Course Curriculum
MODULE 01
Fundamentals of 2D Animation
Starting with the 12 Principles of Animation, you'll learn 2D animation fundamentals and begin putting them into practice! Discover how to add personality and emotion to your work, while creating the illusion of three-dimensional space. You'll get the lay of the land in Toon Boom Harmony, where your mentor will identify key tools and features, so you know which tool to use when. Get familiar with drawing tools, posing, timing, spacing, the timeline and X-sheet. Put theory into practice with your first 2D pieces: the bouncing ball and flour sack jump.
Learn how to:
- Make your own 2D animations
- Use Toon Boom Harmony software
- Apply the 12 Principles of Animation
- Set up and organize your 2D workflows
Weekly Breakdown
- The Principles of Animation
- Bouncing Ball Exercise 01
- Bouncing Ball Exercise 02
- Drawing Fundamentals
- Flour Sack Exercise 01
- Flour Sack Exercise 02
- Flour Sack Exercise 03
MODULE 02
Character Walk Cycle & Take
Move on to more complex exercises such as a character walk cycle, and a character reaction known as a “take”. Learn the four primary positions needed to establish the personality of your character’s walk, and discover how to create a sense of believable weight. Practice using Harmony nodes and effects, then move onto proper colouring techniques and shadows. Practice keeping files organized and efficient (an important habit if you want to become a pro 2D Animator). Polish and render your work, and add it to your portfolio!
Learn how to:
- Efficiently set up your scenes
- Create an animated character walk
- Implement more advanced techniques
- Export and render your animation
Weekly Breakdown
08. Walk Cycle Contact Poses
09. Walk Cycle Inbetweens
10. Walk Cycle Follow-through
11. Character Take Key Poses
12. Character Take Inbetweens
Meet Your Mentors
Scott Claus
Scott worked at Disney and DreamWorks Feature Animation on classics such as: Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Prince of Egypt and Road to El Dorado. He later moved to CG work where he worked on films like Over the Hedge, Flushed Away, The Hulk and The Golden Compass. As a supervisor, he was part of the team that won an Oscar for best special effects for Life of Pi. Scott was instrumental in bringing this 2D animation course to life, and is excited to share his passion with you!
Known For
Mike Wiesmeier
It was Mike’s trip to Disneyland at the age of eight that led him to an animation career of 28 years. He’s worked as an animator, supervisor and director on AAA video games, TV shows and feature films for companies like Walt Disney Studios, Filmax Animation, Netflix, and Eidos Interactive. His credits include Pocahontas, Hercules, Tarzan, Fantasia 2000, and F is For Family. Mike’s wealth of knowledge helped inform the 2D animation course curriculum, and he is a wonderful mentor!
Known For
