Beginner's Guide to Easy 2D Animation Drawing [Video Tutorial]

Hey there! So, you want to get into 2D animation drawing? You've come to the right place! It's a wild ride filled with joy from a hobby and can even be a career! Don't worry,  starting out might not be as hard as you may have initially thought.

As a pro drawing tablet maker, we've chatted with our experienced animators and artists and got some sweet insider tips about easy anime drawings for beginners. We're talking about everything from 2D techniques to animation tablet recommendations and beginner-friendly software to help you kick off your own anime project.

Let's dive into the world of 2D animation drawing together and become straight-up experts!

How to Animate your Drawing with Krita -2D Animation Tutorial with Fenix

We are excited to share with you the latest 2D animation video tutorial. In this video, we will guide you how to animate a character using an XPPen drawing tablet and Krita software through the step-by-step process of animating each part of the character, from the legs to the head, tail, and pen. We will explain frame-by-frame animation, keyframes, and in-between drawings, emphasizing smooth movements. We also discuss onion skinning, clean-up techniques, and adding colors. Whether you're a beginner or want to enhance your animation skills, this tutorial offers valuable insights for creating frame-by-frame animations using a drawing tablet and Krita.

Learning Basic Drawing Skills

If you want to create some killer 2D animations, you need a solid understanding of your fundamentals. Fundamentals include line, color, composition, and perspective. Techniques like sketching, quick sketching, and watercolor painting can also help you level up.

Animation drawing tablet recommendation

Deco Pro M: If you're a pro animator, check out XPPEN animation tablets like the Deco Pro M. The Deco Pro Medium is versatile, easy to use, and has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, eight hotkeys, and a circular touchpad. It's perfect for extended use.

Artist 12 Pro: The Artist 12 Pro is perfect for animators who need high color accuracy and detail. Its 11.6-inch display is sharp and realistic, and it has six customizable hotkeys and a touchpad. It might be more expensive at first glance, but if you're serious about animating, it's totally worth the investment.

Star G640: And if you're on a budget or need a portable option, the StarG640 is your go-to. It has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, six hotkeys, and is only 6 x 4 inches. It's perfect for simple animations and sketches, you can do even while on the go.

All in all, the best way to learn how to draw is different for everyone. You have to figure out what works for you by trying out different approaches. Maybe you're into animation drawing tablets, or maybe you prefer learning from books or online classes. Whatever you choose, remember that constant practice and consistency are key if you want to get better at drawing.

Familiarizing Yourself with 2D Animation Software

Okay, it's time to step up your game! After tons of practice, once you feel like you've got the hang of digital drawing tools like animation drawing tablets, it's time to move on to 2D animation software. These amazing programs make  your drawings come to life using a wide array  of cool features and tools.

Begin with basic tutorials

There's no shame in getting help! After all, you are learning new skills. Tutorials will help you understand your chosen software interface, tools, and basic animation concepts, which will set you up for more advanced techniques in the long run. After you've got the basics down, practicing regularly with small tasks will help improve your skills.

Here are some links to basic tutorials for popular 2D animation software you may find useful:

Experiment with different popular software

Finding the right animation software for you makes a difference.

Don't be afraid to try out different programs and features! Take a bold approach right from the start! Learn what you can from those programs, but don't get too comfortable with just one, or else you might miss out on something better other programs can offer. Explore the intricacies of each software and pay attention to their little nuances. This way, you'll understand the logic behind the program and become a master in no time.

Comparison of Popular 2D Animation Software

Advancing progress

Analyzing existing animations can assist you in developing your distinctive style, personal techniques and animation process. Joining online groups of animators and artists can also help you learn from others, receive constructive feedback on your work, and remain inspired.

Finally, once you've mastered the fundamentals, consider taking advanced classes to acquire advanced techniques and hone your abilities.

Learning Animation Principles

To create compelling 2D animations, one must possess a deep understanding of animation principles. To achieve this, there are several vital steps that one must undertake:

By following these essential steps and persistently learning and practicing, you can get a greater understanding of animation principles and produce top-notch 2D animations that capture the audience's imagination.

Practicing 2D Animation Techniques

Creating short films or some easy projects is a fantastic way to sharpen your 2D animation skills and unleash your full potential as an animator. Whether you're a character design whiz, a master of motion design, or a pro at drawing immersive backgrounds, focusing on specific skills and techniques through small projects can take your beginner animation drawings to the next level.

But where should you start? First, identify the skills you want to improve. Then, dive into short films or projects that highlight those skills. Start with realistic goals and break down the project into manageable steps, like storyboarding, character design, movement, backgrounds, and composition.

Keep the art simple and the story straightforward. Your main goal should be to tell engaging stories that vividly depict your characters and settings. You can broaden your views and improve your methods by asking for feedback and looking at the work of other animators. Learning and taking inspiration from others will result in cartoons that are even more refined and striking.

Short films and projects can help you hone your beginner 2D animation drawing abilities and unleash your artistic potential if you put effort and concentration into them. So get going and let your inner artist loose!

XPPEN is a great choice for beginners looking for an easy-to-use and affordable 2D animation drawing tablet. Compared to WACOM and HUION, XPPEN offers similar features and performance at a lower price point. We value your  feedback and experiences with our drawing tablets Feel free  to share your  thoughts so everyone can  make informed decisions when selecting their animation drawing tablet.

What other tips and techniques in drawing should we learn next? Let us know in the comments!