Overview
Lessons
Reviews
Instructor
  Sale Ends Today!  75% off our annual membership. Get skills that fulfill.  
Sign in
Preview course

Introduction to Animation

with Tom Bancroft
4.9 (153)
Disney veteran, Tom Bancroft, simplifies the process of animating your artwork in a fun way that's easy to follow along!
English, Spanish English, Spanish, 4 more French, German, Italian, Portuguese
2+
hours
30
lessons
Beginner
level
Tom Bancroft

Your Instructor

Tom Bancroft is an animator who has worked with Disney Studios for over 25 years. Films he contributed to include Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Mulan.

All Courses
Get access to this course and 50+ more
$461 / year
$1835 / year
left at this price!Save 75%
Get Started
  • Cancel Anytime
  • 30-Day Money-back Guarantee

Only this course
$195 HKD
Get Single Course
  • 30-Day Money-back Guarantee
Explore the course
2+
hours
30
lessons
Beginner
level
English, Spanish
English, Spanish , 4 more
Subtitles
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Portuguese

What you’ll learn

  • Learn to think like a master Disney animator, by planning your animation in advance
  • Discover Tom Bancroft’s thought process for developing an action scene
  • Get to know the 12 Principles of Animation and examples of each
  • What are the various types of animation and important animation terms
  • Find out the difference between sketching and drawing
  • Master the 'BIG THREE' Animation Concepts: Timing, Spacing and Squash & Stretch
+ See more

Description

Have you ever dreamed of animating your artwork and seeing your characters take on a life of their own?

For many unfortunately, this dream remains just that: a dream. Starting out in the world of animation can seem very daunting and understandably so! Where does one begin!?

While animation can be complex with many different factors to take into account, don’t despair! You now have an excellent instructor with years of experience under his belt to guide you through the learning process. Disney veteran, Tom Bancroft, will simplify the essential principles in a way that is easy to grasp and apply. Once you are done with this course, you’ll have the confidence to start practicing your newfound skills right away!

Discover for yourself that “there is no better reward than seeing your artwork come alive before your very eyes” (as Tom says)! Ready to jump in? 🙂

Note: This course uses 2D Animation, however the principles also apply to CG (3D) Animation and Stop Motion (Puppet) Animation.

+ See more

Who is this course for

  • Artists who are starting out in animation and want to learn the basics (some drawing experience required)
  • Animators who would like to brush up on the essentials and learn the process from an industry veteran
+ See more

This course includes

  • 2+ Hours of on-demand videos
  • 5 Assignments (PNG)
  • Bonus material
  • List of recommended resources
  • Certificate of Completion
+ See more

Used in course

+ See more

What you'll need

  • Some previous art experience needed
  • Animation software, such as TV Paint Software, Pencil2D (Free) or similar
+ See more

Lesson Plan

with Tom Bancroft
Expand all sections
00

Introduction

02:03

Start your Subscription to continue watching
Start your subscription to get access to this class and 50+ more on 21 Draw
Get Started

Welcome ‘Introduction to Animation’! Meet your instructor, Disney legend and professional animator, Tom Bancroft, and get a glimpse of what’s in store for you in this course.

01

Animation Basics

26:43

Start your Subscription to continue watching
Start your subscription to get access to this class and 50+ more on 21 Draw
Get Started

In this introductory espisode, you’ll learn the foundational animation concepts and terminology.

You will get a basic understanding of how animation works and how to think like an animator. Also, Tom teaches essential drawing principles that animators use, to get you started on the right foot.

   List of Recommended Resources included

   Extra Resource Guide included


1.1
The Basics
04:33
1.2
The Tools
03:44
1.3
Terminology
04:50
1.4
Turning Head Demo
04:49
1.5
Drawing for Animation
08:47
02

The 'BIG THREE': Timing, Spacing, and Squash & Stretch

34:31

Start your Subscription to continue watching
Start your subscription to get access to this class and 50+ more on 21 Draw
Get Started

Tom takes the ‘Big Three’, the most essential principles, from the ’12 Principles of Animation’ and breaks them down in a very simplified manner so you can start animating right away! 

These three principles are really the essence of how to effectively move your character around and make their movements believable. Watch his fun examples and demos to really get these concepts.

   Assignment included

   2 Extra Resource Images included


2.1
Introduction
05:41
2.2
Timing and Spacing
09:35
2.3
Squash & Stretch
12:58
2.4
Flour Sack Demo
06:17
03

Anticipation, Arcs, and Consecutive Breaking Of Joints

35:47

This episode builds on the three foundational  animation principles with additional concepts that are also important for smooth flow and creating interesting dynamics, eg: how body mechanics and movements work.

