What Are the 12 Principles of Animation? A Comprehensive Guide

In this article, we will answer the question, "What are the 12 principles of animation?" and delve into why these principles are essential for any animator looking to improve their craft. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of these principles, how they work together, and how they can be applied to create compelling animation.

1. Squash and Stretch

The first principle of animation is squash and stretch, which is all about exaggerating the motion of objects to give them weight and flexibility. When an object moves, it deforms—squashing when it impacts a surface and stretching when it accelerates or is in motion. This principle can be applied to everything from bouncing balls to character facial expressions.

For instance, imagine a character jumping up and down. As they hit the ground, their body would compress or “squash” slightly before rebounding. As they rise, they “stretch” in the direction of motion. What are the 12 principles of animation if not rules that bring these kinds of subtleties into movement? This technique ensures that motion is fluid and believable, even in exaggerated or cartoony settings.

2. Anticipation

Anticipation is crucial in preparing the audience for what is about to happen. Before any significant action, there should be a preparatory motion that clues the audience into what comes next. For instance, before a character jumps, they might bend their knees or shift their weight. Without this setup, movements would seem abrupt and unnatural.

In addition to physical movements, anticipation can also be used to build tension in storytelling. For example, an object teetering on the edge of a cliff hints that it’s about to fall. What are the 12 principles of animation without anticipation? They would lack the depth and timing needed to engage viewers fully.

3. Staging

The principle of staging involves directing the audience's attention to the most important part of a scene. This is done through composition, lighting, and character placement, ensuring that the action is clear and understandable. Whether it’s a dramatic moment or a simple gesture, the audience should know where to focus their attention.

In animation, poor staging can confuse the viewer, while effective staging can emphasize important moments and emotions. What are the 12 principles of animation if not guidelines for creating engaging and visually clear storytelling?

4. Straight Ahead Action and Pose-to-Pose

There are two primary methods animators use to approach movement: straight ahead action and pose-to-pose. Straight ahead action involves animating frame by frame from start to finish, which results in fluid and dynamic movements. Pose-to-pose, on the other hand, starts by establishing key poses, then fills in the in-between frames later. This method allows for more control and precise timing.

For complex scenes or animations requiring emotional depth, animators often use pose-to-pose. However, for actions like water splashes or explosions, the straight-ahead method provides more spontaneity. What are the 12 principles of animation without this understanding of different techniques? Animation would lose much of its flexibility and versatility.

5. Follow Through and Overlapping Action

Real-world objects and characters don’t stop moving immediately after an action is completed. Follow through refers to the parts of a character or object that continue moving after the main motion has stopped. For instance, when a character runs and suddenly halts, their hair or clothing may continue to sway for a moment before settling.

Overlapping action describes how different parts of a character’s body move at different rates. For example, if a character swings their arm, the motion of the arm itself, the hand, and any clothing or accessories will move at different speeds. What are the 12 principles of animation if not a study of how to replicate real-life movement and energy in a way that resonates with the viewer?

6. Slow In and Slow Out

In nature, objects do not suddenly start or stop moving. Slow in and slow out refers to the acceleration and deceleration of objects in motion. More frames are used at the beginning and end of a movement to create a gradual transition. This principle ensures that actions look smooth and believable, whether a character is taking a step or an object is falling.

For example, when a car starts moving, it doesn’t immediately reach full speed; it accelerates slowly before picking up pace. Similarly, when it stops, it decelerates rather than coming to an abrupt halt. What are the 12 principles of animation without this attention to realistic motion?

7. Arcs

Most natural movements follow an arc. Whether it's the swing of an arm or the trajectory of a bouncing ball, objects tend to move in curved paths rather than straight lines. Animators use arcs to make movements feel fluid and realistic.

For instance, when animating a character’s walk, the limbs should follow an arc rather than moving directly up and down. Ignoring this principle can result in stiff or mechanical-looking animations. What are the 12 principles of animation without the understanding of arcs? Motion would appear unnatural and disjointed.

8. Secondary Action

Secondary actions are subtle movements that complement the main action, adding complexity and realism to a scene. For instance, if a character is walking, a secondary action might be their arms swinging or their facial expressions changing.

While secondary actions should support the main movement, they shouldn’t distract from it. For example, if a character is delivering an important line of dialogue, their hand gestures or facial expressions should enhance the delivery without overwhelming the audience. What are the 12 principles of animation if not guidelines for layering actions and emotions seamlessly?

9. Timing

Timing refers to the speed at which an action occurs. The number of frames assigned to a specific movement dictates how fast or slow that action appears on screen. Timing is crucial in conveying weight, mood, and emotion. A fast movement can suggest urgency or lightness, while a slow movement can imply heaviness or thoughtfulness.

Good timing also plays a role in comedic and dramatic storytelling. For example, a delayed reaction can create a sense of surprise or humor. What are the 12 principles of animation if not a roadmap for creating rhythm and flow in a story?

10. Exaggeration

While realism is important, exaggeration helps make animations more dynamic and visually interesting. Whether it’s exaggerating a character’s facial expression or the size of an explosion, this principle adds energy to the animation.

In cartoony animations, exaggeration might be taken to extremes, like characters stretching impossibly far or moving at impossible speeds. In more realistic animation, it may be more subtle, like a character’s exaggerated sigh to show frustration. What are the 12 principles of animation without exaggeration? Animation would lack its signature liveliness and charm.

11. Solid Drawing

Even in digital animation, understanding the fundamentals of solid drawing is essential. This principle emphasizes the importance of understanding anatomy, weight, volume, and balance. Characters should appear three-dimensional, even if they are drawn in a 2D medium.

What are the 12 principles of animation if animators lack the foundation of solid drawing? Characters and objects would appear flat and unconvincing.

12. Appeal

The final principle is appeal. Characters, whether heroes or villains, need to have some level of appeal to engage the audience. This doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be beautiful or perfect, but they should have traits that make them interesting or relatable.

Appeal also applies to the design of objects and environments. A well-designed scene draws the audience in, while an appealing character design keeps their attention. What are the 12 principles of animation if not a guide to creating characters and worlds that captivate the viewer?

Conclusion

So, what are the 12 principles of animation? They are the essential guidelines that help animators create believable, dynamic, and engaging animations. From the flexibility of squash and stretch to the depth of secondary actions, each principle contributes to creating motion that resonates with the audience. Whether you’re just starting in animation or you’re looking to refine your skills, understanding and applying these principles will help you bring your characters and stories to life in ways that captivate and entertain.