12 Animation Principles in 5 Minutes

The Disney animators codified these principles in the 1930s. They still define quality animation today.

The Principles (30 seconds each)

1. Squash and Stretch
Objects compress on impact, elongate in motion. A bouncing ball flattens when it hits ground. Gives life and flexibility.

2. Anticipation
Wind-up before action. Crouch before jump. Arm back before throw. Prepares the viewer for what's coming.

3. Staging
Present ideas clearly. One idea per shot. The viewer should never wonder where to look.

4. Straight Ahead / Pose to Pose
Two animation methods. Straight ahead: draw frame by frame for fluid, spontaneous motion. Pose to pose: draw key frames first for controlled, planned action.

5. Follow Through / Overlapping Action
Things don't stop all at once. Hair keeps moving after head stops. Different parts move at different rates.

6. Slow In and Slow Out
Movement accelerates and decelerates. More drawings at start and end, fewer in middle. Creates natural weight.

7. Arc
Natural motion follows curved paths. Arms swing in arcs. Heads turn in arcs. Straight lines feel robotic.

8. Secondary Action
Supporting movements that add richness. Walking while whistling. Talking while gesturing. Enhances without distracting.

9. Timing
Number of frames = speed and weight. Fewer frames = faster/lighter. More frames = slower/heavier.

10. Exaggeration
Push reality further for impact. Bigger expressions, more dynamic poses. Animation isn't reality - it's reality enhanced.

11. Solid Drawing
Three-dimensional thinking. Weight, balance, anatomy. Even 2D characters should feel like they have volume.

12. Appeal
Charisma in design. Characters should be interesting to watch. Clear shapes, good proportions, distinctive features.

Quick Reference Groups

Make it move right: Timing, Arcs, Slow In/Out, Squash/Stretch
Make it feel alive: Follow Through, Overlapping, Secondary Action
Make it read clearly: Staging, Anticipation
Make it compelling: Appeal, Exaggeration, Solid Drawing

The Only Exercise You Need to Start

Animate a bouncing ball. It teaches Timing, Squash/Stretch, Arcs, and Slow In/Out simultaneously.