12 Principles of Animation

Front

This principle of animation explains that animated objects will get longer or flatter to emphasize speed, momentum, weight, or mass.

Back

Squatch & Stretch

Front

This principle depicts a character preparing to do an action which gives the audience a clue of what will happen next.

Back

Anticipation

Front

This principle of animation is greatly affected by the number of frames inserted between each main action.

Back

Timing

Front

This principle is when a movement begins slowly, builds speed, & finishes slowly achieving "life-like" motion.

Back

Slow In & Slow Out

Front

This principle is a presentation of any idea so that it is completely & unmistakingly clear to the audience. Acting, Timing, Camera Angle, Position & Setting are used to achieve this.

Back

Staging

Front

These principles are the two methods used to animate drawings. One is drawing as you go, the other is drawing the beginning & the end, & then going back to fill in the drawings in between.

Back

Straight Ahead & Pose to Pose

Front

This principle is that most living creatures will move in a "circular path."

Back

Arcs

Front

This principle states that every action, pose, & expression can be taken to the next level to increase the amount of impact on the viewer.

Back

Exaggeration

Front

This principle states that the character you animate should be pleasing to look at. Use different shapes & proportions.

Back

Appeal

Front

This principle makes sure that forms feel like they are in 3 dimensional space using Volume, Weight, & Balance.

Back

Solid Drawing