Get Better At Animation QUICKLY With This Exercise

A simple exercise to improve your 2D and 3D animation. Learn important principles of anticipation, timing and spacing, plus how to draw gestures and characters with movement and energy.
Giveaway -- Win a ConceptD 3 Ezel!
Check out my Twitter and Instagram (@bucciblog) for more details. Winners announced by May 2nd, 2022.
Learn more about ConceptD -
ConceptD 7 Ezel: acer.co/Marco_Bucci_ConceptD7...
Web: conceptd.acer.com/
Social: acer.co/ConceptD-Social
LINKS:
More art lessons: www.marcobucciartstore.com
Website: www.marcobucci.com
Instagram: / bucciblog
Twitter: / bucciblog
Patreon: / marcobucci
-- ToC --
00:00 - 00:26 - Intro
00:26 - 04:07 - Drawing & Energy
04:07 - 05:29 - Analyzing Reference and Arcs
05:29 - 06:47 - Thumbnailing Poses
06:47 - 08:13 - Spacing & Timing
08:13 - 13:14 - Animating
13:14 - 13:41 - Final Shot

[@kingpen1179]

I just find it amazing that when I decided to pursue animation, contents like this from great artists come up. Moderndayjames' tutorials, Ethan Becker's Project City, and Marco Bucci's animation tutorials. Thanks KZbin for existing 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@princessthyemis]

My thoughts EXACTLY!!! I set up an animation Playlist and add anything I think is useful--and this one is definitely going on there!!!

[@1.1kSubChallengeWithoutAnyVid]

Me sees Ethan Becker Also me: so we have same taste. Now we're brother.

[@YellowDogAnimations]

I agree youtube has helped majorly to my animation skills. Ever since I was a a small kid I’ve wanted to be a animator. The first time I saw cars I was sold and KZbin has definitely helped me get there. I think when it comes to style of animation or character design it’s up to you, but I’ve been going through the basis again with Aaron Blaise’s course of fundamentals of animation and has majorly helped me and helped me understand some holes in my animation so if you haven’t checked it out I definitely recommend it. Style is up to you until you go 3d, then it has to be Disney/Pixar or it’s not it.

[@corbinburt60]

Yess

[@revotempo2082]

Yeah Ethan Becker is also a great teacher

[@elizabethhurlbut1475]

This was a great exercise. As a cartoonist my cartoons are frozen still images, it was nice to watch an animation lesson to help bring life back into the cartoon poses. It was also nice to watch drawing on a tablet. I'm still old-fashioned doing my work with pencil and paper, I use the digital pen for touch-ups of the scanned images.

[@new-bp6ix]

I studied bouncy ball a lot, but adding this lesson to my previous studies helped me a lot in understanding animation Thank you very much

[@kylemorello4787]

That's because it's for character animation.

[@ModernDayJames]

This is awesome! Great demonstrations as usual

[@XFlashSofts]

I knew you would come here james, I'm glad you're trying out animations, good luck my friend.

[@sum_mann]

let me do that

[@JustSomeGuy]

I love that you picked this scene from Beauty and the Beast because it's literally the exact scene that made me want to be an animator. It was the first time I realized that animation was just another form of acting.

[@DeetotheDubs]

What do you know? PS. Been a sub for a while. Love your stuff.

[@alkatheri-pk4hc]

"Allah! There is no god but He - the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him Nor Sleep. His are all things In the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede In His presence except As he permitteth? He knoweth What (appeareth to His creatures As) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they encompass Aught of his knowledge Except as He willeth. His throne doth extend Over the heavens And on earth, and He feeleth No fatigue in guarding And preserving them, For He is the Most High. The Supreme (in glory)." [Surah al-Baqarah 2: 255]

[@niallscottanimation]

I've been in animation for years, but got stuck with some bad habits and a definite lack of mindfulness when it comes to why things move as they so with regards to tension and potential energy etc. Videos like these, which so succinctly condense valuable pointers like this are life savers, for beginners and err, intermediates like me (I guess??). Good mentors, drilling in the same info over again and practice are life, peeps.

