12 Principles of Animation

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

• Timing

• Spacing

• Squash and Stretch

• Anticipation

This principle describes the method of having body parts, appendages, & clothing drag behind the body & continue to move when the body stops.

• Follow Through & Overlapping Action

• Motion Blur Effect

• Static Positioning

• Dynamic Stopping Point

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

• Squatch & Stretch

• Ease In & Ease Out

• Anticipation

• Follow Through

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.

• Staging

• Framing

• Blocking

• Composing

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.

• Straight Ahead & Pose to Pose

• Frame by Frame & Keyframe Animation

• Sequential Animation & Layered Animation

• Dynamic Animation & Static Animation

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

• Appeal

• Balance

• Contrast

• Harmony

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

• Arcs

• Lines

• Squares

• Triangles

This principle describes gestures that support the main action to add more dimension to the character.

• Primary Action

• Tertiary Action

• Secondary Action

• Supplementary Action

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

• Exaggeration

• Subtlety

• Simplicity

• Realism

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

• Anticipation

• Suspense

• Resolution

• Climax