What will you learn in Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course
-
Grasp core animation principles: timing, squash & stretch, anticipation, and follow-through
-
Master keyframing workflows in After Effects (or your chosen animation software)
-
Create smooth motion using easing, motion paths, and graph-editor adjustments
-
Design and animate characters with simple rigs, puppeting tools, and layered compositions
-
Export polished animations for web, broadcast, and social media in appropriate codecs
Program Overview
Module 1: Animation Foundations & Software Setup
1 hour
-
Topics: Twelve principles of animation overview, UI tour of After Effects (or equivalent)
-
Hands-on: Set up your workspace, import assets, and create your first animated bounce
Module 2: Keyframes & Timing
1.5 hours
-
Topics: Setting keyframes, frame rates, timing charts, spacing vs. timing
-
Hands-on: Animate a ball bouncing with correct timing and spacing
Module 3: Easing & Graph Editor Techniques
1 hour
-
Topics: Ease In/Out, custom bezier curves, velocity graphs
-
Hands-on: Refine your bounce animation using the graph editor for natural motion
Module 4: Squash, Stretch & Overlap
1 hour
-
Topics: Exaggeration principles, squash & stretch mechanics, secondary motion
-
Hands-on: Apply squash & stretch to a character limb and add overlapping arm movement
Module 5: Motion Paths & Puppet Tools
1 hour
-
Topics: Creating and editing motion paths, using puppeteer pins for organic movement
-
Hands-on: Animate a character walking along a curved path with puppet-pin joints
Module 6: Character Rigging Basics
1.5 hours
-
Topics: Simple IK rigs, parenting layers, null-object controllers
-
Hands-on: Rig a two-layer character (torso + limbs) and animate a waving cycle
Module 7: Text & Shape Animation
1 hour
-
Topics: Text animators, shape-layer operations, trim-paths, path-text techniques
-
Hands-on: Create an animated title reveal using trim-paths and offset properties
Module 8: Effects, Parenting & Precomps
1 hour
-
Topics: Using effects for motion (wiggle, particle systems), pre-composition best practices, layer parenting
-
Hands-on: Build a firefly particle effect and nest it into a night-scene precomp
Module 9: Rendering & Export Workflows
45 minutes
-
Topics: Render Queue vs. Media Encoder, codec selection, alpha-channel exports
-
Hands-on: Export your final animation as an H.264 MP4 and a transparent-background MOV
Module 10: Final Project – Short Animated Scene
2 hours
-
Topics: Storyboarding, shot planning, layering your scene, final polish
-
Hands-on: Produce a 5–10-second character animation loop including background and simple sound sync
Job Outlook
-
Animation skills are sought after in film, broadcasting, advertising, and game studios
-
Roles: Motion Graphics Artist, 2D Animator, Character Animator, Broadcast Designer
-
Freelance animators can charge $50–$150+ per second of finished animation; studio salaries range $50,000–$80,000+ annually
-
Mastering these workflows accelerates work in explainer videos, UI animations, title sequences, and social media content
Explore More Learning Paths
Take your 2D animation skills further with these curated courses designed to strengthen your understanding of animation principles, digital tools, and creative workflows.
Related Courses
Related Reading
Last verified: March 12, 2026
Who Should Take Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course?
This course is best suited for learners with no prior experience in design. It is designed for career changers, fresh graduates, and self-taught learners looking for a structured introduction. The course is offered by Siobhan Twomey on Udemy, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers.
If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in AI Courses, Agile & Scrum Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course.
FAQs
Do I need prior drawing or animation experience to take this course?
No prior experience is required; the course is designed for beginners. It introduces classical 2D animation principles step by step. Hands-on exercises help learners understand basic sketches, frames, and motion. Basic familiarity with pencils, paper, or digital drawing tools can help but is not mandatory. By the end, learners can create simple 2D animations using foundational animation techniques.
Will I learn the fundamentals of motion and timing in animation?
Yes, the course covers key animation principles such as timing, spacing, and anticipation. Learners practice creating smooth and believable movement using keyframes. Techniques include squash and stretch, follow-through, and arcs to enhance realism. Hands-on exercises reinforce understanding of how objects and characters move naturally. Advanced timing techniques may require additional practice.
Can I use this course to animate characters and objects?
Yes, the course teaches animating both characters and inanimate objects. Learners practice frame-by-frame animation and applying motion principles to sketches. Techniques include walking cycles, gestures, and expressive movements for characters. Hands-on exercises help bring drawings to life with motion and personality. Advanced character animation may require additional study and practice.
Will I learn how to plan and storyboard animations?
Yes, the course introduces storyboarding and planning sequences before animating. Learners practice sketching scenes, planning shots, and mapping key actions. Techniques include organizing frames for narrative flow and visual storytelling. Hands-on exercises help learners plan animations efficiently before creating final frames. Advanced storyboarding may require additional practice and creativity.
Can I use this course to build a portfolio of 2D animation projects?
Yes, learners can create simple animation projects suitable for showcasing skills. Projects include short sequences, character motions, and basic animated scenes. Hands-on exercises provide practical examples to demonstrate proficiency in 2D animation. Portfolio-ready projects help learners apply for internships, freelance work, or animation jobs. Advanced portfolio projects may require additional work and creative exploration.
What are the prerequisites for Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course?
No prior experience is required. Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course is designed for complete beginners who want to build a solid foundation in Design. It starts from the fundamentals and gradually introduces more advanced concepts, making it accessible for career changers, students, and self-taught learners.
Does Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course offer a certificate upon completion?
Yes, upon successful completion you receive a certificate of completion from Siobhan Twomey. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Design can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development.
How long does it take to complete Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course?
The course is designed to be completed in a few weeks of part-time study. It is offered as a lifetime course on Udemy, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably.
What are the main strengths and limitations of Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course?
Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course is rated 9.5/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: strong emphasis on animation principles reinforced by practical exercises; covers both character and text/shape animation workflows; final project ties together all techniques into a polished, exportable clip. Some limitations to consider: assumes basic familiarity with after effects or similar software; absolute software-newbies may need extra setup time; advanced topics like 3d camera moves and expressions are not covered. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Design.
How will Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course help my career?
Completing Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course equips you with practical Design skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by Siobhan Twomey, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market.
Where can I take Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course and how do I access it?
Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course is available on Udemy, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. Once enrolled, you have lifetime access to the course material, so you can revisit lessons and resources whenever you need a refresher. All you need is to create an account on Udemy and enroll in the course to get started.
How does Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course compare to other Design courses?
Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners Course is rated 9.5/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated design courses. Its standout strengths — strong emphasis on animation principles reinforced by practical exercises — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding.
