Premier Graphics
& Animation
Work with us
Menu
Studio
OverviewServicesCapabilitiesThe Collection
Institute
OverviewProgrammesCourse libraryHow we teachCareersGuidesFor universities
Journal About Contact Work with us
Animation & VFX · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Cel Animation

Note: Often referred to as “Cel” (Celluloid) Animation.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the art of "In-Betweening" and timing charts
  2. Apply squash, stretch, and smear frames to hand-drawn movement
  3. Understand the multi-plane camera and parallax layers
  4. Execute clean line art and digital "Ink and Paint" coloring
  5. Create a short animation that demonstrates fluid weight and personality
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01History of Cel Animation: Disney to Anime
  2. 02The Workflow: Keys, Breakdowns, In-betweens
  3. 03Timing Charts: Easing In and Out
  4. 04Physics in 2D: The Bouncing Ball
  5. 05Weight & Drag: The Flour Sack Exercise
  6. 06Walk Cycles: The Contact Position
  7. 07Run Cycles & Jumps
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Dialogue: Exposure Sheets (X-Sheets)
  10. 10Lip-Sync: Vowels and Consonants
  11. 11Acting: Facial Expressions & Takes
  12. 12Clean-Up: Finalizing Line Art
  13. 13Ink & Paint: Color Palettes & Shadows
  14. 14Background Design for Animation
  15. 15Compositing 2D Elements
  16. 16Final Project: The Hand-Drawn Short

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Hand-Drawn Short

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams
  2. The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
  3. Character Animation Crash Course! by Eric Goldberg
  4. Drawn to Life by Walt Stanchfield
  5. Timing for Animation by Harold Whitaker
From the PGA Journal
More in Animation & VFX
2D AnimationA comprehensive introduction to the foundational principles and practical techniques of 2D animation. This course covers the 12 Principles of Animation, character design, storyboarding, and digital production pipelines.
3D Animation DirectorThis capstone leadership course prepares students to steer a 3D production from concept to completion. Bridging the gap between creative vision and technical reality, students will learn to direct animators, manage the "Pipeline," and make critical artistic decisions.
3D Environment ArtistAn environment artist does more than place trees; they are the architects of virtual worlds. This course teaches the "Modular Workflow," where students create versatile kits of walls, floors, and props that can be assembled into vast, seamless levels.
3D Modeling & Animation TechniquesThis course provides a comprehensive introduction to 3D modeling for digital artists, focusing on professional object creation, surface modeling, lighting, and rendering workflows.
3D Modeling for Interior ArchitectsThis specialized course equips interior designers with the digital skills to translate 2D floor plans into immersive 3D environments.
3D Pen Modeling & Sculpture"Drawing in thin air." This hands-on studio course explores the bridge between 2D illustration and 3D prototyping using 3D printing pens.