The 12 Principles of Animation

The 12 Principles of Animation

The twelve principles of animation were created by Disney animators in the 1930s. They provide a foundation for creating more fluid, realistic, and expressive animations. Below, we detail each of them with examples.

1. Squash and Stretch

The most important principle of animation, giving a sense of weight and flexibility to drawn objects.

2. Anticipation

Used to prepare the audience for an action, and to make the action appear more realistic.

3. Staging

Directs the audience’s attention, making it clear what is of greatest importance in a scene.

4. Straight Ahead and Pose to Pose

Two different approaches to the drawing process, each with its own strengths.

5. Follow Through and Overlapping Action

Techniques that give the impression that characters follow the laws of physics.

6. Slow In and Slow Out

Adding more frames near the beginning and end of a movement to create a realistic easing effect.

7. Arc

Most natural action follows an arched trajectory, providing greater realism.

8. Secondary Action

Adding secondary actions to the main action gives a scene more life.

9. Timing

The number of drawings or frames for a given action, which dictates the speed of the action on film.

10. Exaggeration

Remaining true to reality, but presenting it in a wilder, more extreme form.

11. Solid Drawing

Taking into account forms in three-dimensional space, giving them volume and weight.

12. Appeal

The charisma in an animated character that makes the audience connect with them.