Squash and Stretch

Gives a sense of weight and flexibility to objects or characters, such as a bouncing ball or animated face. Even when exaggerated for comic effect, the volume must remain consistent. For example, when Susie the Little Blue Coupe stops, her body shortens but grows taller, keeping her volume unchanged.

Anticipation

Prepares the audience for action, making it feel more natural. A dancer bending before jumping is a classic example. It also applies to subtle cues, like a glance before someone enters. Exaggeration often helps, as with Sneezy pulling back dramatically before sneezing.

Staging

Focuses the viewer’s attention on what matters most in a scene. This can be achieved through framing, lighting, or character placement. For instance, the sausages are highlighted by positioning them between Pluto and the butcher.

Straight Ahead Action & Pose to Pose

Two animation techniques: ‘Straight ahead’ means drawing each frame in order for fluid motion, while ‘pose to pose’ starts with keyframes and fills in the rest, ideal for controlled or emotional scenes.

Straight Ahead Action
& Pose to Pose

Follow Through and Overlapping Action

Describes how parts of a body or object continue moving after the main motion stops—like a horse’s tail. Different body parts may also move at varying speeds. ‘Drag’ is when parts lag behind the main movement, like hair or clothes.

Follow Through and
Overlapping Action

Slow In Slow Out

Movements begin and end more slowly, so more frames are drawn at those points for realism. In contrast, faster movement uses fewer in-between frames, like a swinging pendulum.

Arcs

Most actions follow curved paths. Limbs or objects naturally move in arcs rather than straight lines, making animation feel fluid. Deviating from this makes motion appear unnatural.

Secondary Action

Adds life by complementing the main action—like arm swings or facial expressions during a walk. These should enhance, not distract. For impact, time them before or after the primary motion.

Timing

Controls the speed of actions. More frames slow movement; fewer speed it up. Proper timing makes actions feel physically correct and reveals character emotion and intent.

Exaggeration

Pushes reality for a stronger effect without losing believability. Whether it’s a wild reaction or distorted features, exaggeration adds energy—but needs balance to maintain clarity.

Solid Drawings

This means creating forms with volume, weight, and perspective. A good animator understands anatomy, light, and balance. Classic training includes drawing from life, ensuring consistent, solid shapes like Mickey’s ever-round ears.

Appeal

Characters need visual charm or presence, like charisma in actors. Even villains can be appealing. Clear, readable designs and symmetrical or baby-like features can increase likability and audience connection.