[@alkatheri-pk4hc]

"Allah! There is no god but He - the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him Nor Sleep. His are all things In the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede In His presence except As he permitteth? He knoweth What (appeareth to His creatures As) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they encompass Aught of his knowledge Except as He willeth. His throne doth extend Over the heavens And on earth, and He feeleth No fatigue in guarding And preserving them, For He is the Most High. The Supreme (in glory)." [Surah al-Baqarah 2: 255]

[@marcobucci]

Thanks for watching! The draw is over and two winners have been announced (over on Twitter and Instagram.) Congrats to the winners, and thanks to everyone for participating! Instagram: instagram.com/bucciblog Twitter: twitter.com/bucciblog

[@ajuvinaju]

Thank you 😌❣️

[@gromer9916]

How to participate?

[@whiteroom23]

Good video hehe

[@A_2the_J]

Marco, Not to be 'that guy' BUT your Terminology is 'backwards.' You 'Slow Out' of Pose A and 'Slow In' to Pose B. (Eases) Richard Williams "The Animator's Survival Kit" Other than that it's a Great Video! I really do enjoy your videos. Keep Going!!!

[@Dagubatsu]

Awesome! :D

[@currythegoatofmankindthepa5156]

Nothing has soul like 2d animation

[@TatiHardt]

It's unbelievable that you can be such a good artist AND such a good teacher! I mean, seriously, how can you be so good??

[@YellowDogAnimations]

I agree youtube has helped majorly to my animation skills. Ever since I was a a small kid I’ve wanted to be a animator. The first time I saw cars I was sold and KZbin has definitely helped me get there. I think when it comes to style of animation or character design it’s up to you, but I’ve been going through the basis again with Aaron Blaise’s course of fundamentals of animation and has majorly helped me and helped me understand some holes in my animation so if you haven’t checked it out I definitely recommend it. Style is up to you until you go 3d, then it has to be Disney/Pixar or it’s not it.

[@Ehh0.0]

hmmm, 3d can be so many styles i think. Arcane came to mind first, but I'm sure there are others. I think in 3D animation when you change the style you have to change it a lot. I'm just bringing up a point, a point that's probably pretty weak since I know absolutely nothing about 3D animation. So if I get anything wrong I appologise😅

[@YellowDogAnimations]

@@Ehh0.0 no need to apologize I’ve seen a lot more 3d since then and I agree. I loved how the peanuts movie was done and the diary of wimpy kid 3d was also really cool. I started learning 3d but stopped to focus more on 2d. I also really like how the 3d big Nate is done very cool

[@Ehh0.0]

@@YellowDogAnimations the peanuts movie looked nice

[@fayden1531]

Wow! I’ve watched this 7 times and this never gets old! Could you do more animation tutorials please? This has helped me a lot! I’ve even made my own animation with the same reference!

[@ashleyferguson9287]

Marco, I cannot thank you enough for your videos. As someone who is teaching themselves film making and animation your videos have given me the confidence and courage to start working on my own animation short films!

[@brown_gurl]

Same!! I love this man and the the work he puts into this. He's a real one 💕

[@ThermoSteel]

So how's it going?

[@roebeanstalk]

I've just gotta say, thank you so much for that definition of anticipation. The way that you explained it so thoroughly and viscerally before you even mentioned the word anticipation is SO helpful.

[@ghostape]

Wow! That was an amazing tutorial…so useful…I’m 48 and have just started animating/uploading and I have soooo much to learn……gonna do it though 🕺🏼

[@adameszretov6207]

I love how versatile your channel gets. From painting to animation. 💜

[@anggigii7580]

I was thinking about trying animation, great explanation, thankyou

[@gourangjainghost2818]

that's actually awesome, i am still a beginner so i am looking forward for more stuff like these to help me in my journey

[@yasmineyasmine6010]

How are you progressing in your journey at the moment? I'm also a beginner. Do you have any advice?

[@andreburke8612]

Your method of explaining the mechanics of this is on point! I had to subscribe. Looking forward to seeing more!

[@Quickeasyguitarlessons]

This is amazing man. Thanks for making this. Spacing and timing is the most crucial thing in my opinion.

[@dragonfly._.doodles]

I have never found anything I’ve seen about animation more helpful- I mean I haven’t sought out that much of it but this was so useful! I get so stuck on making it look good right away and I think getting looser will take practice, but this is chefs kiss

[@saph100]

Absolutely incredible, this is why I encourage gesture drawing above all else when it come to drawing in order to give that weight.

[@BbGun-lw5vi]

You are a beast at teaching! It’s incredible how you break things down into digestible forms.

