Animation Summer Bootcamp Live Online (High School)

Attention high school students! Are you interested in animation and creativity? Are you fascinated by the magic of animation and eager to explore the world of 2D animation? Look no further! This 2D animation program is designed just for you. 

In the first week, we’ll lay the foundation for your animation journey. Starting with an engaging exploration of animation history, you’ll discover the evolution of this dynamic art form, from its humble beginnings to modern innovations. You’ll learn about influential figures and pivotal moments in animation history, gaining insight into the creative forces that shaped the industry.

From there, you'll explore principles of design and animation. Through hands-on sketching exercises and practical demonstrations, you’ll learn how to apply these principles to your own animation projects. With each session, you’ll hone your skills and creativity, preparing you for the exciting challenges ahead.

In the second week, we’ll take your animation journey to the next level with advanced concepts and final projects. From learning cutting-edge animation techniques to mastering sound design and timing, you’ll expand your toolkit and refine your craft. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll embark on the production of your final animation project, applying everything you’ve learned throughout the course.

Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your creations and receive constructive feedback from your peers. As you reflect on your learning journey and celebrate your accomplishments, you’ll emerge from this course with newfound confidence and a passion for animation that will continue to inspire you for years to come.

What’s Included

• 46 hours of hands-on instruction
• Live, project-based training from experts
• Verified digital certificate of completion
• Small class sizes

What You’ll Learn at a Glance

• Complete animation projects from start to finish
• Learn & apply the principles of animation
• Practice different 2D animation techniques
• Create original character designs
• Use storyboarding to bring a narrative to life
• Incorporate sound design into your animations
• Explore advanced animation topics

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Introduction to Animation History and Principles of Design

• Overview of animation history from early experiments to modern techniques.
• Discussion on key figures and milestones in animation history.
• Introduction to principles of design and their application in animation.
• Hands-on sketching exercises focusing on basic design principles.

Principles of Animation

• Introduction to the 12 principles of animation with examples.
• Analysis of classic animated clips to identify and understand each principle.
• Animation exercises focusing on applying the principles learned.
• Group critique and feedback on animation exercises.

Exploring Different Animation Techniques

• Overview of traditional 2D animation techniques (e.g., hand-drawn, cel animation).
• Demonstration of basic animation tools and materials.
• Hands-on practice and experimentation with different animation techniques.
• Exploration of various animation exercises to understand their differences and applications.

Character Design Basics

• Introduction to character design principles for animation.
• Demonstration of techniques for creating expressive and appealing characters.
• Hands-on character design exercises focusing on creating original characters.
• Peer review and feedback on character designs

Applying Design and Animation Principles

• Integration of design and animation principles in storytelling.
• Analysis of animated shorts that effectively utilize design and animation principles.
• Group project: Storyboard creation based on a provided prompt.
• Refinement and finalization of storyboards for individual projects.

Advanced Animation Techniques

• Exploration of advanced animation techniques.
• Demonstration of examples of innovative animation projects.
• Hands-on practice and experimentation with advanced animation techniques.
• Group discussion on challenges and creative solutions encountered during experimentation.

Sound Design and Timing

• Introduction to sound design principles and its role in animation.
• Techniques for syncing animation with sound.
• Sound design workshop: Incorporating sound effects and music into animations.
• Timing exercises: Animating to specific beats or rhythms.

Final Project Development

• Brainstorming ideas and planning for final animation projects.
• Individual work time for developing concepts and storyboards.
• Peer review and feedback on project concepts and storyboards.
• Making adjustments based on feedback and refining project concepts.

Final Project Production

• Individual work time for animating final projects under instructor guidance.
• Troubleshooting technical challenges encountered during production.
• Peer feedback on the development of final projects.
• Fine-tuning animations based on feedback received.

Final Project Presentation and Celebration

• Polishing and preparing final projects for presentation.
• Rehearsing presentations with peers.
• Showcasing final animation projects to the class.
• Providing constructive feedback on classmates’ presentations.
• Reflecting on the learning journey and celebrating accomplishments throughout the course.

Learn more about Animation Summer Bootcamp at NextGen Bootcamp.