What is 2D Animation: Definition, Courses, Syllabus, Eligibility & Fees

Are you interested in learning 2D animation? If yes, refer to this article to learn about what 2D animation is, along with details on 2D animation courses, syllabus, fees, and eligibility criteria for admission.

2D animation is one of the most loved animation techniques because of its ability to beautifully portray emotions through artistic expressions. This form of animation was invented in the early 20th century, and since then, movies and shows created using 2D animation have been capturing people's hearts.

If you are a 2D animation lover and interested in learning this form of animation, this article is for you. Here, we have described what 2D animation is, courses available to learn this art form, along with details on course fees, syllabus and eligibility criteria.

What is 2D Animation?

2D animation is a technique in which an illusion of movement in two-dimensional objects and characters is created within a two-dimensional space. This is achieved by creating a sequence of images where each image shows a slightly different posture and position of the character or object.

2D Animation Techniques

There are two main ways to create 2D animation: through manual techniques and software tools. Examples of these techniques are provided below:

Manual 2D Animation Techniques

Software-based 2D Animation Techniques

Traditional Hand-Drawn Animation: In this technique, artists draw each frame by hand on paper, which is then photographed and sequenced to create the animation. Examples include classic Disney movies like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and The Lion King (1994).
Cel Animation: It is similar to hand-drawn animation, but images are drawn on transparent sheets called cels, which are then layered over a static background. An example of cel animation is The Flintstones TV show.

Vector-Based Animation: Software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony is used to create animations where characters and objects are manipulated as vectors, allowing for smoother movements and easier editing. Examples include animated web series and educational videos.
Digital Frame-by-Frame Animation: Programmes like Adobe Photoshop or TVPaint allow animators to draw each frame digitally, mimicking the traditional hand-drawn method but using digital tools. An example of an animated movie that utilises the digital frame-by-frame technique is Klaus.

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Is 2D Animation Relevant at Present?

The answer to this question is yes. The following reasons can help you understand the relevance of this animation technique at present:

Broad Scope of Application

2D animation is relevant today and will remain a trend in the coming decades due to its broad scope of application. This animation form is compatible with various forms of media and content, including TV shows, movies, cartoons, video games, mobile apps, and both long and short content for platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

It is easier to use 2D animation in these media forms, which is one of the reasons why this animation technique has been prevalent since the release of the first 2D animated movie, Fantasmagorie, in 1908.

Accessibility for Individual Creators

2D animation is a valuable tool for individual content creators. Not all content creators in the digital world have access to complex 3D animation tools, nor do they have the time to acquire the skills needed to create 3D animation. In this scenario, 2D animation serves as a savior. Anyone can create simple 2D animations using Synfig Studio, Pencil2D, or VideoScribe's whiteboard animation and incorporate them into their content.

Cost-Effectiveness

Another reason for the relevance of 2D animation today is its cost-effectiveness. Creating 2D animation is less expensive than 3D animation, which increases the accessibility of this technique to the general public and aspiring animators.

Emotional and Cultural Factors

Many people prefer 2D animation over 3D animation because it reminds them of their childhood 2D animation shows, such as Pokémon, Doraemon, Dragon Ball Z, Looney Tunes, and classic Disney cartoons like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. They feel emotionally connected to this animation technique, making it relevant even today.

Some forms of animation, such as Japanese anime, hold significant cultural value. Anime is known for its unique drawing style, featuring large, expressive eyes, defined lines, and flat expressions, with artists using the eyes to exaggerate or express emotions. It is also recognised for its vibrant and colorful graphics. These distinctive features can only be achieved through 2D animation, highlighting its cultural and emotional significance for anime lovers.

Aesthetics and Style

Many projects require the unique artistic style that 2D animation offers. It allows for more creative freedom and artistic expressions that might not be achievable with 3D animation. This makes it particularly valuable for projects that emphasise creativity and visual storytelling.

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Animation Courses

Animation Syllabus

Animation Career

Animation Admission Process

How to Become a 2D Animator?

After learning about 2D animation, if you have decided to pursue a career as a 2D animator, here is how you can achieve this goal:

Explore 2D Animation Online: Start by learning about 2D animation through online resources. This will help you determine whether you are truly interested in pursuing a career in this field. Once you're confident that 2D animation is the right path for you, begin practicing drawing and sketching.
Choose a High-Quality Course: Search for a reputable 2D animation course and review the eligibility criteria for the programs you're interested in.
Apply for Admission: Once you have found a suitable course, apply for admission to begin your formal education in 2D animation.
Learn and Create: As you progress through the course, focus on learning the core concepts while simultaneously working on your own projects.
Build Your Portfolio and Resume: After completing the course, compile your best work into a portfolio and prepare a professional resume.
Apply for Jobs: Start applying for jobs in the 2D animation industry.
Expand Your Opportunities: Once you have gained some experience as a 2D animation professional, consider expanding your career by working as an individual content creator on social media and video streaming platforms or by becoming a freelance animator.

