The 12 Principles of Animation

Many beginning animators usually have a tough time creating good animation, not because of the software, but because they lacked the information on what makes an animation good. According to the "Illusion of Life" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, it is the '12 principles of animation' that forms the fundamental principles of animation.

  1. Squash and stretch

  2. Anticipation

  3. Staging

  4. Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose

  5. Follow Through and Overlapping Action

  6. Slow In and Slow Out

  7. Arcs

  8. Secondary Action

  9. Timing

  10. Exaggeration

  11. Solid Drawing

  12. Appeal

I've also come across a video tutorial from traptcg.com that explains how the above principles work. As for those who love animation and aspire to be one, you should definitely consider investing in the book as it is considered to be the bible of animation.