The Core Animation Principles, conceived by Disney icons Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas, comprise 12 guidelines crafted to enhance the vibrancy and engagement of animations. These principles encompass Squash and Stretch, Anticipation, Staging, Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose, Follow Through and Overlapping Action, Slow In and Slow Out, Arcs, Secondary Action, Timing, Exaggeration, Solid Drawing, and Charisma.

“Straight Ahead” animation involves creating frames sequentially, starting from the initial point and progressing linearly. It’s often used to depict rapid or intricate movements. In contrast, “Pose to Pose” animation begins with the establishment of keyframes, followed by the filling in of intermediate frames. This approach is commonly applied to convey emotional or dramatic sequences.

Timing in animation bestows weight and intent upon movements. The pace of an action, be it swift or leisurely, influences how viewers perceive emotions, intentions, or unfolding narratives. Timing also plays a pivotal role in synchronizing physical actions with sound or dialogue.

Frame rate dictates the number of frames displayed per second in animation. A higher frame rate typically yields smoother motion but requires more resources for frame creation and rendering. Common frame rates include 24, 30, or 60 frames per second.

“Follow Through” and “Overlapping Action” are nuanced yet pivotal techniques in animation. “Follow Through” involves certain elements of a character continuing to move after the character ceases its primary motion, simulating real-world physics. For instance, when a character stops running, their clothing and hair may continue moving forward due to inertia. “Overlapping Action” refers to the offsetting of movements occurring simultaneously but with distinct starting times. For instance, when an animated bird takes flight, the wing motion slightly lags behind the body’s movement, infusing fluidity and complexity into the animation. Proficiency in these techniques deepens viewer immersion and emotional connection with animated scenes, rendering them indispensable for serious animators.

Tweening, derived from “in-betweening,” serves as a critical animation technique utilized to create the illusion of motion. It entails generating intermediary frames that bridge the gap between two key images, effectively smoothing transitions to create seamless movements. Although this process can be executed manually, numerous animation software solutions have streamlined and automated it. Tweening plays a pivotal role in animation by ensuring that motions flow smoothly and appear natural. Absent transitional frames, animations may exhibit choppiness and disjointedness. By incorporating tweening, animators can achieve a level of fluidity and realism that elevates the overall quality of their animations, captivating audiences with lifelike movements.