Artist Documentation
About
@thinhnuen
thinhnuen@gmail.com
©2024 Thinh Nguyen
Animation Foundation
Mastering the foundations of animation is one of the most important steps in becoming a great animator. The 12 principles of animation, originally developed by Disney animators, serve as the backbone for creating lifelike and engaging motion. These principles—such as squash and stretch, timing, anticipation, and follow-through—bring characters and objects to life with a sense of realism and fluidity.
Breaking each of these principles down to their most basic components allows you to see how they function individually and together to create appeal. For example, understanding timing helps control the pace of an action, while squash and stretch add personality and weight to movement. By deeply exploring and practicing each principle, animators build a strong foundation that allows for more creative expression and polished work in their projects.
The bouncing ball animation—because nothing says "I'm ready to animate complex characters" like spending hours perfecting a ball with a personality!
Looking back, the foundation of animation was a confusing time for me. I was torn between pursuing 3D animation or diving into 2D, unsure of which path would suit me best. At the same time, concept and visual development were also becoming exciting options at SCAD, making the decision even harder. But as I pushed through the basics, experimenting with small animations and attempting to tell short stories, I began to see the limitless possibilities within 3D animation.
The power of 3D animation lies in its flexibility—it's a medium that can take you from the fantastical to the hyperrealistic, offering endless creative potential. I'm glad I stuck with it, because it opened my eyes to what was possible in storytelling, visual development, and the ability to bring ideas to life in ways I never imagined.
I was so proud of this guy because of how expressive he was despite my “skill”
Even today, I still practice the fundamentals of animation. No matter how advanced the tools or techniques get, revisiting the basics keeps me grounded. It’s a constant reminder that the foundation is key to making great animation.
Looking back, I have to admit—I was pretty terrible at the start. My timing was off, my characters were stiff, and my bouncing ball was more like a brick. But those early struggles were what pushed me to improve, and I’m grateful for every mistake I made along the way!
Remember, the artist you want to be is on the other side of every sketch, every failed render, and every late-night revision. Keep going—you're closer than you think.