Animation principles are the core techniques that animate creators use to make characters and scenes believable and dynamic. These principles, first articulated by Disney's nine animators in 1988, form the foundation of traditional hand-drawn animation and are still relevant in modern CGI workflows.

The 12 Essential Principles

  1. Squash and Stretch 🌀
    Adds weight and volume to objects in motion. For example, a ball compresses when falling and expands when bouncing.

    Squash and Stretch

  2. Anticipation ⏸
    Signals upcoming actions to create realism. A character might crouch before jumping or wag their tail before running.

    Anticipation

  3. Staging 🎭
    Arranges characters and objects to clearly communicate the action. Use camera angles and composition to highlight key moments.

    Staging

  4. Exaggeration 🎭
    Amplifies movements for dramatic effect while maintaining clarity. Exaggerated expressions and gestures make animations more engaging.

    Exaggeration

  5. Solid Drawing 🖼
    Ensures 3D-like qualities in 2D animation. Pay attention to volume, perspective, and anatomy to create lifelike characters.

    Solid Drawing

  6. Timing ⏱
    Controls the illusion of motion and emotion. Faster timing creates urgency, while slower timing builds tension.

    Timing

For deeper exploration, check our Animation Tutorial to practice these principles in real projects! 🚀