The Foundation
Disneys 12 principles, codified by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, remain the foundation of all animation — 2D, 3D, and motion graphics.
1. Squash and Stretch
The most important principle. Objects deform on impact and stretch during movement, maintaining consistent volume. A bouncing ball squashes flat on ground contact and stretches tall at peak velocity.
For more on this topic, see our guide on best 2d animation software for beginners and pros.2. Anticipation
Before a major action, there is a smaller preparatory movement in the opposite direction. Before jumping up, a character crouches down.
3. Staging
Present ideas clearly using composition, lighting, and camera angle so the audience knows where to look.
4. Straight Ahead vs Pose to Pose
Straight ahead: draw frame by frame sequentially (spontaneous, organic). Pose to pose: draw key poses first, then fill in-betweens (controlled, planned).
5-8: Follow Through, Slow In/Out, Arcs, Secondary Action
Hair and clothes continue moving after the body stops (follow through). Movements accelerate and decelerate (ease). Natural motion follows arcs, not straight lines. Secondary actions support the main action without distracting.
9-12: Timing, Exaggeration, Solid Drawing, Appeal
Timing = number of frames between poses (fewer = faster). Exaggeration pushes poses beyond reality for impact. Solid drawing means understanding 3D form. Appeal is the animation equivalent of charisma.