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The Basics of 2D Animation

with Benjamin Cerbai
5 (13)
Discover the joy of animating your artwork from scratch in super-easy steps!
English, Spanish, 4 more French, Italian, German, Portuguese English, French [Auto], 4 more Spanish [Auto], Italian [Auto], German [Auto], Portuguese [Auto]
3+
hours
25
lessons
Beginner to Intermediate
level
Benjamin Cerbai

Your Instructor

Benjamin Cerbai is a 2D animator, illustrator, and video creator from France. He is also the co-creator of the animation app ‘Callipeg’.

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3+
hours
25
lessons
Beginner to Intermediate
level
English, Spanish , 4 more
Languages
  • French
  • Italian
  • German
  • Portuguese
English, French [Auto] , 4 more
Subtitles
  • Spanish [Auto]
  • Italian [Auto]
  • German [Auto]
  • Portuguese [Auto]

What you’ll learn

  • Discover how simple and fun animation can be!
  • Explore animation software, and how to confidently use the tools and functions
  • Design characters that are easy to animate, bursting with personality
  • Create an array of moods and personalities with various timings and spacings.
  • Give your characters human qualities with the magic of squash and stretch
  • Animate a character walking, rolling, and bouncing with confidence and flair
  • Master the art of fluid motion and dynamic movements
  • Understand how to use key poses, breakdowns, and in-betweens like a pro
  • Draw striking silhouettes, poses, and expressions that leap off the screen
  • Add color, lighting, and shadows to add interest and depth to your animation
  • Throw in some fun extra effects to make your animation pop
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Description

Wish there were simple methods that you could use RIGHT AWAY to breathe life into your artwork?—Easy animation skills. Well, this is it!!

Say goodbye to long, boring theory sessions because, in this course, we’re diving straight into the fun stuff! Benjamin Cerbai, your instructor today, believes in learning by doing. No more waiting around—let’s get those shapes and characters dancing!

Benjamin demystifies animation principles in a way beginners can easily grasp, breaking them down into simple steps that you can use to animate your sketches. From timing to spacing, squash to stretch, you’ll be mastering the art of movement in no time.

Test out each newfound skill as you go, animating your sketches as you refine them. (No need to wait for a final illustration) Benjamin won’t just teach you how to animate; he’s all about infusing personality into his artwork and shows you how to do the same for yours!

You’ll discover the ins and outs of Callipeg, the animation software used in the course, gaining confidence in navigating your digital playground. Then it’s off to the races from basic shapes to more advanced characters, where you’ll flex your creative muscles with exciting exercises.

Get ready to wow yourself (and your loved ones) as you see your rough sketches transform into unique, dynamic characters who strut their stuff like in your favorite cartoons!

Who’s up for an animated adventure?

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Who is this course for

  • Beginners looking to start animating their drawings
  • Anyone interested in learning 2D animation concepts
  • Animators who want to brush up on their skills
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This course includes

  • 3+ Hours of on-demand videos
  • 10 Reference images
  • Bonus material
  • Bonus video content
  • Certificate of Completion
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Used in course

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What you'll need

  • Some drawing experience recommended
  • You'll learn more if you have a drawing tablet
  • Animation software, such as Callipeg (or similar)
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Lesson Plan

with Benjamin Cerbai
Expand all sections
00

Introduction

02:56

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Benjamin is thrilled to be your instructor today, sharing the joy of 2D animation with you! Get ready for a fun adventure in this exciting course!

01

Understanding and Practicing Essential Principles

30:33

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No need to sit through a ton of theory before getting your hands dirty! In this course, you’ll start animating right off the bat and learn key concepts as you progress along. Awesome, right!?

Benjamin gives a quick tour of the animation software, explaining how it works, and then dives into animating basic fun shapes. Follow along with easy exercises as you master principles like timing, spacing, squash, and stretch to create lively movements. Then apply everything you’ve learned in a cute bouncing ball animation with comical expressions.


1.1
The Basics of Callipeg and Digital Animation
03:42
1.2
Your First Animation
04:02
1.3
Make it Bounce
02:31
1.4
Squash & Stretch + How to Show Weight
06:18
1.5
Create a Character
06:20
1.6
Export your Animation
02:46
1.7
More Ideas to Experiment With
04:54
02

Design a Character for Animation

26:41

Learn squash and stretch concepts in animation

Now it’s time to design a human character that we can animate together! Benjamin shows you how to simplify the process by working with simple shapes and drawing different poses to understand volume and movement.

He shares tips on creating striking silhouettes, poses, expressions, and color palettes to enhance your animation. Additionally, you’ll get insight into choosing what to animate and why, to set a clear direction for your project.


