Use when someone has never heard of animation principles, needs the simplest explanation possible, or is a complete newcomer to animation
Animation makes drawings move in ways that feel real and fun. Disney animators discovered 12 tricks that make animation look great. Here they are in simple words:
Things squish when they hit something and stretch when they move fast. Drop a ball - it flattens on the ground, then bounces back round.
Before a big move, there's a small move the other way. Before jumping up, you crouch down first.
Put important things where people will see them. Like putting the main actor in a spotlight on stage.
Two ways to draw: either draw every picture in order, or draw the important pictures first and fill in between.
When you stop, your hair keeps moving. Different parts move at different times, not all at once.
Things speed up when starting and slow down when stopping. Like a car at a traffic light.
Most things move in curves, not straight lines. Throw a ball - it makes a rainbow shape in the air.
Little movements that happen along with the main movement. Walking while whistling and swinging your arms.
How fast or slow something happens changes how it feels. Fast = exciting. Slow = calm or heavy.
Make things bigger and more dramatic than real life. Cartoon characters can stretch their eyes wide when surprised.
Make flat pictures look like they have weight and depth. Things should feel like you could pick them up.
Make characters interesting to watch. They should have something special that makes you want to keep looking.
You don't need to use all 12 at once. Start with one or two. The more you practice, the more natural they become.