Principles of Animation


  1. Squash and stretch- Demonstrates weight and volume to a character.
  2. Anticipation- Prepares the viewers for an action.
  3. Staging- Directs the viewers attention to the storyline.
  4. Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose- From the first drawing to the end drawing in sequence. And Pose to Pose uses key drawings done at intervals.
  5. Follow Through and Overlapping Action- Character stops but their arms or hair need to catch up. Overlapping the character changes direction while his clothes or hair continues forward.
  6. Slow In and Slow Out- Fewer drawings make the action faster and more drawings make the action slower.
  7. Arcs- Natural action and better flow.
  8. Secondary Action- Adds more dimension to a character. Supporting action.
  9. Timing- More drawings between poses slow and smooth the action. Fewer drawings make the action faster and crisper.


  1. Exaggeration- Extreme distortion of a drawing or extremely broad caricature of facial features, expressions, poses, attitudes and actions.
  2. Solid Drawing (same or different as Weight)- Basic principles of drawing form, weight, volume solidity and three dimension.
  3. Appeal- Easy to read design, clear drawing, and personality development that will capture and involve the audience¹s interest.