Chapter 1: Getting Started in 2D Animation

What Is 2D Animation?

2D animation is the creation of movement in a flat, two-dimensional space using drawings, digital paintings, or cut-out elements. Unlike 3D, there is no real depth — illusion of depth is created through artistic techniques.

Why 2D Is Still Thriving in 2025

• Full artistic control over every stroke
• Lower hardware requirements than 3D
• Perfect for social media, web series, explainer videos, games, and feature films
• Massive resurgence thanks to Spider-Verse style, Arcane, Klaus, and indie creators

Main Styles You’ll Master

1. Traditional Frame-by-Frame
2. Cut-Out / Puppet (Rigged) Animation
3. Hybrid (best of both worlds)
4. Limited Animation (for TV & web)

Your Very First Exercise (Do This Right Now)

1. Open any drawing app or take paper
2. Draw a ball at the top
3. Draw it squashed when it hits the ground
4. Draw it stretching as it bounces up
5. Flip through the pages or scrub the timeline

You just animated Squash & Stretch!

Success Mindset

• Draw every day (even 10 minutes)
• Observe real life movement constantly
• Finish projects — a finished 5-second loop > perfect unfinished film
• Share your work early and get feedback