2D animation is becoming an increasingly popular medium to explore in the ever-changing world of entertainment and art.
A study shows that in 2022, the value of the global animation market amounted to over $391 billion, up five percent from a year earlier. The annual figure was forecast to continue to grow throughout the decade, surpassing $587 billion by 2030.
As it’s getting more exposure, people are leaning towards learning 2D animation at the beginning of their careers, and some also plan to switch.
2D animation is the process of creating moving images in a two-dimensional space. This can be done using traditional hand-drawn techniques, computer-assisted software, or a combination of both.
The most important aspect of 2D animation is the ability to create fluid, realistic movements that convey a sense of weight and gravity.
In this article, we will provide you with a guide to the best 2D animation courses for 2023 so that you can find the right program for your skill set and learning goals.
So, let’s get started!
Tips to choose the right 2D animation course
Consider your skill level
Are you a complete beginner, or do you already have some experience with animation? There are courses out there that cater to different groups, so make sure you choose the one that’s appropriate for your skill level.
Choose your poison (read: software)
It’s worth considering what software you might want to use for your animations. There are many different options available, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
For example, Adobe After Effects is the most common software that beginners start with.
Researching the various software packages will help you make a more informed decision about which course to choose.
Choose your animation style
It’s also important to decide what kind of animations you’re interested in creating.
Do you want to focus on character animation? Or perhaps environment design is more your thing? Maybe cel animation is the one that resonates the most with you.
Different courses will focus on different aspects of animation, so choose one that covers the topics you’re most interested in.
Also read: 2D vs 3D Animation – Which Is Better?
Consider time
Some courses are more intensive than others, requiring more time commitment from students.
If you only have a limited amount of time to devote to learning animation, make sure you pick the course that offers more learning, but in a reduced time.
Best 2D animation courses
Choosing the right 2D animation course can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s difficult to know where to start.
Let’s look through some of the best choices available right now.
The Ultimate 2D Game Character Design & Animation Course
This course is designed for beginners who have sufficient drawing and sketching skills. It teaches you how to build a character from scratch in Adobe Photoshop. So, all you need is a design device and Photoshop installed on your PC.
It will help you with
- basic character design in Photoshop
- learning 2D animation cycles
- finding design opportunities with your portfolio
Price: $16.99
Rating: 4.7/5
Beginners Guide on how to create 2D Animations in After Effects
This course gives comprehensive knowledge on how to use Adobe After Effects for 2D animation. All you need to have is a working system with the required software installed on it.
It will help you in
- understanding After Effects’ functions
- creating, layering, keyframing, and exporting your animations
- understanding tools and other creative effects
Price: $16.99
Rating: 4.8/5
Motion Beast
This course is a complete guide to motion design and animation. It also requires you to have a working system with Adobe After Effects installed on it.
It will help you in
- character rigging
- frame-by-frame animation
- understanding the basics of the After Effects
Price: $349
You can also try a free version of this to assess if it’ll help you out or not.
Read more: Happy International Animation Day 2022
2D Animation For Beginners With Adobe Animate
This course acts as a guide to creating 2D animations by using Adobe Animate. It requires you to have Adobe Animate installed on your PC or Mac.
It will help you in
- understanding the basics of Adobe Animate
- creating realistic-looking animations
- creating vector drawings, keyframes, symbols, and tweens
This course is available for free on Skillshare for seven days. After that, you’ll have to purchase the premium account.
It’s been preferred by over 9000 students.
Intro to 2D Animation: Frame-by-Frame for Beginners
This course teaches students about creating frame-by-frame animation in adobe animate. So, you’ll need a working PC or Mac with the required software.
Also, it requires you to have prior knowledge in drawing and illustrating characters digitally.
It will help you
- navigate the software
- create complex drawings
- make your animations look real through breakdowns, coloring, looping, and easing
You can experiment with the seven-day free trial on Skillshare. After that, you’ll need to purchase the premium account.
It’s been preferred by over 6000 students.
Learn Classic 2D Animation
This course provides guidance on the principles of 2D animation. It doesn’t require you to have specific software to work on.
It will help you with
- 2D hand-drawn animation
- walk cycles
- timing and spacing
Price: $16.99
Rating: 4.3/5
Also read: 11 Animation Styles for Your Next Marketing Video
Final thoughts
We hope this guide has given you a comprehensive overview of the top 2D animation courses in 2023.
Whether you are looking to learn a new skill, refresh your knowledge or take your career to the next level, these courses offer an excellent way to hone your craft and make great use of your time. With the right course for you, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
And once you’ve decided, watch this video from our CEO Osama Khabab, and learn how you can thrive as a creative artist.
