At the heart of every great 2D animation is a powerful illustration. Whether it's the development of unforgettable characters or the creation of immersive environments, illustration is the foundation of animation. Without strong, thoughtful design, even the best animation techniques can fall flat. In this first part of our 3-part series, we’ll delve into how illustration fuels the animation process and focus specifically on the art of character design for 2D animation.
This blog post is the perfect lead-up to our upcoming hybrid course on character design for animation, where participants will have the opportunity to access online content from our school, Animated Arts Learning Institute (AALI), and attend eight in-person sessions that will give them hands-on experience. Let’s explore how illustration breathes life into animation, and why it’s an essential skill for anyone looking to dive into 2D animation.
The Role of Illustration in 2D Animation
Illustration is the backbone of 2D animation. Every animated character, background, and prop begins its journey as a still illustration. Before a character ever moves on screen, they must first be drawn, explored, and refined through concept sketches and detailed illustrations. It’s in this early stage where creativity flows freely—artists can experiment with shapes, expressions, and proportions to see what works.

What makes illustration in animation unique is that it’s not just about creating a visually appealing drawing. It’s about creating something that can move, express emotions, and tell a story. An illustrator working in animation must think about the character’s movement and how their design will function in motion. This is where the skill of balancing creativity with practicality comes into play.
Â
In our course, we’ll guide participants through the essential elements of illustration specifically tailored for animation. The focus will be on designing characters that are not only aesthetically strong but also easy to animate and full of life.
Understanding Character Design
Character design is at the core of any good, animated story. Whether you're designing a hero, villain, or supporting character, each must be visually distinct and memorable. But character design goes far beyond just appearance—it involves creating a personality that resonates with the audience. Every design decision, from the shapes you use to the colors you choose, contributes to how a character feels and acts.

Shape Language: Shapes play a significant role in character design. Round shapes often suggest softness, friendliness, or innocence, while sharp, angular shapes convey aggression, danger, or complexity. A character's silhouette should be instantly recognizable, even before any details are added.

Color Choices: Color has a strong emotional impact. Designers can use color palettes to communicate a character’s personality or mood. Warm colors might suggest a friendly or energetic character, while darker tones can hint at mystery or villainy.

Exaggeration: In animation, exaggeration is a key tool. Whether it’s overemphasizing certain facial features or exaggerating physical proportions, pushing these elements can make a character more dynamic and memorable.

Moving from Still Image to Animation
One of the biggest challenges when illustrating for animation is translating a still image into something that moves fluidly. A well-illustrated character can look fantastic on paper, but animating that same character introduces new considerations. Movement must feel natural, expressive, and true to the character’s personality.
Â
When going through the pre-production process, characters are drawn from multiple angles and in various poses. Consistency is crucial—if the proportions or features change dramatically from one frame to the next, it can break the viewer’s immersion. But consistency doesn’t mean stiffness. A character must remain expressive and dynamic even as they move, which is where the principles of squash and stretch, follow-through, and anticipation come into play.
A Sneak Peek into the Hybrid Course: What to Expect
Our upcoming hybrid course on Character Design for 2D Animation is an exciting opportunity to dive deeper into the art of illustration and how it directly relates to animation. This course will be split into two parts:
Online Access to Learning Material: Participants will have full access to video tutorials, reference materials, and character design exercises that they can complete at their own pace.
8 In-Person Sessions: The hands-on element is a key part of this course. We’ll guide participants through practical exercises in character design, exploring everything from sketching out initial ideas to refining characters for animation. These sessions will allow participants to receive real-time feedback, collaborate with peers, and gain insight into industry’s best practices.

REGISTER NOW-------> Application Form
As this is part 1 of a 3-part series, we’ll be focusing on the foundational aspects of character design in this course, setting the groundwork for future modules that will explore more advanced topics like animating your characters and storyboarding.
Illustration and animation are inextricably linked. Without strong illustrations, even the most technically skilled animation can feel lifeless. Understanding how to design characters that are both visually compelling and animatable is essential for anyone pursuing a career in animation.
~ Aisha
Comments