some animations for a CG commercial. Then I was hired by Ubisoft where I worked on one of their biggest franchises, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate!