12 Principles of Animation

 (the 12 principles of animation summarised from research)

The 12 principles of animation were created by Disney Animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas. They were used to describe the key aspects of animation that are used to create a successful outcome. (GIFS featured were made by me to try and demonstrate said principle)

1.  Squash & Stretch

• Gives illusion off gravity, weight, mass and flexibility.  
• Important to maintain object volume. 
• When stretching make the object thin and when squashing make it wide.

2.  Anticipation

• Helps prepare viewer for action.
• Normal movement has anticipation e.g. Bending the knees before jumping.
• Stops movement looking awkward, stale and lifeless. 

3.  Staging

• Alike to composition in Art.
• To use motion in the animation to guide viewers and draw attention.
• Keep motion of non-important things minimal.

4.  Straight Ahead Action & Pose To Pose

• Both ways to handle drawing animation
• Straight Ahead Action - Drawing frame to frame from start to finish, encourages fluid animation.
• Pose to Pose - Draw keyframes then in-betweens, gives more control to animation process.

5.  Follow through and Overlapping Action

• Follow Through  - When objects come to a standstill no all parts will stop at the same time as main body. 

• Overlapping Action - offset timing between different parts of the body. 

 

6.  Slow In and Slow Out

• Object will start up slowly before gaining momentum.
• Object will slow down before stopping. 

7.  Arc

• Most objects follow actions in a curved arc.

8.  Secondary action

• Used to support or emphasise main action.
• Adds more dimension to characters and objects.
• Secondary action should not subtract from main action.

9.  Timing

• Using accurate timing helps reflect on physics used in real life.
• You can push it but it helps being realistic for the most part.

10.  Exaggeration

• Too much realism can make the animation static and boring.
• Exaggeration is more dynamic and exciting.

11.  Solid Drawing

• You need to know the basics of drawing: drawing in 3D spaces, understanding form & anatomy, weight & volume, light & shadows. 
• You can push reality but remain consistent.

12.  Appeal

• Characters, objects and world need to appeal to the audience.
• To be easy to read in design, have solid drawing and a personality.