The following pages are a series of "Tips" about the animation process. This information is from my book called "Animation: The Basic Principles" which was completed in 2002. You can find more info in the Animation School section of the website.

Tip 1

WHEN YOU ANIMATE DO NOT SIMULATE REALITY
• Actions should be caricatured after the meaning of the action is clear
• Animation is a series of drawings
• Anticipation
• Action
• Reaction

Tip 2

THE ANIMATION WORK PROCESS - PART 1
• Daily Practice
• Research
• Visualize
• Analyze
• Thumbnails

Tip 3

THE ANIMATION WORK PROCESS - PART 2
• Timing
• Final Planning
• Key Points
• Pose Test
• Rough Animate
• Pencil Test
• Show Somebody
• Revise
• Complete the Scene
• Disclaimer

Tip 4

SCENE PLANNING PROCESS
• Before Planning
• Know the Story
• Staging / Storyboard
• Layout
• Mechanics

Tip 5

CHARACTERIZATION
• Character
• Anticipation
• Exaggeration
• Holds
• Timing
• Exposure Sheets

Tip 6

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ACTION ANALYSIS
• Clarify the Intent of the Action
• Motion Principles
• Analysis
• Performing (Acting)
• Observing (Visualizing)
• Questioning
• Recording