Introduction to 2D Animation
6 – 27 July 2026
Join this 4-week online course, where you will learn how to bring your illustration work to life using traditional 2D animation techniques with BAFTA-nominated animators Hannah Jacobs and Harriet Gillian.
In this course, you will expand your knowledge of animating using programs such as Photoshop and Procreate Dreams and how to apply these to your own illustration work.
You will learn practical and technical skills alongside how to approach animation creatively, such as how to animate in a way that suits your illustration style and specifically how to approach bringing motion to your work for an editorial brief. Each week there will be a different task set to bring to the following session to share for feedback.
You will also learn about the animation industry, how to further your animation learning, what clients might look for from short, animated work, and how to set yourself a personal project, so you can start to build a portfolio of animated work.
This course is recommended for illustrators with a body of work they are interested to animate, or creatives who are looking to bring motion to their work in a fun and creative way.
Hannah Jacobs is a BAFTA-nominated animation director and illustrator from London. Her distinctive hand-drawn aesthetic is created digitally with a skilled use of texture and colour. Every drawing and frame is lovingly crafted to give a warm and human touch to her work, ensuring that each final piece is full of life and personality. She has received acclaim for her commercial projects and personal films, selected worldwide for festivals including TriBeCa, Annecy Animation Festival and SXSW.
Harriet Gillian is a 2D animator and screenwriter based in London. With over 18 years experience in the film, tv and commercial industries, she specialises in fun, playful and heartfelt character animation. She has worked closely with Hannah for many years, bringing her incredible designs to life across a variety of projects. In 2020 Harriet and Hannah were recipients of the BFI Short Form Animation Fund, going on to create the 2023 BAFTA nominated animated short, Your Mountain Is Waiting.
Session 1 - Monday 6th July, 6-8PM
Session 2 - Monday 13th July, 6-8PM
Session 3 - Monday 20th July, 6-8PM
Session 4 - Monday 27th July, 6-8PM
Week 1 - Introducing the industry and understanding the basics. You’ll get started with a short introduction to the animation industry and begin familiarising yourself with key tools and techniques.
Week 2 - Learning how to make those animation principles work for your specific illustration style. Introducing texture and brushes into your animation workflow.
Week 3 - This week explores how to bring your illustration to life for an editorial brief. What is the message you’re trying to convey and how can motion enhance that.
Week 4 - This week, we will share everyone’s work and exchange feedback/questions. As well as looking at ways to move forward with your animation practice, with a focus on using sound and music as a prompt.
By the end of the course you’ll have an understanding of the basic principles of animation and how to apply these techniques to your own work.
To participate in this course, you will need access to an iPad or laptop where you can use Adobe Photoshop, and Procreate/Procreate Dreams.
We want our events to be inclusive and accessible. If you have any accessibility requests or questions, please email events@qbcentre.org.uk.
You can find out more about Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration’s facilities and accessibility: Access at the Centre. (opens in new window)