2.1
Use Simple Shapes
09:36
2.2
Create a Character Sheet
07:36
2.3
Choose the Colors
06:11
2.4
What we will Animate and Why
01:45
2.5
Background Questions
01:33
03

Character walk cycle: Rough Animation

33:24

Animating your art in 2D with Callipeg

Now that we have our character design planned out, let’s jump into animating her! Did you know that you can start animating a rough sketch and finalize the artwork as you go?

A drawing doesn’t need to be finished to start animating it! In this lesson, we’ll work on animating some sketches and then progress to the tie-down stage.

You’ll discover which angles are best to start with and work with breakdowns and in-betweens to achieve fluid motion. Benjamin shows you how to maintain consistency in volume and design for a polished result.


3.1
Rough Animation: Legs
09:57
3.2
Rough Animation: Arms and Head
09:33
3.3
Tie Down - Part 1
07:54
3.4
Tie Down - Part 2
06:00
04

Character walk cycle: Clean Lines and Colors

10:32

Create simple animations from scratch

In this lesson, have fun discovering how to color and render your animated character, for a professional look! Benjamin shares his process for refining sketches easily and pro techniques for coloring quickly to give beautifully clean results.

You’ll also learn about advanced features like alpha lock and blending modes for enhanced visual effects. Enjoy the thrill of seeing your animation come to life in stunning detail!


4.1
Clean Up Stage
04:14
4.2
Colors
03:07
4.3
Light and Shadow
03:11
05

Final Touches

10:47

How to create an animation walk cycle

Let’s put the finishing touches on the adorable animation you’ve made! You’ll find out how to create lovely backgrounds, enchanting fireflies, and captivating noise animations to bring it all together!

Also, discover a magical tool to create quick effects like raindrops, snowflakes, buzzing insects and more. Plus, learn the art of crafting seamless loop cycles and discover valuable tips for sharing your work online. You’ll dazzle your audience with your lively creations!


5.1
Adding Fireflies
02:57
5.2
Simple Background and Noise Animation
04:49
5.3
Export your Final Animation
03:01
06

Conclusion

01:26

Animate your artwork the easy way

Congratulations on creating your first complete animation! Benjamin gives advice on the next steps you can take on your animation journey.

It’s just the beginning! Happy animating!


6.1
What to do Next!
01:26

Bonus Video

Live Interview with Benjamin Cerbai
01

Live Interview with Benjamin Cerbai

01:10:58

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Student Feedback

13 customer reviews & ratings

5

Course rating

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Best Suited for
Beginner
The level is determined by a majority opinion of students who have reviewed this class. The teacher's recommendation is shown until at least 5 student responses are collected.

(Based on 13 reviews)

Most Liked
Great step-by-step process 10
Helpful Examples 10
Clarity of Instruction 9
Showing 10 reviews of
13
reviews & ratings
YG
YASEMİN G.

2 months ago

Verified Purchase
I came across it exactly at a time when I was working on 2d animation. It's a very nice and inspiring course to start with.
I recommend it for Beginner
3 people found this helpful
BM
Brian M.

1 month ago

Verified Purchase
Wonderful intro into the world of 2D animation. Enjoyed so much have watched twice and look forward to having as a reference to go back to from time to time.
I recommend it for All levels
1 person found this helpful
YR
Yad R.

1 month ago

Verified Purchase
Enjoyed the course very much
I recommend it for All levels
PS
Paul S.

1 month ago

Verified Purchase
Enjoying the basics being broken down. It makes animating even just a ball great fun.
I recommend it for Beginner
RS
Robert S.

1 month ago

Verified Purchase
Just got into animation jumping from procreate to procreate dreams. I’ve had no formal animation training so this has given me a great foundation and understanding of core principles to move forward with.
I recommend it for Beginner
MT
Molnár T.

4 weeks ago

Verified Purchase
Awesome!
I recommend it for All levels
HR
Henry R.

4 weeks ago

Verified Purchase
very clear, and easy to follow, thanks for this gem.
I recommend it for Beginner
AA
Andre A.

3 weeks ago

Verified Purchase
Great artist and teacher. Very good class.
I recommend it for Beginner
MH
Michael H.

1 week ago

Verified Purchase
The instructor gives very clear explanation, he keeps it simple with reasonably complex exercises.
I recommend it for Beginner
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Byron M.

1 month ago

Verified Purchase
Inspirador. Me anima a practicar y hacerlo por mi mismo. Felicito al profesor
I recommend it for Beginner
1 person found this helpful
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About the Instructor

Benjamin Cerbai
2D Animator and Artist 1 course

Benjamin Cerbai is a 2D animator, illustrator, and video creator living in France. He is the co-creator of the animation app ‘Callipeg’.


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