Animation is a complex form of art. Depending on the style (Realistic, Cartoony, Simplified, etc.), and depending on the medium (3D, 2D, Stop Motion, etc.), there are many techniques, rules and guidelines that an animator must follow. However, regardless of the style or medium, there are 12 basic principles of animation that always hold true. These 12 principles were established by Disney’s infamous “Old Men” in the 1930’s, and are still universally regarded as the standards for quality animation today.
