One of the most significant issues with amateur animations is that everything is covered from a single camera angle. This is probably because they are unaware of the other possibilities or because drawing the other angles is daunting.
However, this will tell an incomplete story to the audience. To lure your audience towards your story and engage them, you need to adopt good cinematography.
With good cinematography skills, you can invoke feelings in your audience. What’s an artist if they fail to make an audience feel anything. Often the cinematography fundamentals are ignored by even the professional animators.
In animation, the key responsibility is to bring a character to life, which is the foundation. However, once you have that, you can communicate to another level. You can make the people see through your represented emotions of scared, happy, angry, or sad.
A good cinematographer can make even the dramatic scene more dramatic. They can make a strong character look stronger and a weak character look weaker. However, to be thorough with it all, you must get the best 2D animation training.
The internet is full of some of the best 2D animation classes online. So, how do you find the best class for yourself? We researched for you and have shortlisted some of the best animation courses online. Let us check them out!
Best 2D Animation Courses and Classes Online
- Cinematography for 2D Animation Essentials – [Udemy]
- How to Make Professional 2D Animation Videos in Vyond – [Udemy]
- 2D Animation in Moho from Basic to Advanced – [Udemy]
- 2D Animation Essentials in Moho & Anime Studio – [Udemy]
- Grow your 2d animation skills – [Pluralsight]
- Online 2d Animation Classes – [Skillshare]
- Online 2D Animation courses – Domestika
- Advanced 2D Animation Diploma – [CG Spectrum]
- Foundations in Modern 2D Animation – [CG Master Academy]
- 2D Animation for Beginners – [Animation Mentor]
10 Best 2D Animation Training Classes (Detailed + Short)
1. Cinematography for 2D Animation Essentials – [Udemy]
On the top of our list is Udemy’s best 2D animation course online. It is a bestselling course. This is a beginners’ 2D animation certificate online and comprises the introductory fundamentals of 2D and basic cinematography. Through this course, you will learn everything that is to know to bring together a scene.
The course will take you through three versions:
- Amateur version
- The sophisticated version that has Over The Shoulder Shots
- The best version, which has camera movements like pull and push
Overall, this course is drafted to enable the animators to better their shots, invoke feelings in the audience when they see animations and be thorough with primary cinematography language.
| Rating | 4.5 |
| Enrolled | 15,594+ students |
| Duration | 28 mins on-demand video |
| Instructor | 2D Animation 101 Courses |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Cons | The course is too short to offer everything there is to know about 2D animation. |
Learning Outcomes
You have a couple of things to learn in this best 2D animation certificate online course. These include:
- Bettering your shots
- Invoking feelings into your audience with your shots
- Applying different cinematography concepts with the animation, such as:
- Frame Compositions
- Rule Of Thirds
- Camera Angles
- Blocking Your Characters
- Dialogue Coverage
- Panning and Tilting in 2D
- Camera Movements
- Parallax
Prerequisites
This is a beginner-level 2D animation course online. Hence, as such, you do not need any prior knowledge to take this course.
Who should take this course?
This course is suitable for animators who wish to be thorough with the cinematography fundamentals.
Review Christopher Diaz:
As a beginner, this course has opened my mind to new concepts and possibilities
2. How to Make Professional 2D Animation Videos in Vyond – [Udemy]
This is Udemy’s one of the best 2D animation certificate online that you get with a 360-degree comprehensive course. This course familiarizes you with the art of making animated videos and working with Vyond Studio, previously known as GoAnimate.
This course will take you through the whole process of production, preparation, and fine-tuning of the animated videos and the tips and tricks around them.
Overall, it is one of the fastest ways to be thorough with the Vyond Studio fundamentals. The course will take you through the step-by-step process and equip you to make a complete animation video.
This course is divided into four sections:
- Learn the Basics of Vyond Studio
- Create Your First Animation Video
- Go Beyond Vyond
- Advanced Pro Lessons
| Rating | 4.7 |
| Enrolled | 12,736+ students |
| Duration | 3 hours on-demand video |
| Instructor | Rued C. Riis |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Cons | More detailing should be done in this course. |
Learning Outcomes
You have a couple of things to learn in this 2D animation course online. These include:
- Creating animation videos for internal communications, marketing, or just fun
- Constructing your personalized elements with Vyond Studio
- Getting faster with tips and tricks and the Vyond Keyboard Shortcuts
- Becoming thorough with the whole Vyond Studio Editor from A-Z
- Understanding the fundamentals of storytelling, design, and composition
- Adding music, sound effects, and voice-overs to an animation video
Prerequisites
There are some small prerequisites associated with this 2D animation certificate online course. These include:
- The Vyond Studio Course requires a Vyond account to provide access to the animation program.
- A laptop or computer with an internet connection
- Time
- Willingness to learn something new
- Faith in your instructor
However, for this course, you need no prior experience with Vyond, design, or animation.
Who should take this course?
