Principles of Animation Flashcards

This flashcard set covers the principles of animation, the core ideas animators use to make drawn and computer-generated characters move in convincing, expressive ways. The cards move from foundational motion principles, such as squash and stretch, timing, and arcs, to secondary motion, staging and attention, character appeal, and finally applied production practice. Each group contains eight cards, so the set is designed to build understanding in stages. The sequence is deliberate, so earlier cards prepare you for later ones.

To study effectively, read each question and answer out loud, then try to explain the idea in your own words before checking the answer. Pay special attention to how principles interact, since a strong animated shot usually combines timing, spacing, arcs, and staging at once. Visualize each concept by sketching a simple bouncing ball, a jumping character, or a walking figure. Review the set repeatedly, and return to earlier groups whenever later ideas feel unclear, because the foundations support everything that follows.