[@djb5565]

Thanks. Describing what’s going on and how to has been the biggest yet simplest way of conveying the message…love it.

[@BrianAchart]

Great tutorial as always. You are a great teacher, thanks Marco!

[@vyctorr1769]

Woah! This video really helps me and is explained very well! Will definitely try these exercises. Best tutorial I’ve found so far!

[@SkellumsJuice]

I've been looking for a plugin like this for YEARS! TYSM!

[@hidekistudio1874]

Marco bucci : How to be better in animation. Marco bucci in 2025: how to start animation company.

[@Fujji695]

Marco bucci is my best art professor, you're the only one art teacher that i understand easily, very informative and nothing complex, You explained every step verywell. Tysm

[@masonleblanc6726]

Your tutorials are So informative! Thanks ao much ive always been intimidated by animation and this gives me confidence that thwre can be structure.

[@alex_montoya]

You're a fantastic teacher, Marco Thanks for you channel!

[@marcobucci]

Thanks!

[@Aw1_bbx]

🙏 Thank you so much ! I was waiting for this tutorial... You are the best art teacher of the world 🤯

[@bigboss9150]

Spot on, man. You're a really good communicator. I specialize in 3D animation but those tips are just as valuable.

[@WitchOfMinecraft]

The drawing and energy part and the spacing and timing part was quite helpful to me. Thanks!

[@paulstodolny3091]

Beautifully explained and broken down. GREAT VIDEO MARCO!!

[@robasameh9183]

This is my first time seeing someone practically showing us how these animation concepts are actually done ❤❤🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@FallenChocoCookie]

I really want to learn animation but I get overwhelmed every time I try. Hopefully, tutorials like this will help motivate me enough to push through. They definitely help me gather energy to try again :D

[@WhatTheHellisMurfL]

This is basically my entire science class just about animation

[@fwoggangidk]

Let's just say that _"Go ahead and STARVE"_ line is one of the most powerful lines in all of movie History.

[@skerrie1]

You are simply amazing at what you do, and what you teach!! Thank you so much 🥰

[@ndeyedraws]

Omg these tips are awesome, straightforward, and very clear. I wanna try this, too :D thank you

[@GH88ST_Original]

you easily became one of my youtube animation instructors...thank you...

[@_Candy_Dandy_]

You explain really nice! I'm trying this method and it's turning out great! Thank you for this!!💖💖

[@bvii2371]

Nice, highly appreciated! Opens new doors for experiments and learning

[@noahpessell1299]

Hi! I just stumbled upon your KZbin and as a beginning artist and aspiring animator, I want to thank you a ton!

[@ZckxBlckTheTwnGurdins]

this helped me a lot in studying for the next animations i want to make. Thanks for the video. I already just subscribed.

[@breeze5459]

A tutorial about animation from Marco Bucci himself? What a great day to be alive 🥳

[@fpj609]

Im planning on doing animation and I am intimidated by how much work patience it takes. I need a LOT of adjusting to do especially with my expectations about the results that might not look what I want it to be.

[@breewashere]

Animation is really dramatic. I love it. ☺

[@laurenaspreyart]

You showed the beast animation straight away and I’d just come from watching a beauty and the beast reaction video where they were praising the animation. Nice coincidence 😁 I guess it’s a sign I’m in the right place.

[@aytac5588]

Your videos really helpful thank you. You inspired me to start again drawing and not give up! The best art teacher❤

[@antarasengupta9000]

the explanation was amazing and clear. looking forward to more videos like these😁

[@fatetastarossa]

I really love your channel! Thank you for the lesson!

[@spoonofsamar]

This video was so helpful for me I subscribed!! Thank you so much for making it, and I hope you make more of those!!!

[@allanredhill8682]

Dude, whatever you touch turns to gold lmao - youre so good at making any topic feel so much more approachable! Also the spacing exercise with pre existing video footage is genious!

[@Akemiofthefiverealms]

this is one of the most helpful videos I've seen!

[@viis374]

1:45 Uhhh I know this! Isn’t it called anticipation and release? I really like that technique it instantly brings life into an animation

[@Felixisfeelingpeaxhykeen]

Hmm at first i had no clue honestly and kinda doubted it but after watching it in fact helped my animation skills by alot so thank you for that!

[@SourceAwareness]

🙏🏾 Huge Thanks, Marco!! You're Awesome, Brother.

