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Introduction to 2D Animation

Learn 2D animation for beginners taught by professional animators online.
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 animated characters you grew up watching, and create 2D 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, learn hand drawn style animation, and explore the many features of Toon Boom Harmony, picking up both modern and traditional animation techniques.

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 Foundations of 2D Animation Course, so if you want to continue, you'll already be a third of the way through the 9-month course!

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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

Software

Toon Boom Harmony

Start date

Mar 6, 2023
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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 animation training 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 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 animation for beginners course is the same as term one of the Foundations of 2D Animation Course, so you'll be a third of the way through if you choose to continue!

  • How to make your own 2D animations from scratch
  • Use Toon Boom Harmony software
  • Apply the 12 Principles of Animation
  • Create animated scenes using the most efficient workflows
  1. 2D Animation Introduction and Overview
  2. Bouncing Ball Animation Exercise
  3. Adding a Tail to the Bouncing Ball
  4. Drawing Fundamentals
  5. Flour Sack Animation 01
  6. Flour Sack Animation 02
  7. Flour Sack Animation 03
  8. Animating a Walk 01
  9. Animating a Walk 02
  10. Animating a Walk 03
  11. Animating a Simple Character Take
  12. Animating a Complex Character Take
Course structure

Your pathway to the industry

Get started with the intro course and graduate with the option to continue to term 2 of the foundations course.

Pathway illustration for 2D Animation (Part pathway)
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Mentors

Get direct access to leading animators

All 2D animation classes are led by industry veterans with years of experience working on animated video games, animated movies and cartoons. They'll help you get your animations looking sharp, frame by frame!

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

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.

Read full bio

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Rick and Morty

Zack Zand's Work
Zack Zand

Zack Zand

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Wild Kratts

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.

Read full bio

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 Castlevania

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.

Read full bio

Mentor of 2D Animation

Known for Klaus

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
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

(3 x payments)

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Save 10%

Upfront
$3,199 USD

(1 x payment)

Monthly
$1,485 USD

(3 x payments)

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Upfront
$3,999 USD

(1 x payment)

Need help deciding?

At CG Spectrum our aim is to provide the most affordable solution for you to meet your career goals.  Talk to one of our admissions managers about our payment options and find out what's right for you.

Explore Your Options

Frequently asked questions

Introduction to 2D Animation course FAQs

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

Software:

A student license 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 2D animation software and equipment).

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

This short 2D animation course will get started with the basics of animation, but in a competitive industry, continuing your studies with the full 2D animation study pathway (Foundations of 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 different types of animation, more complex computer animation techniques, and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and portfolio preparation to get your animation projects ready to show employers.

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:
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 in our online courses.

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Studios that hire our students

Weta Digital
Ubisoft
Dreamworks
EA
Industrial Light Magic
Sony Pictures Animation

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
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.

Chris E
Chris E
Animation

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

One of the best decisions I've ever made for my career.

I've learned and grown so much throughout this program and I loved the resources in the CG Spectrum community, such as finding new job opportunities and meeting other students and mentors. I took advantage of everything CG Spectrum had to offer and as a result, I landed my dream job at my dream company (Dreamworks). Thank you CG Spectrum!

Tiffany L
Tiffany L
Animation