Animation Principles - Quick Start
12 Animation Principles in 5 Minutes
The Disney animators codified these principles in the 1930s. They still define quality animation today.
The Principles (30 seconds each)
1. Squash and Stretch Objects compress on impact, elongate in motion. A bouncing ball flattens when it hits ground. Gives life and flexibility.
2. Anticipation Wind-up before action. Crouch before jump. Arm back before throw. Prepares the viewer for what's coming.
3. Staging Present ideas clearly. One idea per shot. The viewer should never wonder where to look.
4. Straight Ahead / Pose to Pose Two animation methods. Straight ahead: draw frame by frame for fluid, spontaneous motion. Pose to pose: draw key frames first for controlled, planned action.
5. Follow Through / Overlapping Action
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