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2D Cut-out Animator Specialization

Online 2D animation course that prepares you for a film or television career
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Overview

2D animation course taught by industry mentors

Comprehensive career training to get you job-readY

This advanced 2D animation course prepares you for an exciting career in 2D animation. You'll learn from industry experts who have worked at top studios, gain valuable industry insights, build critical job skills, and develop a polished portfolio to show employers.

Why study 2D animation at CG Spectrum:

  • Learn advanced skills studios are hiring for
  • Become proficient in industry software Toon Boom
  • Get additional career support and guidance
  • Choose 1-on-1 or small group classes

[more]More[/more]

Now that you have the basics of animation covered, time to step it up! Focusing on cut-out style character animation, your mentor will guide you through fun and challenging exercises, share both modern and traditional animation techniques, and offer insightful feedback to help you progress faster as an artist.

CG Spectrum mentors have years of real world experience working at studios like Walt Disney Animation, DreamWorks, SPA Studios, Bardel Entertainment and others. 

With their support, you'll learn to create polished animated scenes frame by frame, discover techniques that save time and frustration, and graduate with a portfolio to impress employers with.

Classes are held online, so they’re available to you wherever you are in the world. Get your career off to a great start at CG Spectrum online animation school.

Overview_Joel_Daniels
Qualification

Certificate

Study duration

36 weeks

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Advanced

Prerequisites

2D Animation Foundations course or portfolio submission

Delivery

Weekly online classes, feedback and support

Software

Toon Boom Harmony

Start date

Jan 8, 2024
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Why study with us

Learn 2D animation from industry pros who have worked on major feature films

Whether straight out of high school, changing careers, or upgrading skills, our specialized expert-led animation programs help you build practical job skills that serve throughout your career

Industry Mentors

Learn from mentors who have worked on top films and games

Flexible Scheduling

Plan your studies around work and family commitments

Job Ready Skills

Build practical, relevant job skills that studios are looking for

Payment Plans

Options to help you pursue your passion and start working sooner
Curriculum

Industry-approved curriculum to help launch your career as a 2D animator

Term 1: 12 weeks

Cut-Out Animation 1

Building on the 2D animation essentials gained in the 2D Animation Course, you'll add cutout animation to your skillset, learning techniques using Toon Boom Harmony’s peg and node animation system, then moving onto complex physical animations, rigging and animating bipeds and quadrupeds. With your mentor's guidance, you'll analyze strong cutout scenes and apply lessons to your own work.

By the end of this term, you will have strong understanding of advanced cutout style animation techniques, and confidence in rigging and animating characters and creatures.

  • Create cutout style animation
  • Rig and animate bipeds & quadrupeds
  • Use advanced Toon Boom tools
  • Master poses, timing & spacing 
  1. Cutout Animation History and Analysis
  2. Rigging a Bouncing Ball with the Harmony Peg and Node System
  3. Rigging an Arm for a Finger Point Animation
  4. Finger Point Animation
  5. Biped Rigging: Creating the Character Component Drawings
  6. Biped Rigging: Peg Hierarchy and Deformers
  7. Biped Rigging: Apply the Node Effects and Template the Rig
  8. Walk with a Rigged Biped Character
  9. Character Prop Pickup: Two Approaches
  10. Run and Jump with the Rigged Biped Character: Key Poses
  11. Run and Jump with the Rigged Biped Character: Breakdown Poses and Spacing
  12. Cutout Animation Work Week
Term 2: 12 weeks

Cut-Out Animation 2

Push your skills further than you thought possible in term 2. You'll jump into a variety of projects including single and two-character dialogue acting scenes using the cutout animation technique. You'll be introduced to Harmony’s FX and compositing tools, and use them to add these elements to your dialogue scenes.

By the end of this term, you will have a better understanding of how, when and why you should add FX to your animations, and have hands-on practice using Harmony's compositing and FX tools.

  • Apply advanced movement techniques
  • Maximize Harmony compositing and FX tools
  • Use acting for feature/episodic animation
  • Add FX to enhance your animations
  1. Quadruped Rigging 01: Create Character Component Drawing Elements
  2. Quadruped Rigging 02: Peg Hierarchy, Effects Node Structure, and Deformers
  3. Quadruped Walk to Run 01: Key Poses
  4. Quadruped Walk to Run 02: Breakdown Poses
  5. Biped Walk to Sit 01: Key Blocking Poses
  6. Biped Walk to Sit 02: Breakdowns and Spacing
  7. Single Character Dialogue Animation 01: Planning, Setting Key Poses
  8. Single Character Dialogue Animation 02: Breakdowns
  9. Two-Character Dialog Animation 01: Thumbnail Planning and Reference
  10. Two-Character Dialog Animation 02: Storytelling and Key Extreme Poses
  11. Two-Character Dialog Animation 03: Breakdowns, Spacing and Mouth Shapes
  12. Finalizing the Two-Character Dialog Scene: Camera and Compositing
Term 3: 12 weeks

Mentored Studio: 2D Animation

This final term is about getting you job-ready! Using the technique of your choice (tradigital, cutout, or both), you will be mentored in the planning and production of a short animation demo reel, which includes design and animation of multiple characters, creation of background elements, and addition of camera movement, FX, and compositing.

Students in this course receive additional 1-on-1 career support, portfolio reviews, and industry insights from CG Spectrum's Career Development Manager.

