Certificate
12 weeks
20 hrs weekly
Beginner
Basic computer and drawing skills
Weekly online classes, feedback and support
Toon Boom Harmony
Jun 3, 2024
In just 3 months, this beginner's course will equip you with a solid foundation in 2D animation. You'll dive right into the 12 Principals of Animation, learn hand-drawn style animation, and explore the many features of Toon Boom Harmony, picking up both modern and traditional animation techniques.
Learn from professional animators who worked on classics like Klaus, Rick & Morty, Pokemon Sun & Moon, Pocahontas, and Road to El Dorado! Discover industry secrets used to create the whimsical animated characters you grew up watching, and create 2D animations from scratch.
After completing the course, you can advance your skill set for a career as a 2D animator by enrolling in our 2D Animation Foundations course.
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.
The most affordable way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.
Progress faster and enjoy more flexiblity with private mentorship. Ideal for busy schedules, career-changers, or artists upgrading skills or changing specialties.
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Save 10%
(1 x payment)
(3 x payments)
Save 10%
(1 x payment)
We understand the unique needs of students pursuing careers in creative industries. That's why we offer curated course bundles that align with specific career paths or skill development goals. These bundles are designed to provide comprehensive training while offering cost savings compared to enrolling in individual courses.
All 2D animation classes are led by industry veterans with years of experience working on animated video games, animated movies and cartoons. They'll help you get your animations looking sharp, frame by frame!
While at Disney and DreamWorks Scott animated classics like Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame and Road to El Dorado. He later won an Oscar for best special effects for Life of Pi.
Manager of Animation
Known for Hercules
Montréal-based Hubert Lapointe has worked as an animator and animation supervisor on hit shows like Rick & Morty and The Ollie and Moon Show, and as a software instructor for ToonBoom.
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Rick and Morty
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Wild Kratts
Marcel has animated for film, TV and video games since 2003 at studios across Canada and France including Bardel and Gameloft. He was also a Toon Boom instructor at studios and schools around the world.
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Go West: A Lucky Luke Adventure
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Space Dandy
Alfredo is a 2D animator and storyboard artist who has worked on feature films like Klaus (Lead Animator on Jesper), Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells, and several TV shows.
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Klaus
Based in Tokyo, Misu has worked as a storyboard artist for Pokemon Sun & Moon, Vinland Saga, Overlord II and Bleach Brave Souls.
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Pokemon Sun & Moon
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for Mulligan
Mentor of 2D Animation
Known for ABC Mouse
For this beginner 2D animation course, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).
Software:
Toon Boom Harmony Premium. Student discounts are provided. Instructions for how to obtain your student for this software will be provided upon enrollment.
Hardware:
You will need a computer that meets the minimum system requirements for Toon Boom, and a graphics tablet (see 2D animation software and equipment).
Please note: as the software we use is regularly updated, please check the specs against the latest available version at the time of enrolling.
Studying 2D animation can open up a variety of career paths in the entertainment industry.
This short 2D animation course will get started with the basics of animation, but in a competitive industry, continuing your studies with the full 2D animation study pathway (2D Animation Foundations Course and the 2D Cut-out Animator Specialization) will better prepare you for a job in the industry and help increase your employment opportunities.
The advanced course covers different types of animation, more complex computer animation techniques, and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and portfolio preparation to get your animation projects ready to show employers.
Some of the junior 2D animator jobs you could pursue after completing the full study pathway include:
Discover more about these 2D animator jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:
Absolutely amazing school!
I recommend it for complete newbs like I was who want to become animators. Mark Pullyblank was an amazing, kind, and helpful mentor who made sure I always knew what I was doing. He's probably one of the most dedicated teachers I know, and made sure he went over everything thoroughly with me and was quick to answer my questions. Definitely 10/10.
I'm learning so much and loving every minute of it!
I didn't realise how much I didn't know before joining CG Spectrum. I'm learning stuff you just can't get out of books and videos alone. You can't ask a book a question. Here, your mentors open your file and give a video critique showing different approaches and ways to improve your workflow, making sure you fully understand the lesson.
It's been extremely helpful for my portfolio and my confidence as an artist!
I've learned so much about not only animation, but the thought process an artist goes through when creating a piece.
One of the best decisions I've ever made for my career.
I've learned and grown so much throughout this program and I loved the resources in the CG Spectrum community, such as finding new job opportunities and meeting other students and mentors. I took advantage of everything CG Spectrum had to offer and as a result, I landed my dream job at my dream company (Dreamworks). Thank you CG Spectrum!
Study options for all skill levels, from short introduction courses, specialized industry tracks and accredited programs