The 12 Principles of Animation Explained: Master the Rules of Motion
Animation is the art of bringing inanimate objects to life through movement. Whether it’s a classic Disney film or the latest 3D computer-animated blockbuster, the magic of animation lies in creating the illusion of movement that feels natural, engaging, and ultimately believable.
At the heart of this art form are the 12 Principles of Animation, a set of fundamental guidelines that have shaped and influenced animated works for decades. Coined by legendary Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, these principles serve as the foundation upon which all great animation is built.
So, what exactly are these principles, and why are they so important? Let’s dive in and explore each one in detail.
The Origins of the 12 Principles
The roots of the 12 Principles of Animation can be traced back to the early days of Disney, when a group of talented animators, known as the “Nine Old Men,” developed a distinct style of animation that prioritized movement rooted in the laws of physics and the desired emotional expression of each character and sequence.
As the Disney empire grew, its influence over traditional animation spread, and the principles developed by Thomas and Johnston became the industry standard. In 1981, they published the book “The Illusion of Life,” which outlined these 12 fundamental guidelines that all Disney animators were expected to follow.
Today, these principles are taught far beyond the realm of Disney and remain relevant even in the age of 3D computer animation, where their application has evolved to meet the demands of modern technology.
The 12 Principles Explained
- Squash and Stretch
The first and arguably most important principle is squash and stretch. This technique gives an object weight and lifelike malleability, allowing animators to signal an object’s mass and rigidity by exaggerating its deformation during movement.
The more an object stretches and squashes, the more gelatinous it appears. However, a crucial guideline is to maintain a constant volume; as an object stretches on one axis, it must squash on another to preserve believability.
- Anticipation
Anticipation is the preparation for an action, the “windup” that precedes a movement. By incorporating anticipation, animators can make an action more legible and expected by the audience, adding a sense of realism and clarity to the movement.
This could be as subtle as a character pulling back their mouth before speaking or as exaggerated as a character winding up for a powerful punch.
- Staging
Staging refers to the composition of a frame, ensuring that the core idea or action is presented clearly and effectively. Animators use various elements, such as camera angles, framing, and character positioning, to draw the viewer’s attention to the most important aspects of a scene.
For example, in a scene where a character is undergoing a significant transformation, the animators might choose to keep the character centered in the frame, ensuring that the audience’s focus remains on the character throughout the change.
- Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose
This principle refers to two different approaches to traditional animation. Straight Ahead Action involves animating one frame after another, allowing the movement to unfold organically, while Pose to Pose involves defining the key poses first and then filling in the in-between frames.
Straight Ahead Action is best suited for unpredictable movements, such as reactions or natural elements like fire and water, while Pose to Pose is ideal for more controlled movements that require hitting specific beats.
- Follow Through and Overlapping Action
Follow Through and Overlapping Action are crucial principles that add realism to animated movements by adhering to the laws of physics. Follow Through refers to the continued movement of an appendage or object after the main action has stopped, representing the concept of inertia.
Overlapping Action, on the other hand, acknowledges that different parts of a body move at different rates, creating a more lifelike and dynamic motion. These principles ensure that a character’s movement doesn’t feel unnaturally rigid or robotic.
- Slow In and Slow Out
This principle states that an action should start and end slowly, with the majority of the movement occurring in the middle. Just as in real life, nothing can start or stop instantly; there is always a gradual acceleration and deceleration.
By incorporating more in-between frames at the beginning and end of an action, animators can create a more realistic and organic movement, enhancing the sense of weight and inertia.
- Arcs
Most natural movements follow an arced path, rather than mechanical straight lines. Animators incorporate arcs into their character’s movements, from the swing of an arm to the bounce of a ball, to create a sense of fluidity and naturalism.
This principle is particularly important in computer animation, where curves and arcs must be intentionally programmed into the motion paths.
- Secondary Action
Secondary Action refers to the smaller, supporting movements that occur in tandem with the primary action. These additional movements can enhance the primary action, add personality to a character, or convey specific emotions or attitudes.
For example, a character’s primary action might be walking, while the secondary action could be swinging their arms or adjusting their clothing, adding nuance and realism to the overall movement.
- Timing
Timing is the principle that governs the speed and pacing of an animated movement. It determines the number of frames allocated to each action, influencing the perceived weight, energy, and emotion of the movement.
Animators can manipulate timing to convey a character’s personality, mood, or intentions. A slow, drawn-out movement might suggest hesitation or melancholy, while a rapid, snappy action could signify excitement or frustration.
- Exaggeration
One of the defining principles of animation is exaggeration. Unlike live-action, where realism is often the goal, animation allows for the amplification and stylization of movements, expressions, and behaviors beyond what is possible in the real world.
Exaggeration can be used to heighten the emotional impact of a scene, establish a character’s personality, or simply add a sense of whimsy and charm to the animation. However, it should be employed judiciously and with a clear purpose, ensuring that the exaggeration supports the overall storytelling and character development.
- Solid Drawing
Solid Drawing refers to the fundamental skills required for creating believable, three-dimensional characters and environments. Animators must understand principles such as weight, depth, balance, and perspective to ensure that their drawings appear solid and grounded, even in the two-dimensional medium of traditional animation.
This principle also cautions against “twinning,” or creating perfectly symmetrical characters or movements, as this can undermine the sense of solidity and dimensionality.
- Appeal
The final principle, Appeal, is perhaps the most subjective and elusive of the twelve. It refers to the qualities that make a character or animation inherently likable, engaging, and visually appealing to the audience.
Appeal can be achieved through various means, such as simplicity of design, exaggerated or stylized features, or the incorporation of endearing or relatable characteristics. Ultimately, Appeal is what draws the audience in and creates an emotional connection with the animated characters and their stories.
Conclusion
The 12 Principles of Animation are more than just a set of guidelines; they are the foundation upon which all great animated works are built. From the squash and stretch of a character’s movements to the exaggerated expressions that convey their emotions, these principles ensure that animated characters and worlds feel alive, believable, and engaging.
While the principles were initially developed for traditional hand-drawn animation, their influence has extended into the modern era of computer animation, where they continue to inform and shape the art of bringing inanimate objects to life.
Whether you’re a seasoned animator, a student of the craft, or simply an avid fan of animation, understanding and appreciating the 12 Principles of Animation will deepen your appreciation for the magic that unfolds on the screen. So, the next time you watch an animated film or series, keep an eye out for these principles in action, and marvel at the artistry and skill that brings these enchanting worlds to life.