This lesson introduces the 2D Animation Fundamentals module, where students start applying the After Effects tools they learned to create real animated work. It gives a quick preview of upcoming skills like graph editor animation, text and logo animation, shapes, masks, puppet tools, expressions, 2.5D camera moves, and a final looping portfolio project.

This lesson teaches students how to create smooth and engaging transitions between scenes, objects, and ideas using techniques like snapping, swiping, morphing, fragmenting, overlapping, and distraction. Students then apply these methods by animating transitions between icon designs, helping them build more stylish and professional motion graphics sequences.

This lesson introduces the Graph Editor as one of the most important tools for controlling timing, weight, speed, and personality in After Effects animation. Students then apply those skills by creating a looping vignette animation, adjusting f-curves, styling the motion, and exporting the final piece as a GIF.

This lesson teaches students the fundamentals of kinetic typography, from using text animators, range selectors, 3D text, blur, fill, stroke, spacing, and expression-based motion to create more dynamic type animations. In Part II, students build on those tools with professional techniques like mattes, melting text, liquid reveals, brush-style strokes, and layered lettering animations for portfolio-ready work.

This lesson teaches students how to use shape objects to create more polished 2D animations, starting with a bouncing ball exercise that builds motion, rotation, weight, squash and stretch, character, and camera shake. It also covers more advanced shape workflows, including creating complex designs, importing graphics from Photoshop and Illustrator, converting vectors into editable After Effects shapes, and animating objects like a record player, headphones, and vintage audio devices.

This lesson expands on expressions by showing students how to automate more complex animation behaviors, link properties, create reusable controls, and save time with expression presets or tools like KBar and Mute. Students explore practical expressions for wiggle, loops, random motion, counters, gravity, elastic movement, markers, switches, and controllers so they can build smarter, more flexible After Effects projects.

This lesson teaches students how to use shape modifiers like Merge Paths, Offset Paths, Repeater, Trim Paths, Wiggle Paths, and more to create dynamic, flexible animations. Students then apply those tools through practical projects like animated channel scenes and an airline safety card, giving them more creative ways to bring simple shapes and paths to life.

This lesson explores the creative thinking behind logo animation by studying a wide range of professional examples, from simple and elegant reveals to complex, clever, character-based, and motion-driven designs. Students then apply these ideas by choosing two provided logos and animating each using one of the techniques discussed in the lesson.

This lesson shows students how simple paths and lines can be used to communicate objects, ideas, and even complex concepts through shape, motion, and visual metaphor. Students then practice creating elemental animations and more abstract concept-based animations using line work, color, timing, and movement.

This lesson introduces a wide range of After Effects tools, scripts, plugins, and extensions that can speed up animation workflows, improve organization, simplify rigging, enhance path animation, and automate repetitive tasks. It also explains which tools are must-haves versus nice-to-haves, while encouraging students to explore the resources that best fit their own workflow.

This lesson introduces several ways to stylize After Effects animations so they feel more unique, handmade, and visually interesting. Students explore techniques like shimmy, noise, texture, scribble, fuzzy edges, and fluid effects, then apply them through a series of creative practice assignments.

This lesson guides students through the final portfolio project for the 2D Animation Fundamentals module: creating a polished looping animation that shows off their skills in motion, style, transitions, typography, logos, paths, and effects. It also walks through different ways to approach the project, including using stock assets, referencing inspiration responsibly, or designing original graphics from scratch.