This 2D animation training is meant for:
- Marketing professionals who need a fast and simple way to produce professional content for social media
- Marketers who aspire to spice up their PowerPoint presentations
- Anyone who wants to engage their co-workers with their PPTs
- Elevate the look and feel of the website via internal communication
- Creative students who wish to boost the look of their animation videos
- Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build a business from selling professional animated videos to the clients
- Design professionals who wish to experiment with new tools
- Anyone wishing to familiarize themselves with the latest animation technology.
Hence, regardless of whether you are a newbie who wants to be thorough with the animation basics or someone familiar with the basics wishing to elevate their Vyond skills, this is the right 2D animation course online for you.
Review Aimee Perez:
Fantastic course, full of great tips and tricks. I can’t wait to get properly stuck in!
3. 2D Animation in Moho from Basic to Advanced – [Udemy]
The next one on our list of best 2D animation certificate online is this bestselling pick.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Enrolled | 6,562+ students |
| Duration | 4 hours on-demand video |
| Instructor | 2D Animation 101 Courses |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Cons | In some parts, the concepts are not broken down. Hence, they seem a little hard to comprehend. |
Learning Outcomes
A few things to learn in this 2D animation course online are:
- Creating animations
- Preparing and rigging your characters for animation
- Employing trace characters in Moho
- Panels in Moho
- Using the Moho Drawing Tools
- Using the pre-made characters
- Producing an organic walk cycle
- Working with layers
- Starting a new project and knowledge of the correct settings to use
- Interface of Moho
- Importing images to trace characters inside Moho
- Time-saving tips in Moho to prepare an animation faster
- Familiarity with Anime studio
- Editing your drawings
Prerequisites
To take these 2D animation classes online, you need:
- Ability to use a PC or a laptop, at least at a beginner level
- Knowledge of downloading software from the internet
Who should take this course?
This is the best 2D animation course online for:
- Beginners who want to start their career in animation
- Animators who want to learn to use Moho for character animation
Review Ana Osiashvili:
It is really complex and difficult program, I really enjoyed the lectures and it gives opportunity to do everything step by step.
4. 2D Animation Essentials in Moho & Anime Studio – [Udemy]
In all honesty, mastering 2D animation can take you years. However, if you get everything broken down most simply, it can become a matter of just a few days. This is precisely what this course aims to achieve.
The course provider believes in learning by doing. So, you can find a range of assignments, exercises, and quizzes that can help you be thorough with all the skills you grasp in the course.
The complete course is divided into three sections:
1. Section 1 – Introduction Section:Herein, you will walk through the overview of the interface and learn to set the project settings.
2. Section 2 – Drawing Tools Section: Herein, you will learn to draw in Anime Studio. You will also grasp techniques to manipulate and modify the drawings.
3. Section 3 – Animation Section:Herein, you will learn to create animations in a scene.
| Rating | 4.2 |
| Enrolled | 5,936+ students |
| Duration | 2.5 hours on-demand video |
| Instructor | McCoy Buck and 2D Animation 101 Courses |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Cons | Beginners might struggle with the course. Also, the artwork could have been bettered. |
Learning Outcomes
A few things that you will learn in this 2D animation course online are:
- Working with keyframes
- Drawing characters with Drawing tools
- Familiarity with Anime studio
- Creating an animation action scene
- Adding dynamism to the animation
- Working with the camera
- Making an animation
- Working with layers
- Familiarity with the Add Points Tool, Curvature Tool, Transform Tool, and Shape Tools
- Adding animation in a scene
- Creating your animations from scratch
- Accentuating a shot with animation
Prerequisites
These are the best 2D animation classes online with no prerequisites as such. Therefore, you do not need any prior knowledge or experience. Further, you can use the free trial version of the software, both debut or pro, for thirty days.
Who should take this course?
These classes are suitable for beginners who have no background in using any animation software. Further, intermediate-users who want to build on their knowledge or bridge gaps will also enjoy the course.
Review Rochelle Engwell:
Brilliant course! The instructor broke down every feature & tool in-depth. Now I’ve properly learned the software, from this course, I’m ready to animate. Thank you!
Bonus Courses for 2D Animation
1. Grow your 2d animation skills – [Pluralsight]
Do you aspire to build traditional 2D animation, such as classic cartoon-style animations? If yes, you have found the best 2D animation course online. On Pluralsight’s vast course library, you can find a range of 2D animation courses that are crafted for different skill levels and experiences.
So, whether you wish to get started, bridge the gap in your knowledge, or attain high-end, professional knowledge on Pluralsight’s website, you can certainly find a course that fits your needs. Be it gaming, filmmaking, or anything else; you can find a 2D animation training that satiates your requirements.
You can find great expert-led courses taught by the industry’s leading animators. So, go ahead, browse through the available courses, and make your selection.
2. Online 2d Animation Classes – [Skillshare]
Next on our list of best 2D animation classes online is Skillshare library. On their platform, you can find a myriad of 2D courses that will suit all skill levels and interests.
