2D Animation Course
A 2D Animation Course can help you gain skills to create moving characters, animated stories, cartoons and digital visuals. 2D animation can be used in movies, adverts, educational videos, games and social media. This helps to bring your drawings and ideas to life.
This is a great career option if you enjoy drawing, storytelling, being creative and using digital design. You don’t necessarily need to be an excellent drawer. With training, practice and knowledge of animation software you can build up your skills.
In this guide we will look at what 2D animation is, what you learn on a course, what software you use and what career options are available.
What is 2D Animation?
This is when you create movement within 2D art. Using height and width of the image to create characters, objects, backgrounds and scenes.
You could create characters waving their hands in a cartoon, moving logos and educational videos.
By creating multiple drawings or frames and putting them together in order. Playing them quickly will create movement.
Examples of 2D Animation
- Cartoons & animated films
- Animated adverts
- Educational videos
- Social media motion graphics
- Animated logos & illustrations
- Game characters & backgrounds
What is a 2D Animation Course?
A 2D animation course will teach you how to create animated visuals by using drawing, animation principles and digital software.
On a structured 2D animation course you will learn about character design, storyboarding, frame-by-frame animation, movement, timing and scene creation.
The course will depend on what institute you go to and what level of course you take. If you’re a beginner, then look for one that covers the basics before moving onto practical projects.
What will I learn on a 2D Animation Course?
A good beginner course will teach you the following:
1. Drawing & Character Design
You will learn how to design characters, faces, bodies and poses. This helps to make your animated characters visually interesting.
2. Storyboarding
Storyboarding is when you plan your story by creating drawings. This helps animators visualise how scenes will look.
3. Animation Principles
To create natural and engaging movement. Important principles include:
- Timing & Spacing
- Squash & Stretch
- Anticipation
- Follow Through
- Ease In & Out
This helps to create smooth animation.
4. Frame By Frame Animation
This is when you create individual drawings to show different parts of the movement. When played together, it creates the illusion of movement.
5. Backgrounds & Scenes
You may learn how to design backgrounds, place objects and create visuals.
6. Animation Software
You may be introduced to some digital software.
What software can be used for 2D animation?
There are many different software to create 2D animation with. Depending on your project, skill level and what you want to achieve.
| Software | Common Use |
| Adobe Animate | 2D animations, interactive content, web animation |
| Toon Boom Harmony | Professional character animation and production |
| Krita | Digital drawing and frame-by-frame animation |
| OpenToonz | 2D animation production |
| Blender | 2D animation using its Grease Pencil tools |
Who can take a 2D animation course?
- This course would be suitable for:
- Students who want to pursue a creative career
- Beginners who want to learn animation
- Graphic designers looking to improve their skills
- Digital artists & illustrators
- Those interested in cartoons & animated videos
- Content creators who want to create animated visuals.
Depending on the institute there may be different entry requirements, course length and admission criteria. Look at the details of the course.
Career Options after a 2D Animation Course
Once you’ve learnt 2D animation and have a strong portfolio, you may want to pursue a career in the following roles:
1. 2D Animator
Creating moving characters, objects and scenes for videos, films and other digital projects.
2. Character Designer
Designing characters, including their looks, faces, outfits and poses.
3. Storyboard Artist
Creating visuals to help plan out scenes. This helps with animation, films & adverts.
4. Animation Artist
Working on animation projects for studios, agencies, educational companies & digital media teams.
5. Motion Graphics Artist
Creating animated text, graphics, logos & visuals.
6. Freelance Animator
Working on your own with clients to create animation projects, such as explainer videos, adverts & social media visuals.
Your career options and salary will depend on your skills, quality of your portfolio, experience, location and employer.
How to get started with 2D animation
- If you’re a beginner, you can start by:
- Learning the basics of animation and how to create movement.
- Practicing drawing simple shapes, characters & faces.
- Learning animation principles such as timing, spacing & movement.
- Choosing a suitable piece of software.
- Creating small projects such as bouncing balls, walking characters and simple scenes.
- Creating a portfolio of your best projects.
- Continuing to practice to improve your animation.
- It’s important to practise regularly, as animation is a practical skill.
Why should I take a 2D animation course?
Taking a structured course will help you understand animation concepts. You will also have the opportunity to complete practical projects, receive feedback and gain software skills.
Consider the following when choosing an animation course:
- What will you learn?
- Will there be practical projects?
- What software will you learn?
- Experienced instructors?
- Will you get help to create a portfolio?
- How long is the course? What are the fees?
- Support for students?
Carefully consider the details of courses to find one that fits your learning goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a 2D animation course?
A 2D animation course will help you learn how to create animated characters, objects, scenes & stories using drawing, animation principles & software.
2. Can beginners learn 2D animation?
Yes! As a beginner, you can start with basic drawing and simple movement & animation principles. With regular practice you can improve your skills.
3. What software is best for 2D animation?
Popular software includes Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Krita, OpenToonz & Blender Grease Pencil. It will depend on what type of animation you want to create.
4. What career options are available after a 2D animation course?
Career options may include 2D animator, character designer, storyboard artist, animation artist, motion graphics artist & freelance animator.
5. Will a 2D animation course help my career?
Yes! A 2D animation course can help you gain the right skills for a creative career. Practical experience, a strong portfolio & continuous learning are important.
Conclusion
A 2D animation course can help beginners bring their creative ideas to life. You’ll learn how to design characters, storyboards, animation software and movement. This can help with digital media, entertainment, adverts & other creative industries.
If you want to learn animation, have a look at the courses offered by the IFDA Institute. Consider the course content, practical training and details to find the right course for you.
Start improving your animation skills, practise regularly and create a portfolio to showcase your creativity.
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