In the homework assignment, Tom carefully explains step-by-step how you can combine all these concepts effectively into one animation. It’s gonna be lots of fun!

   Assignment included

   Extra Resource Template included


3.1
Introduction
01:30
3.2
Anticipation
03:23
3.3
Backpack Demo
02:28
3.4
Arcs
03:07
3.5
Consecutive Breaking of Joints
03:09
3.6
Pointing Hand Demo
07:38
3.7
Drinking from a Glass Demo
14:32
04

Staging, Appeal, and Thumbnailing

21:38

In this episode, you will learn a few more principles from the ’12 Principles of Animation and get to experience Tom’s thought process first hand, as he explains how he plans out an animation.

You’ll also learn how to think like an animator, by stepping back, pondering your ideas and evaluating the mechanics of movement before putting pen to paper. 

   Assignment included

   Extra Resource Thumbnail Plan included


4.1
Introduction
02:08
4.2
Thumbnailing
04:51
4.3
Staging
01:49
4.4
Rabbit Demo
05:50
4.5
Thought Process for Thumbnailing
07:00
05

The Finishing Touches

23:09

Start your Subscription to continue watching
Start your subscription to get access to this class and 50+ more on 21 Draw
Get Started

Tom discusses some additional animation concepts in this final episode, which complement the major ones you learned previously. These concepts will help make your character’s movements smoother and more graceful.

Enjoy the last assignment, which brings together all the principles and techniques taught in this course. And remember to keep growing and learning more!

   Assignment included

   Extra Resources (Image and Guide) included


5.1
Introduction
03:55
5.2
Follow Through, Overlapping Action, and Drag
04:04
5.3
Superhero Demo
04:03
5.4
Moving Holds
02:00
5.5
Slow in/Slow out Demo
03:08
5.6
Summary and Final Assignment
01:58
5.7
Girl Turning Demo
03:09
5.8
Final Farewell
00:52

Student Feedback

153 customer reviews & ratings

4.9

Course rating

Log in to leave a review or rating.
5 star
91 %
4 star
7 %
3 star
3 %
2 star
0 %
1 star
0 %
Best Suited for
Beginner
The level is determined by a majority opinion of students who have reviewed this class. The teacher's recommendation is shown until at least 5 student responses are collected.

(Based on 153 reviews)

Most Liked
Clarity of Instruction 131
Helpful Examples 128
Engaging Teacher 118
Showing 10 reviews of
153
reviews & ratings
AM
Alina M.

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
I just start to learn drawing and of course animation 😊 but this course is absolutely amazing and very clearly, it’s doesn’t confuse you and if you believe or not he gives you a lot of ideas and the most important confidence in your creation animation!!! 😊 (I’m apologizing for my E
+ Show more
nglish is not very good 🙈)
I recommend it for All levels
7 people found this helpful
B
Blake

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
Great course from Tom Bancroft! It's very clear and easy to follow. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn 2d animation!
I recommend it for All levels
6 people found this helpful
S
Samuel

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
Thanks master Tom for sharing this priceless techniques/knowledge/vision and mainly to be so inspiring and motivating!
I recommend it for All levels
4 people found this helpful
RK
Rodney K.

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
This course is very good for someone who wants to learn the beginning basics of animation from a master animator. Keep it coming!
I recommend it for All levels
4 people found this helpful
K
Kristyn

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
This is my favorite course so far, I'd love more animation courses from the same instructor! So much fun!
I recommend it for All levels
4 people found this helpful
M
M

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
I feel he have us his real tips without hiding info or not keeping part of the tips for him. He is generously sharing his knowledge. Thank you!
I recommend it for All levels
4 people found this helpful
DB
Darlie B.

