- £250
Toon Boom Animation
- 70 Lessons
- Starts Jun 23
- Discord access
This course is perfect for newcomers to the software or those looking for a good refresher. You'll learn how to use the core tools and animate rigged characters. After 5 weeks you'll have had to opportunity to create a demo reel piece to show off your new skills!
Live group call times: 23rd June, 7th July & 21st July @ 7pm (U.K).
Course Content
An overview of each weeks topics
Week 1: Introduction and Principles
During week 1 we get to grips with the software, learning about what we’ll need to know as an animator. We apply the principles of animation using both the latest tools in Harmony and the old fashioned methods, and practice getting control over our keyframes before making some GIFs!
Week 2: Advancing the Basics
Week 2 takes you into the wonderful world of deformers using slightly more complex techniques such as overlap and follow through. We learn the fundamentals of how a character rig is put together, how to utilise the camera, build animated loops, work in 3D space and more!
Week 3: Introduction to Character Animation
In week 3 we start to apply all we have learnt so far to a functional character rig. We’re focusing on quality application of the principles here, so strong posing, performance, timing and everything inbetween! We also delve into the often overlooked art of lip sync.
Week 4: Focus on Timing
Now we are introduced to full body rig to test out your action animation skills! We pose out a sequence of movement and study several different ways of moving from keys to fully inbetweened animation. We also become power users of the timeline and brush up on shortcuts.
Week 5: Animating a Scene
During the last week we’ll apply everything we’ve learnt into a short scene. You can choose to work with 1 or 2 characters (rigs are provided) and we’ll develop your ability to direct the eye, stage the acting in a ‘two shot’ and adding the final touches. We also cover showreel tips, using reference effectively and how to work in a studio environment.
What's included?
✔️ 5 weeks of online training curriculum (lifetime access)
✔️ 40 day license of Toon Boom Harmony Premium
✔️ 3 x live group calls to chat and solve problems
✔️ Feedback on your homework and final project
✔️ Lifetime Discord community access
✔️ Work files to download and keep
✔️ Certificate upon completion
Course tutor
Adam Oliver
Manchester, U.K.
With over 16 years of professional experience in the animation industry, Adam was also the UK's first certified Toon Boom expert. He's worked in TV and film, both as a hand-drawn and cut-out animator, as well as teaching in higher education and as an artist-in-residence. He started the Academy in 2017 and since then has trained thousands of creative folk how to rig and animate in Toon Boom Harmony.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of animation does the course focus on?
Toon Boom Harmony is a 2D animation package and so this course focuses on the popular 2D cut-out style. It is one of the most sought after skills to gain employment in an animation studio right now. This course does not teach the process of pure hand-drawn animation nor is a primer to animation as an art form.
Do I need to already know how to use Toon Boom Harmony?
Any experience you do have is useful, including in other animation software, but is not required. The course has been made for those new to Toon Boom Harmony or with basic experience.
What will I learn on this course?
The main aims of the course are to teach you how to apply the principles of animation within the software, mastering the mechanics of movements and applying your skills to full character rigs. The final project is a short acting scene, demonstrating your understanding of the software and the animation principles. There is a chance to produce several demo reel pieces from the tasks you'll be given.
How long does the course run for?
This course runs for 5 weeks from the start date.
Can I still watch the videos when the course is finished?
Although the live part of the course is 5 weeks long (the part where you'll receive personalised feedback and be able to book tutorials), you'll have access to the course videos and files for 1 year. This gives you plenty of time to study the software and come back to the library of videos for a quick review, if needed.
What times do I have to be available? Is my timezone a problem?
The whole course has been designed to be as flexible as possible, so everyone can take part, no matter where in the world you live.
The curriculum can be studied whenever you wish, as it's pre-recorded and you can send your work for review at any time.
The curriculum can be studied whenever you wish, as it's pre-recorded and you can send your work for review at any time.
Is the software included?
Yes! Each student will receive a 40 day license for the latest version of Toon Boom Harmony Premium. This will cover the length of the course and then some, to give you time to finish off those projects!
How much free time do I need to take part?
We suggest a minimum of 5 hours a week, although this really depends on your experience.
The longer you have, the more you can practice. Ideally setting aside half a day and an evening or two will give you lots of time each week to build your rig without time pressure.
You can also progress faster through certain parts of the course, if you have a chunk of free time. We've had former students complete a 5 week course in 2 weeks when they've studied full time! So again, it's very much flexible to your personal situation.
The longer you have, the more you can practice. Ideally setting aside half a day and an evening or two will give you lots of time each week to build your rig without time pressure.
You can also progress faster through certain parts of the course, if you have a chunk of free time. We've had former students complete a 5 week course in 2 weeks when they've studied full time! So again, it's very much flexible to your personal situation.
How do I receive feedback on my course work?
As you progress through the course, you'll have a gradually evolving rig that you may want feedback on.
You'll be given specific instructions on how to send this over to me, and in return I'll give you personalised feedback. This can either be via a recorded video where I go through your animation on-screen, or screenshots and notes.
You'll be given specific instructions on how to send this over to me, and in return I'll give you personalised feedback. This can either be via a recorded video where I go through your animation on-screen, or screenshots and notes.