Animation Principles

Making a character flatten and stretch to show speed, weight, or strong movement. Example: When the bouncing ball hits the ground, we use Squash and Stretch to make it look heavy and rubbery.

How many drawings or frames are used to make an action happen, controlling the speed. Example: To make the character look like a superhero, the timing was changed to only a few frames for a super-fast blur.

A small action done before a main action to prepare the viewer for what is about to happen. Example: The batter's slight lean back before swinging the bat is a perfect example of Anticipation.

Presenting an action clearly so the viewer knows exactly what is most important in the scene. Example: The director used bright colors and a close-up camera angle for better Staging of the secret map.

The secondary parts of a character, like hair or clothing, continuing to move after the main body stops. Example: After the jogger stops, her scarf keeps floating for a moment, showing the Follow Through principle.

Different parts of a body or object moving at slightly different times instead of all at once. Example: The dog's tail didn't stop wiggling the moment its body stopped running.

Adding more drawings at the beginning and end of a movement to make it look smooth and natural. Example: A car needs "Slow In and Slow Out" to start moving gently and then come to a smooth stop.

The natural curved path of an object in motion, making the movement feel realistic. Example: A tossed ball always follows a gentle "Arc" through the air, never a straight line.

Smaller movements that support the main action, adding detail and making the animation more alive. Example: While the knight raises his sword (main action), his worried expression is the important "Secondary Action."

Creating a character that is pleasing to look at, interesting, and easy for the audience to like. Example: The simple, round shape of the friendly alien gave it a lot of charming "Appeal."