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
Whether you do 2D or 3D, the kind of knowledge Tom will teach you is invaluable. This is the kind of training any animator needs to do performance. And I've been animating for 42 years
I recommend it for All levels
4 people found this helpful
J
Joe

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
This course is perfect for beginners! It is so easy to follow! Mr.Bancroft is extremely clear with his instructions and makes very helpful example animation to help explain his point. The only thing bad about this course is that it ends! :)
I recommend it for All levels
3 people found this helpful
M
Mykê

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
Ready easy to follow with brilliant examples to accompany the instructions and it was an added bonus that Tom is a very engaging teacher. Strongly recommend.
I recommend it for All levels
2 people found this helpful
M
Margot

3 years ago

Verified Purchase
Super clear and simple step-by-step course. It's very easy to follow along and the exercise has helped me grow. Also, the videos are very short, so you don't fall asleep half way, haha. Even though i'm already an intermediate animator, this course still learned me new things and it was a great
+ Show more
way to refresh the basics of animation. Thank you, Tom!
I recommend it for Beginner
2 people found this helpful
See more reviews

About the Instructor

Tom Bancroft
Animator & Character Designer 2 courses

Tom Bancroft has more than 25 years of experience in the animation industry, much of which was for Walt Disney Feature animation where he was an animator on four animated shorts and eight feature films of which Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Mulan, and Brother Bear were part of the list. He has been nominated for Annie and Rueben division awards, spoken at the Kennedy Center, and awarded an entry into the Chicago Children’s Film Festival.


Follow Tom on

Full bio

Bonus Offer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 21 Draw?

21 Draw is an online learning community where students of all skill levels can learn how to be a better artist. Our contributing artists and instructors are the best in the world.

Our streaming platform on www.21-draw.com makes it possible for anyone to watch hundreds of video lessons by industry legends who have worked for Disney, Marvel, DC, Dreamworks, Pixar & more. A membership gives full access to our streaming platform.

On books.21-draw.com you can buy our popular learn-to-draw ebooks and physical books, separate from the courses, and they too are also delivered to you by the heavyweights of the art industry.

147 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

What is included in the membership?

Membership includes unlimited access to all 50+ courses taught by the world’s best artists PLUS new courses as they are released.

Each class includes 10-20 video lessons that are 7 minutes long on average. Most classes include exercise sheets, assignments, and layered PSD or PNG files.

Some classes include the ability to chat with the instructor in a public forum, e.g. if you want feedback on your artwork.

195 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Do I receive a certificate after I complete a course?

Yes! When you complete a 21 Draw course, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you can download and share with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers!

152 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Are these online or offline courses?

21 Draw courses are on-demand (pre-recorded) video tutorials that you can watch online with any digital devices anytime and for an unlimited number of times! This means you can easily watch (and rewatch) them at your own pace and convenience.

422 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Can a beginner follow along?

We have classes for all levels, even for those with zero drawing experience. In general, artists at all levels can benefit from these courses—whether beginner, intermediate or advanced.

293 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Do the courses teach digital or traditional art?

Many lessons in our courses apply to both digital and traditional art. In a few tutorials, digital drawing software, e.g. Photoshop or Procreate for iPad is required. However, for the majority of lessons it is more about the underlying concepts and all that is needed is a pen and paper.

264 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Can I download the course videos?

You can download the course resources (exercise sheets, assignments, PSD files, etc.) from the site, but you cannot download the video lessons to your computer.

267 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

How much does a membership cost?

Normally it costs $1835/year. However, there is a special sale running now for a limited time: Save 75%! This means you can get an annual membership for just $461 HKD/year.

If you purchase the annual membership at a discounted price, it will remain at that price for each consecutive year, so long as your membership is not cancelled.

478 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

How does the 30-day guarantee work?

If for any reason at all you are unhappy with our courses or feel it isn’t what you are looking for—then just fill out this form or email us at [email protected]. We’ll be more than happy to give you a full refund within 30 days of your first purchase. No questions asked. Just a guarantee you can trust.

230 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

How do I cancel my membership?

You can easily cancel your membership renewal on your My Account page. Follow the prompts to cancel (Billing > Change Plan > Cancel Membership) and your membership will immediately be terminated. Please note: Refunds ONLY possible within 30 days after the date of purchase.

If you have more questions, please check out our Knowledge base or write to us here. We’re happy to assist in any way we can!

193 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
Yes
No

More from 21 Draw

About 21 Draw

21 Draw offers online courses and books on how to be a better artist for students of all skill levels. Our contributing artists and instructors are the best in the world.
Explore Courses & Books
Preview course
Watch the trailer
Access to all courses
Get access to this course and 50+ more
$461 / year
$1835/ year
left at this price!Save 75%
Get Started
(including this course)
OR
$195 HKD $312 Single Course
Lifetime access
No commitments
Cancel Anytime
30-Day Money-back Guarantee
Still not sure?
Check out our FAQ
Start your Subscription to continue watching
Start your subscription to get access to this class and 50+ more on 21 Draw
Get Started
Tom Bancroft Introduction to Animation
Get all-access
Get Access to All Courses. Save 75% now! Get started