Introduction to 2D Animation

Online 2D animation course for beginners taught by professional animators

Overview

Learn 2D animation essentials

A fun, hands-on 2D animation short course for beginners

Learn from professional animators who worked on classics like Klaus, Rick & Morty, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pocahontas, and Road to El Dorado! Discover industry secrets used to create the whimsical characters you grew up watching, and create your own animations from scratch.

Why study 2D animation at CG Spectrum:

CG Spectrum is a Toon Boom Authorized Training Centre
Learn to animate even without prior knowledge
Be mentored by a world-class animator
Choose 1-on-1 or small group classes (max 4 students)

[more]More[/more]

Bring your stories to life with CG Spectrum online 2D animation school! In just 3 months, this beginners course will equip you with a solid foundation in 2D animation. You'll dive right into the 12 Principals of Animation and the many features of Toon Boom Harmony.

This short course is the best way to get started in the world of 2D. The curriculum is exactly the same as term 1 of the 2D Animation Course, so if you want to continue after completing your certificate, you'll already be a third of the way through the diploma course!

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Industry Qualification

Certificate

Study duration

3 months

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Beginner

Prerequisites

Basic computer and drawing skills

Delivery

Weekly online classes, feedback and support

Included software

Toon Boom Harmony

Start date

Feb 7, 2022

Why study with us

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

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

Industry Mentors

Learn from experts who have worked on major feature films

Flexible Scheduling

Plan your studies around your work and family commitments

Job-Ready Skills

Build practical and relevant job skills that studios are looking for

Payment Plans

Pursue your passion and start working sooner with flexible payments

Curriculum

An industry-approved curriculum to get you started in the world of 2D animation

Term 1: 12 weeks

Fundamentals of 2D Animation

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 short course is the same as the term one of the full 2D Animation Course, so you'll be a third of the way through the diploma course if you choose to continue your journey!

How to make your own 2D animations from scratch
Use Toon Boom Harmony software
Apply the 12 Principles of Animation
Set up efficient workflows

2D Animation Introduction and Overview
Bouncing Ball Animation Exercise
Adding a Tail to the Bouncing Ball
Drawing Fundamentals
Flour Sack Animation 01
Flour Sack Animation 02
Flour Sack Animation 03
Animating a Walk 01
Animating a Walk 02
Animating a Walk 03
Animating a Simple Character Take
Animating a Complex Character Take

FAQS

Got questions? We've got answers.

Learn more about the prerequisites for this course and the animation careers you could explore in the future. For general questions about studying at CG Spectrum, visit the main FAQ page or contact us.

2D ANIMATION COURSE FAQS

For this 2D animation course, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

Software:

A student licence of Toon Boom will be provided for the length of the course.

Hardware:

You will need a computer that meets the minimum system requirements for Toon Boom, and a graphics tablet (see tablet options).

Studying 2D animation can open up a variety of career paths in the entertainment industry.

This short 2D animation course will get started on your journey, but in a competitive industry, continuing your studies with the full 2D animation study pathway (2D Animation Course and Advanced 2D Animation Course ) will better prepare you for a job in the industry and help increase your employment opportunities.

The advanced course covers more complex techniques and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and portfolio preparation to get you industry-ready.

Some of the junior 2D animator jobs you could pursue after completing the full study pathway include:

Discover more about these 2D animator jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:

Explore animator jobs

Mentors

Get direct access to professional artists

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.

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.

Read full bio

Manager of Animation

Known for Hercules

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

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

Alfredo Cassano

Alfredo is a 2D animator and storyboard artist who has worked on feature films like Klaus (Alfredo was the lead animator on Jesper), Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells, and several TV shows.

Read full bio

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Klaus

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

Study Options

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

Study Options

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

(3 x payments)

Most Popular

Save 10%

Upfront

$3,199 USD

(1 x payment)

Monthly

$1,485 USD

(3 x payments)

Most Popular

Save 10%

Upfront

$3,999 USD

(1 x payment)

Financial Aid Options

Looking for financial aid? CG Spectrum has partnered with Hussian College to deliver accredited programs with access to financial aid for those who qualify. If you're in the United States, take a look at our online 2D Animation course through Hussian College, and see if you are eligible for financial assistance through federal and state programs for art college tuition and initiatives such as FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Hussian College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

2D ANIMATION PROGRAM

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.

Studios that hire our students

Our commitment to job-outcomes and focus on career development has helped graduates find work at studios all over the world.

Absolutely amazing school!

I recommend it for complete newbs like I was who want to become animators. Mark Pullyblank was an amazing, kind, and helpful mentor who made sure I always knew what I was doing. He's probably one of the most dedicated teachers I know, and made sure he went over everything thoroughly with me and was quick to answer my questions. Definitely 10/10.

Andrea L
Animation

I'm learning so much and loving every minute of it!

I didn't realise how much I didn't know before joining CG Spectrum. I'm learning stuff you just can't get out of books and videos alone. You can't ask a book a question. Here, your mentors open your file and give a video critique showing different approaches and ways to improve your workflow, making sure you fully understand the lesson.