In addition, there are shorter videos around the different animation concepts. So, you can indeed find one that caters to your interests.
You can find courses around skills, such as:
- Adobe After Effects
- After Effects
- Animation
- Cartoon
- Character Animation
- Character Design
- Creative
- Gifs
- Motion Graphics
- Rigging
3. Online 2D Animation courses – Domestika
Similar to SkillShare, even Domestika has a range of 2D animation classes online. All of these courses are designed to target the different aspects of animation.
These courses are taken by the pros of animation and will help you learn the best of animation from the best of animators.
So do visit the website and see through the different courses to find one that meets your needs and expectations.
4. Advanced 2D Animation Diploma – [CG Spectrum]
Next, we have the intensive 2D animation course online by CG Spectrum that readies you for a career in gaming and film line. The course is presented to you by some of the recognized industry pros. They have been associated with the top studios globally.
Studying with them will help you develop job skills, gain valuable industry insights, and build a portfolio to show to your employers. In this course, you will learn a bunch of things that will get you job-ready.
Across the course, the instructor will provide you with the necessary guidance and career support. You can decide whether you want to be a part of the small group class or a one-on-one session. It is a hands-on course. So, you will be working on several challenging and fun exercises, and the instructor will give you insightful feedback on the same to help you get better as an artist.
Moreover, the educators of this 2D animation course online are an active part of the industry. So, they can give you the latest industry scoop. It is a 100% online course. So, you can take it from any corner of the world.
This is a 9-month course, which will require an effort of 20 hours weekly. The course starts on December 6, 2021.
Learning Outcomes
It is an Advanced 2D Animation Diploma course, wherein you learn:
- Advanced skills that studios look at when hiring
- Knowledge to be a proficient expert in the leading industry software Toon Boom
- Learning to do cut-out style character animation
Prerequisites
This is the best 2D animation training course for an advanced learner. So, you need to have a 2D Animation Diploma or portfolio submission before this course.
5. Foundations in Modern 2D Animation – [CG Master Academy]
It is a 9-week 2D animation course online, wherein the students learn to digitally create modern short animations, which are both engaging and fun to watch. In this course, you will learn animation in a very modern but streamlined way.
In addition, there will be an array of projects you will be working on across the course, which will equip you to get into animating fast.
Learning Outcomes of these 2D animation classes online
The course starts with the fundamentals, wherein you will get an introduction to Adobe Animate CC. Further, as the course moves forward, you will be familiarized with the motion principles. Practice exercises on animation clean-up artists will follow this.
Finally, as you move ahead, you will design your own animation-friendly characters. You will also develop a walk cycle.
Further, the course also introduces you to the basic 2D rigs. You will know how to combine all the new tools with the traditional animation techniques. You will also be equipped with vital topics, such as lighting, coloring, and inking.
Lastly, you will work on a project wherein you will animate a short loop. Once you are through with the course, you can take the 2D Animation Essentials course if you want to build on your knowledge.
6. 2D Animation for Beginners – [Animation Mentor]
Now, we have arrived at the last 2D animation training program. It is a six-week workshop by Jay Jackson, which comes with live Q and A sessions. You will have one live lesson every week with your mentor.
The course starts on November 9, 2021 (Fall 2021), and has minimal seats. It is a hands-on workshop wherein you will work on multiple homework assignments and examples to help you practice every skill you have learned. There is no grading or certification for the workshop.
Learning Outcomes
In this 2d animation course online, you will be learning tactics that bridge the gap between traditional and modern animation. First, you will study the animation principles, which will help create a robust animation foundation. Following this, you will explore the physical animation concepts of emotion and movement.
Who should take up these 2D animation classes online?
Regardless of whether you are interested in accentuating your 3D character animation skills, telling a story, solidifying the understanding of classic animation techniques, this is the best course for you. Further, this course will appeal to the following:
- Artists who like bringing characters to life
- Anyone who wants to master traditional animation
- Students who wish to familiarize themselves with workflows and 2D principles
- Beginner and intermediate students who wish to develop essential drawing ability
- 3D animators who wish to build on the knowledge of timing, posing, and framing
- Experienced traditional animators who wish to translate their skills into a digital medium
Prerequisites
To take this course, you must be an English-speaking student and must be 18 years or older. Further, you must have basic computer system knowledge.
In addition, learners should have Rough Animator or Harmony by Toon Boom software. Lastly, you must have a digital painting device (Wacom tablet, Cintiq, or equivalent) or a tablet.
Conclusion
So, these are the top 10 best 2D animation courses online. It has been our sincere attempt to include every little detail about these courses in this guide. However, a few aspects, such as the fee, enrolment date, reviews on the course, instructor bio, available discounts, and alike, have not been covered in this guide.
This information can be found on the annexed website. So, click on the link, and read more about the best 2d animation certificate online before selecting one.
