Learn 2D animation from top animators

Start your journey to become a 2D animator for film and games! Create the illusion of movement in your 2D characters and scenes while learning how to navigate Toon Boom Harmony, the 2D animation software used by studios worldwide.

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Why study 2D animation at Bletchley Institute, powered by CG Spectrum:

• Learn hand-drawn style character animation
• Build skills in industry-standard tools and techniques
• Receive mentorship from a world-class animator
  
• Flexible study and payment options

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You’ll explore both modern and traditional animation workflows to create hand-drawn-style character animations from scratch. Receive support and guidance from industry pros who have worked on iconic animated films and TV shows.

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Curriculum

Industry-focused online program to launch your career as a 2D animator.

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Essentials of 2D Animation - 12 weeks

Starting with the 12 Principles of Animation, you'll learn 2D animation fundamentals step by step and start animating your first 2D pieces: the bouncing ball, flour sack jump, and a walk cycle that brings your animated character to life. You'll discover how to create an animated scene packed with personality and emotion, while also creating the illusion of three-dimensional space; learn key features of Toon Boom and get familiar with drawing tools, posing, timing, spacing, the timeline, and X-sheet.

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What You'll Learn:

• How to make your own 2D animations from scratch
• Use Toon Boom Harmony software
• Apply the 12 Principles of Animation
• Create animated scenes using the most efficient workflows

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Weekly Breakdown:

1. 2D Animation Introduction and Overview
2. Bouncing Ball Animation Exercise
3. Adding a Tail to the Bouncing Ball
4. Drawing Fundamentals
5. Flour Sack Animation 01
6. Flour Sack Animation 02
7. Flour Sack Animation 03
8. Animating a Walk 01
9. Animating a Walk 02
10. Animating a Walk 03
11. Animating a Simple Character Take
12. Animating a Complex Character Take

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Core 2D Animation Principles - 12 weeks

This course focuses on drawing skills, advanced physical human and quadruped animation, plus animating pantomime and simple dialogue scenes. You'll study the greats and discover what makes their work so captivating, learn the importance of silhouettes, how to use a variety of timing in your story, and gain speed creating thumbnails and key poses.

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What You'll Learn:

• Identify what makes or breaks a scene
• Leverage anatomy principles in your work
• Create your own compelling pantomime animation
• Bring creatures to life with believable movement

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Weekly Breakdown:

1. Introduction to Drawing the Human Figure
2. Drawing the Quadruped Figure
3. Quadruped Walk: Rough Animation  01
4. Quadruped Walk: Rough Animation 02
5. Biped Run in Perspective 01
6. Biped Run in Perspective 02
7. Acting for Animators
8. Creating a Pantomime Situation 01
9. Creating a Pantomime Situation 02
10. Study and Analysis of Animation Greats
11. Short Character Monolog 01
12. Short Character Monolog 02

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Professional 2D Animation - 12 weeks

By this stage, you’re ready for more advanced aspects of 2D: creating appealing characters, solid drawings, expressive acting and FX animation. Increase your technical skills while working towards creating a polished dialogue scene. Finish the course by finalizing your animation projects for your portfolio and exploring next steps with your mentor.

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What You'll Learn:

• Create successful model sheets
• Develop a 2-person dialogue scene
• Add compelling FX and details
• Finalize projects for your portfolio

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Weekly Breakdown:

1. Getting To Know Your Character: Movement & Body Language
2. Study and Analysis of Great Animated Acting Scenes
3. Two-Character Dialogue Scene 01: Preliminary Planning
4. Two-Character Dialogue Scene 01: Thumbnail Planning
5. Two-Character Dialogue Scene 03: Rough Key Poses
6. Drawing the Human Figure with Character
7. Two-Character Dialogue Scene 04: Rough Breakdown and Inbetween Poses
8. Drawing Quadrupeds
9. Cleanup Animation
10. Tradigital FX 01: Creating a Hand-Drawn Visual Effect
11. Tradigital FX 02: Harmony Node Visual Effects & Camera Movement
12. Animation Reel Review

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Career Pathway

The 9-month Foundations Program is the first half of our Career Track, helping you pave your pathway into the creative industries. Gain foundational skills and knowledge that will prepare you for advanced industry training.

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Tuition

Flexible small group class are the best way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.

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Upfront - Save 20%

$9,999

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Pay as You Go - Save 10%

$12,078

9 monthly payments of $11,249

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Financed Tuition

$12,499

Monthly payments as low as $258*