BUILD YOUR ANIMATION FOUNDATION
Develop the skills that bring movement to life through structured learning in the twelve principles of animation.
Back to HomeUnderstanding That Changes How You See Movement
This course develops your ability to analyze and create believable movement. Through ten weeks of focused practice, you'll gain understanding of the principles that professional animators use to make their work feel natural and engaging.
You'll learn to see motion differently, recognizing the timing and spacing that makes animation feel right. Each principle builds on the previous one, creating a foundation that supports whatever direction your animation work takes you.
By the end of the program, you'll have completed exercises that demonstrate your grasp of these concepts. You'll understand how to apply principles like anticipation, follow-through, and squash and stretch to create movement that communicates intention and emotion.
TECHNICAL OUTCOMES
- • Understanding of all twelve animation principles
- • Ability to analyze timing and spacing
- • Skills in creating believable arcs of motion
- • Foundation for 2D and 3D applications
CREATIVE GROWTH
- • Confidence in planning animated sequences
- • Eye for what makes movement feel natural
- • Portfolio of principle demonstration exercises
- • Readiness for production-focused learning
When Animation Feels Just Out of Reach
You've likely watched animated work that impressed you and wondered how the creators achieved such fluid, natural movement. Perhaps you've attempted to recreate what you saw, only to find that your results feel stiff or unconvincing.
Many people entering animation underestimate how much goes into making movement look effortless. The spacing between frames, the timing of actions, the way weight and momentum affect motion—these aren't immediately obvious from watching finished work.
Without understanding the principles behind effective animation, it's easy to spend hours adjusting frames without quite achieving the result you're after. You might create technically correct movement that somehow lacks life, or struggle to know what needs adjustment when something doesn't feel right.
This course addresses that gap between seeing quality animation and being able to create it yourself. The principles you'll learn provide a framework for making decisions about movement, giving you tools for problem-solving rather than just following steps.
Progressive Learning Through Hands-On Practice
We structure this course around the twelve principles established by animation pioneers at Disney Studios. These principles aren't arbitrary rules but observations about how movement works in the physical world and how our eyes perceive it.
Each week focuses on specific principles through explanation, demonstration, and practice. You'll create exercises that isolate each concept, helping you understand how it functions before combining it with others.
The curriculum progresses from foundational principles like timing and spacing to more nuanced concepts like anticipation and exaggeration. By building skills incrementally, you develop understanding that remains useful regardless of which animation style or software you eventually work with.
Course Structure
Foundation Principles
Squash and stretch, anticipation, staging. Understanding how these create readable movement and direct viewer attention.
Motion Mechanics
Straight ahead and pose to pose, follow through and overlapping action, slow in and slow out. Techniques for creating natural motion flow.
Advanced Concepts
Arcs, secondary action, timing. Refining movement quality and adding layers of believability.
Integration & Application
Exaggeration, solid drawing, appeal. Combining principles in complete exercises that demonstrate comprehensive understanding.
What Your Weeks at Motionark Look Like
Classes meet twice weekly at our Tokyo facility, with each session running two hours. During class time, you'll work through demonstrations, complete guided exercises, and receive feedback on your work.
Between sessions, you'll practice the week's principles through assigned exercises. These aren't busywork but focused practice designed to build your eye for movement. Most students find they need three to five hours between classes to complete assignments comfortably.
Our instructors review your work regularly, offering specific guidance on what's working and where adjustments might improve your results. This feedback helps you develop judgment about your own animation work, which becomes increasingly valuable as you progress.
IN CLASS
- Principle demonstrations with visual examples
- Guided practice with instructor support
- Review of previous week's assignments
- Q&A addressing specific challenges
BETWEEN SESSIONS
- Focused exercises on current principles
- Progressive complexity in assignments
- Written feedback on submitted work
- Access to reference materials and examples
Your Investment in Animation Skills
¥138,000
For the complete 10-week program
What's Included
This investment provides structured learning that many self-taught animators spend months or years developing through trial and error. The principles you'll understand form the foundation for all animation work, regardless of which software or style you eventually pursue.
Payment options include full tuition at enrollment or split payment arrangements. Contact us to discuss which approach works better for your situation.
Measurable Progress Through the Program
The twelve principles of animation aren't abstract concepts but observable elements in movement. Our curriculum addresses each principle systematically, allowing you to develop understanding through repetition and refinement.
Progress becomes visible through your exercise work. Early assignments might take several attempts to achieve the desired effect, while later exercises demonstrate your improved ability to plan and execute movement. This progression isn't subjective—you'll see it in the quality of your own work.
We track development through regular assignment reviews. Instructors provide specific feedback on timing choices, spacing decisions, and principle application. This guidance helps you understand not just what to adjust, but why certain adjustments improve the result.
Your Development Timeline
Initial Understanding
Learning to identify principles in existing animation. Completing basic exercises that isolate single concepts.
Building Proficiency
Combining multiple principles in exercises. Developing judgment about timing and spacing choices.
Applying Knowledge
Creating more complex movement sequences. Understanding how principles work together to create believable motion.
Demonstrating Mastery
Completing comprehensive exercises that show understanding of all principles. Building portfolio pieces.
Learning With Confidence
We understand that choosing animation education involves both time and financial commitment. Our approach aims to make that decision easier by providing clear information about what the course entails and what you can expect to gain from it.
Before enrolling, we encourage you to visit our facility, speak with instructors, and ask questions about curriculum specifics. This consultation helps ensure the course aligns with your current skill level and learning goals.
Should you find during the first two weeks that the course doesn't meet your expectations or suit your learning style, we'll work with you to find a solution that addresses your concerns.
Clear Expectations
Detailed course information before you enroll, so you know what you're committing to.
Open Communication
Regular feedback and accessibility to instructors for questions throughout the program.
Flexible Support
Understanding that learning timelines vary, with instructor availability for additional guidance.
Your Path Forward
Beginning your animation education starts with a conversation about your goals and background. This helps us ensure the course fits your current situation and learning objectives.
The enrollment process is straightforward: reach out through our contact form, schedule a brief consultation, and if the course seems right for you, complete the registration. The next course session begins in early December 2025, with enrollment closing November 25th.
Simple Steps to Enrollment
Submit Your Inquiry
Use the contact form below to share basic information and any questions you have about the course.
Schedule a Consultation
We'll arrange a time to discuss the curriculum, your background, and whether this course aligns with your goals.
Complete Registration
If the course fits your needs, we'll guide you through enrollment and answer any remaining questions.
Begin Learning
Attend the first session and start building your foundation in animation principles.
Start Building Your Animation Skills
Connect with us to learn more about the Animation Principles and Fundamentals course and how it can support your creative development.
Get Started TodayNext session begins early December 2025 • Enrollment closes November 25th
Explore Our Other Courses
Discover additional programs that might align with your animation goals.
2D Digital Animation Production
Ready to apply principles in production software? This course develops technical capabilities in character rigging, walk cycles, and scene composition using industry tools.
Learn More →Motion Graphics for Digital Media
Interested in motion graphics applications? This program focuses on kinetic typography, logo animation, and explainer video creation across diverse project types.
Learn More →