  • Polish your portfolio to impress employers
  • Be more confident with negotiation
  • Network & self-promote effectively
  • Tap into the hidden job market 
  1. Career Pathways
  2. Industry Overview
  3. Portfolio Upgrade
  4. Networking and Online Presence
  5. Resume and Cover Letter
  6. Job Hunting
  7. Freelance Work
  8. Interviews and Pitching
  9. Personal Projects and Challenges
  10. Working in a Studio
  11. Contracts and Negotiations
  12. Personal Roadblocks
Course structure

Your pathway to the industry

Dive right into the full study pathway and be industry ready in 18 months.

Pathway illustration for 2D Animation (Full pathway)
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Mentors

Get direct access to 2D animators with years of real-world experience

To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. Our 2D classes are led by industry veterans with years of experience working on film, game and cartoon animation.

Scott Claus's Work
Scott Claus

Scott Claus

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.

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Manager of Animation

Known for Hercules

Zack Zand's Work
Zack Zand

Zack Zand

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Wild Kratts

Alfredo Cassano's Work
Alfredo Cassano

Alfredo Cassano

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.

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Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Klaus

Marcel Laurin's Work
Marcel Laurin

Marcel Laurin

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.

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Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Go West: A Lucky Luke Adventure

Ben Li's Work
Ben Li

Ben Li

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Space Dandy

Hubert Lapointe 's Work
Hubert Lapointe

Hubert Lapointe

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.

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Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Rick and Morty

Misu Yamaneko's Work
Misu Yamaneko

Misu Yamaneko

Based in Tokyo, Misu has worked as a storyboard artist for Pokemon Sun & Moon, Vinland Saga, Overlord II and Bleach Brave Souls.

Read full bio

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Pokemon Sun & Moon

Todd Jacobsen's Work
Todd Jacobsen

Todd Jacobsen

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 bio

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Prince of Egypt

Anna Pagliara's Work
Anna Pagliara

Anna Pagliara

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Mulligan
Pricing

Small Class

The most affordable way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.

  • Max. 4 students per course
  • Affordable high-quality education
  • Network while you learn
Pricing

1-on-1 Private

Progress faster and enjoy more flexiblity with private mentorship. Ideal for busy schedules, career-changers, or artists upgrading skills or changing specialties.

  • Maximum level of mentor interaction
  • Greater flexibility to schedule classes
  • Customized learning experience

 

Monthly
$1,185 USD

(9 x payments)

Save 10%

Per Term
$3,200 USD

(3 x payments)

Most popular

Save 20%

Upfront
$8,532 USD

(1 x payment)

Monthly
$1,750 USD

(9 x payments)

Save 10%

Per Term
$4,725 USD

(3 x payments)

Most popular

Save 20%

Upfront
$12,600 USD

(1 x payment)

Frequently asked questions

Have questions? We've got answers.

Aside from basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question), this course requires the successful completion of the 2D Animation Course or portfolio submission demonstrating professional experience and an accompanying reel/resume. Your portfolio submission should include:

1) A demonstrated understanding of the 12 Principles of Animation.  3-5 pieces that showcase work that provides evidence of an understanding of the basic animation 'rules.'  

2) A demonstrated understanding of general aesthetics and design. Evidence you have an understanding of how to compose images and present actions clearly and in an artistically pleasing way.

3) Examples of completion of basic animation exercises covered in beginner courses.  Show proof of abilities to create a basic bouncing ball, flour sack, walk/run cycle, weight and timing, make basic acting choices and be able to turn key poses into fully-realized, fluid animation work. 

4) The ability to show some sense of entertainment value in your work. More than just a basic understanding, your work should showcase some flair and a sense of confidence in your general understanding of timing, motion and performance in basic animation exercises. 

5) A body of work (1-3 pieces at least) that show a range of skills you currently possess.  There should be enough examples in your body of work for us to make an assessment of where you are currently at and where you might be going.  

If you are unsure if your skills are sufficient, send us your portfolio and we'll arrange a review by the department head and a possible student interview, depending on circumstances.

SUBMIT PORTFOLIO 

Software:

Toon Boom Harmony Premium.  Student discounts are provided.

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).

On completion of the Advanced 2D Animation Course you will have greater confidence in bringing your animated characters and creatures to life, and have a demo reel full of animation projects to show employers.

Unlike some other animation schools, you will also have access to personalized career services with our Career Development Manager which can help when applying for junior 2D animator jobs such as:

Whether you want to work on animated video games or feature films, you'll find an animation career a fulfilling and exciting one where no two days are the same. Discover more about these 2D animation jobs, tips, salary expectations and tips to meet the minimum job requirements for this industry on our careers page:
Student Showcase

High quality student work that speaks for itself

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.

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Studios that hire our students

weta
ubisoft
dreamworks
sony
ilm
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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

If you’re looking to enhance your specialist skills to industry level, CG Spectrum is the place to be.

CG Spectrum has been an invaluable learning experience. Having never done an online course, I didn’t expect to receive the level of personalised learning and quality teaching that I have experienced so far. The amount of 1-on-1 is second to none. The techniques I have been taught have not only improved my animation skills by leaps and bounds, they have also taught me to be a better storyteller. Aside from the skills learned, I have also gained a great amount of insight into the industry which will definitely aid in my career as an animator. 

Richard S
Richard S
Animation

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.

Vanessa R
Vanessa R
Animation