Discover what it takes to become a professional 2D animator! In this comprehensive course, you’ll learn how to use Toon Boom Harmony to create hand-drawn style character animations from scratch, and be guided every step of the way by your industry mentor.
Why study 2D animation at CG Spectrum:
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CG Spectrum’s 2D animation classes are conducted online, meaning they’re available to you, wherever you are in the world. You’ll be personally mentored by former Disney and DreamWorks artists with decades of experience working on TV shows, and feature films. Your mentor will guide you through exercises, offering insightful feedback to help you progress faster as an artist.
Get expert career training and kick-start your journey as a 2D animator!
Diploma
9 months
20 hrs weekly
Intermediate
Basic computer and drawing skills
Weekly online classes, feedback and support
Toon Boom Harmony
Feb 1, 2021
Whether straight out of high school, changing careers, or upgrading skills, our specialized expert-led 2D 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
Starting with the 12 Principles of Animation, you'll learn 2D animation fundamentals and begin putting them into practice with your first 2D pieces: the bouncing ball, flour sack jump and a walk cycle.
You'll discover how to add personality and emotion to your work while 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.
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.
Learn how to:
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 polishing your portfolio and exploring next steps with your mentor.
Learn how to:
To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. All 2D animation classes are taught by industry mentors with years of experience working in feature films and TV.
Mike's been animating films and games for 28 years at Disney, Netflix and Eidos Interactive. Credits include Pocahontas, Hercules, Tarzan, Fantasia 2000, and F is For Family.
Read full bioDept. Head of 2D Animation
Known for Tarzan
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 bioMentor of 2D Animation
Known for Hercules
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.
(9 x payments)
Save 10%
(3 x payments)
Save 25%
(1 x payment)
(9 x payments)
Save 10%
(3 x payments)
Save 25%
(1 x payment)
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. They took the time to introduce new concepts, and the critiques were long and detailed. Nothing was ever rushed. The small classes also allowed the instructors to spend more time with each student, analysing shots to the tiniest detail.
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!
We've built our animation courses based on industry input and focus on teaching skills studios are hiring for.
The three courses below form a complete study pathway designed to fast track your education so you can land your first job sooner. Each course can also be taken separately depending on your skill level and career goals.
Overview:
The Introduction to 2D Animation Certificate teaches you solid foundations, giving you an idea of what it takes to pursue a career in this field.
This course serves as the first term of the 2D Animation Diploma, so you’ll already be one-third of the way through the diploma course if you choose to continue your journey.
Prerequisites:
Course Summary:
Overview:
The 2D Animation Diploma develops your skill level further with a focus on producing the quality of animation expected in film and television production.
Prerequisites:
Course Summary:
Overview:
The Advanced 2D Animation Diploma takes your skills to a feature film level and focuses on building your professional portfolio.
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Course Summary:
Study options for all skill levels, from short introduction courses to full industry diploma programs