[@seasaltcosmos]

oh, this is SUPER helpful!!! ;w; i love how you showed keane's less detailed in betweens, it's really helpful to my Perfectionist Brain that wants to draw EVERY FRAME EXACTLY.

[@sahilpanditmusic8745]

Brother your work is too much appereciatable. Keep doing it. ❤❤❤

[@Olgathedisaster]

Thank you so much!❤

[@user-to6wg4uo2u]

Interesting video I really love watching great artist draw it's like a miracle when you see these great Disney artists draw and create Disney movies.

[@golsgt7344]

💯thank you so much ! I was watching for this tutorial....you are the best art teacher of the world

[@GabrielliCamilo]

Master Class!!! Thank you sooooooo much for this !!!

[@eynklie5321]

Omg!! Thank you so much! That help me soooo much!!!

[@That_cloud_barked_at_me]

Alright, I’m being serious, this is actually the most helpful and understandable animation video I’ve seen like… ever!

[@kingofchris]

AMAZING VIDEO! I can't find a better way to describe this lesson.

[@kenna.brooke]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@grimmcorvid5713]

Thank you so much this has been really helpful!

[@-jellylover-]

Thank you I needed this 😭

[@kinggin1503]

This is a amazing explanation, thank you

[@lyssabug2887]

Holy heckanoodle soup this really helped me- I'm just now getting into animation, and I wanna do animatics for my characters, so this is SUPER nice!!

[@spiralations7304]

U explain things so well

[@siddharthdmenon6002]

Thank you sir it was soo helpful these types of videos are important for artist who are new to the animation field i would like too see more videos like this thank you soo much

Beautiful, man. Thanks!

[@ashthejester9485]

This helps sooo much thank you!!

[@trenttheracingturtle]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information.

[@xmobile.]

Oh, dang... got excited about the contest and then found this video is from 2022.. i thought since YT notified me, that it was a new upload.

[@susmitadas0392]

Most helpful tutorial

[@NOCKWIA]

I have always wanted to do animation and this video came at the right time! I have been trying for a while now to get one of those special art iPad's but whenever I go to find one, there is either none or they aren't there. I have made many characters and I have wanted to animate them for a while but I just didn't know how it would work in my style, but now I don't really care because art style is not that important when it comes to animation, it's the feeling the animation gives you. I also am not begging for anything and you don't have to feel bad for me. Thanks for reading! - NOCKWIA ^^

[@OddlyAnimated1203]

That was soooooooooo ✨ *_SMOOTH!_* ✨

[@Noorboomboomshakalakaboom]

In the beginning of the video. My heart skipped a beat until I realized you were talking about the animation lol. "If she doesn't eat with me, she doesn't eat at all!" *"Man, that is beautiful"*

[@marcobucci]

haha, oops!

[@jzielinski4723]

Subscribed. This is a really great method to breakdown anims more than just lines of interest, and a bit more granular for those (like me) who understand and can create the basics of animation, but those secondary/tertiary movements are elusive because the knowledge of how to approach this is missing. Great video

[@LORDSPHYNX]

Great tips super helpful for me!

[@venzarez-ili680]

I can't believe this took you 3hrs!

[@brianwiirre5110]

Great video Marco!

[@goomyz]

Great and helpful, thanks!

[@chilliadventures9339]

This is really good info. I am just starting out. Great stuff thank you. Cheers

[@luzmar8227]

DIOS ESTO ES TODA UN JOYAAAAAAAAA thank you so munch for the information

[@fannyfium]

thank you for this! so useful!

[@Tariii01]

This was very helpful! Thank you

[@KingsleyMusicLessons]

Excellent video, I am new to animation and gained a lot in this video.

[@DrawMish]

Awesome, Thanks for the tips, I love it! 👍

[@ehhhhhh1885]

Thank you so much!

[@harmonylynx252]

5:17 oooh i like that i like that alot! i have trouble with following threw on movements and the inbetweens so using that idea as a method may reeaaaly help me thx! 💖

[@anzatzi]

Great. Learned so much!

[@ShiXou0]

thanks marco!

[@user-vf4we1er5y]

Thanks to you I have learned more because I am not that good but with your tips it is possible to make animations 🎉🎉😊

[@zmudav5087]

Thanks so much for inspiring me

[@air.planemode]

very informative! Thank you.