Animation Tools: A Guide to Animation Software (Ages 13 – 17)

About this class

This course offers comprehensive training through an introduction to and exploration of animation tools, equipping participants with the skills to bring their creative visions to life. Through theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and project-based learning, students explore a variety of animation techniques, including 2D drawing, digital animation, and traditional animation.

Key topics include:

• Basic animation principles
• Character animation with fundamental movements
• Motion graphics and visual effects creation

Hands-on projects reinforce learning, allowing students to apply their skills to short films, motion graphics, and visual effects sequences.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a solid foundation in animation techniques and the confidence to pursue experimentation in animation production.

Class Outline

Through a combination of theoretical instruction, practical exercises, and project-based learning, participants will explore a variety of animation tools and techniques, empowering them to bring their creative visions to life through animation.

Participants will explore animation movements and approaches, including—but not limited to—2D, digital, and traditional animation.

Participants will learn to navigate animation interfaces, with a primary focus on 2D tools to fit the course schedule. They will utilize key features and tools while implementing best practices for efficient and effective animation workflows.

Key topics covered in the course include:

• Introduction to Animation: Participants will gain an understanding of the basic principles of animation and explore fundamental techniques, including timeline-based animation, keyframe animation, and frame-by-frame animation.
• Character Animation: Participants will learn how to create and animate original characters based on their own drawings.
• Motion Graphics and Visual Effects: Participants will explore the use of animation tools to create dynamic motion graphics, special effects, and animated sequences for film, television, and digital media.

Throughout the course, participants will engage in hands-on projects and exercises designed to reinforce their understanding of animation principles and techniques.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a strong foundation in animation techniques and will be equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue further studies in animation production.

Materials needed

Please note: VCUarts Qatar reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet the minimum enrollment requirement. Any fees already paid will be refunded.

Please refrain from purchasing materials until you receive final course confirmation from VCUarts Qatar.

Materials:

• Drawing tools (pen, paper, pencils)
• Canvas (optional)
• Brushes (optional)
• Paint (optional)
• Software: Procreate
• iPads (If you require an iPad, please inform our team. All materials listed above will be provided by VCUarts Qatar.)

Schedule

Start: Wed, 1 Apr, 2026
End: Wed, 6 May, 2026
Lessons: 6
Days: Wednesdays
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: VCUarts qatar campus
Cost: QAR 950

Instructors

Moom Thahinah

Moom Thahinah is a graduate of Northwestern University, having earned a BSc in Media and Communications in 2022. She continued her academic journey at VCUarts Qatar, where she obtained an MFA in 2024.

Driven by a passion for interdisciplinary design, she continuously explores the boundaries of the medium of filmmaking, utilizing artistic elements to evoke emotions and convey compelling messages.

Her interests primarily lie in fiction and comedy, where she navigates the terrain of storytelling to evoke specific emotions, such as nostalgia and embracing barriers.

Her expertise extends to strategic communication, to craft impactful narratives and forge meaningful connections with audiences.