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:
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.
Industry Certificate
9 months
20 hrs weekly
Beginner to
Intermediate
November 4th, 2024
December 2nd, 2024
January 6th, 2025
Weekly live online classes
Video lectures
Mentor feedback
Access to vibrant community
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn 2D animation guided by professional artists and academics. These experts have the skills, knowledge, and industry insights to support you throughout your studies.
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 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 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
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
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 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 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 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
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Mulligan
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for ABC Mouse
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!
Our commitment to job outcomes and a focus on career development has helped graduates find work at studios all over the world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Study options for all skill levels, from short introduction courses to industry career tracks and accredited degrees and diplomas.