12 Principles
Tips On Getting Started: there are a number of ways to start the process of learning animation. One is to buy books and teach yourself. The Bible of the industry is the "Illusion of Life" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. The information and drawings in this book make it worth the fifty dollars or more that you will pay for it. These 12 principles became the gospel according to the nine old men of animation that worked with Walt Disney in founding the industry that you see today. Don't just read it; memorize it, learn it and use it every time you draw. There is no short cut for skills and knowledge. It all starts with heart and desire; do you have it?
Watch the following explanation of the 12 Principals of Animation, then select the links below to see the exercises explained for each one:
THE 12 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION Paraphrased from the "Illusion Of Life" by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston.(pp.47-69) Look these up and read the original version for a complete understanding:
2. Anticipation
3. Staging
4. Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose
5. Follow Through and Overlapping Action
7. Arcs
9. Timing
10. Exaggeration
11. Solid Drawing
12. Appeal