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2D Animation Course: Eligibility

There are no specific eligibility criteria for admission to 2D animation courses. Candidates only need to have passed Class 12 (10+2) with a minimum of 45-50% marks to apply for an undergraduate or diploma-level 2D animation course. Some institutes may also accept scores from animation entrance exams for admission.

2D Animation Syllabus

The syllabus for a 2D animation course generally covers a wide range of topics designed to build a strong foundation in animation principles, techniques, and tools. Below is a general outline of what you might expect to learn in a 2D animation syllabus:

Topic	Sub-topics
Introduction to Animation	History of Animation Overview of Animation Techniques (2D, 3D, Stop-Motion) Basics of 2D Animation Animation Principles (Squash and Stretch, Anticipation, Staging, etc.)
Drawing and Sketching	Basics of Drawing (Lines, Shapes, Proportions) Character Design Perspective Drawing Anatomy and Figure Drawing Gesture Drawing
Storyboarding	Introduction to Storyboarding Visual Storytelling Creating Storyboards for Animation Layout Design and Composition Timing and Pacing in Storyboards
Character Design and Development	Creating Original Characters Expressions and Emotions Character Movement and Animation Cycles Costume Design and Color Theory
Animation Techniques	Frame-by-Frame Animation Keyframe Animation Inbetweens and Tweening Lip Sync and Dialogue Animation Facial Expressions and Eye Movements
Digital Tools and Software	Introduction to 2D Animation Software (e.g., Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony) Understanding the User Interface Drawing and Painting Tools Layers and Keyframes Exporting and Rendering Animations
Motion and Timing	Understanding Motion Curves Timing for Animation Animation Easing (Slow In, Slow Out) Creating Walk Cycles and Run Cycles Weight and Physics in Animation
Background Design	Basics of Sound Design Syncing Sound with Animation Voiceover and Dialogue Recording Adding Sound Effects and Background Music
Special Effects in 2D Animation	Creating Visual Effects (Fire, Water, Smoke, etc.) Layering Effects Particle Systems Combining Animation with Special Effects

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2D Animation Course Fees

The course fees for animation programs range between INR 3 lakh to INR 15 lakh, depending on the college you choose for admission. If you are truly passionate about 2D animation, you can start learning through online certificate courses offered by trustworthy platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Khan Academy. The fees for online certificate courses in animation range between INR 500 to INR 2,500. However, if you aim to achieve professional-level expertise in 2D animation, you may want to consider enrolling in one of the courses listed in the next section of the article.

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Top 2D Animation Courses in India

Conisdering the Shikshs ratings for the quality of education, experience of faculty, college infrastructure, course fee (low to high) and placement scope, we have complied a list of top 2D animation courses here:

Top 2D Animation Courses
College	Course	Fees and Duration
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad	BDes in Animation Film Design	Fee: INR 15.72 Lakh Duration: 4 years
Parul University, Vadodara	BSc in Animation and Visual Effects	Fee: INR 3.9 Lakh Duration: 3 years
Chitkara Design School, Chitkara University, Chandigarh	BDes in Animation	Fee: INR 7.6 Lakh Duration: 4 years
Sarjan College of Design, Pune	BSc in Multimedia Graphics and Animation	Fees: NA Duration: 3 years
Vogue Institute of Art and Design, Bangalore	BVA in Animation and Multimedia	Fees: 4 years Duration: 9.1 Lakh
Samskara Academy, Pune	BVoc in Animation	Fees: 3 years Duration: 4.25 Lakh
Periyar Maniammai University, Thanjavur	BSc in Animation in Multimedia	Fees: 3 years Duration: 1.46 Lakh
P. A. Inamdar College of Visual Effects, Design and Arts, Pune	Diploma in 2D Animation	Fees: NA Duration: 1 year
Amity University, Mumbai	BSc in Animation and Visual Effects, Mumbai University	Fees: INR 4 Lakh Duration:
Unity Veda Animation College, Lucknow	BSc in Media Graphics and Animation	Fees: INR 3 Lakh Duration:
MAAC Guwahati	Diploma in Graphics, Web Designing and 2D Animation (DGWA)	Fees: NA Duration: 1 year
Frameboxx 2.0, Ghaziabad	BSc in Multimedia and Animation	Fees: NA Duration: 3 years
Frameboxx 2.0, Ghaziabad	Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects	Fees: NA Duration: 20 months

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