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Animation Stylization

| June 6, 2025
  • This course closed on October 4, 2025.

This course is an overview of animation styles and a breakdown of the elements of style: genre, line, shape/proportion, color, texture and lighting. In this course, students will learn to identify, recreate and adapt to a variety of styles used in animation, an essential skill when working in the animation and gaming industry.

Course Information

Duration: 4 Weeks / Online

Intensity: Moderate

Course Instructor

Danielle Powers Danielle Powers Course Author / Instructor

Danielle has had the privilege of working with iconic animation studios like Disney, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Warner Bros., and several independent studios as a background painter and visual development artist. Some of her favorite projects include Green Eggs and Ham, Young David, Gremlins: Secret of the Mogwai, and Fairy OddParents: A New Wish.In her personal art, she focuses on color, design, and mood through lighting. Whether painting landscapes or stylized animation environments, she loves telling stories through visuals. In her free time, she enjoys digital fan art and plein air painting, often capturing iconic landscapes like Wyoming’s Tetons or Yellowstone’s vistas. Nature is her source of inspiration, reminding her of the beauty and power of God’s creation.

Course Schedule

This course is not yet scheduled.

Weekly Livestreams

Each week, a one-hour livestream with your instructor will be scheduled so you can ask any questions you may have and get feedback in real-time.

One Month Access

All pre-recorded lectures and recorded livestreams will be available to you one month so you can review lessons even after the course ends.

Certificate

Completing this course at a Professional or Advanced Level will act as credit toward a certificate in the corresponding Program Area.

Course Outline

Module 1 | Overview of Animation Styles

In Module 1, students will be introduced to a variety of styles used in animation and explore the key characteristics of the different styles.

Module 2 | Elements of Style: Line & Shape

In this module, students will explore different styles of line and shape and are introduced to the different tools used to create varying styles.

Module 3 | Elements of Style: Color, Lighting & Texture

Module 3 explores different color styles and rendering of various animations ranging from simple and flat to complex and realistic.

Module 4 | Comparison of Styles

This module provides various comparisons of designs and gives a breakdown of the Rugrats style vs Green Eggs & Ham.

Recommended Software

  • Photoshop (or equivalent)

Course Materials

Students will need to provide:
Computer
Photoshop or equivalent software

Assignments

Assignments will be given on a weekly basis. Students are recommended to dedicate a minimum of 10 hours a week reviewing lecture content and completing assignments.

Grading

Grades are given based on levels. You can learn about our grading system.

Refund Policy

Please note that courses with critiqued lessons are nonrefundable due to the limited number of seats.

Available Enrollments

    This course will be available for enrollment soon.

Want to take the course later?

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  • Course Progress

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  • Course Navigation

    • Module 1
      • Overview
      • Style vs Genre
      • Animation Styles: Graphic (simple)
      • Animation Styles: Graphic (complex)
      • Animation Styles: Painterly
      • Animation Styles: Realistic
      • Module 1 Homework
    • Module 2
      • Line & Shape
      • Line & Shape: Proportions
      • Line & Shape: Edges
      • New Lesson
      • Module 2 Homework
    • Module 3
      • Color: Limited Palettes
      • Color: Complex Palettes
      • New Lesson
      • Textures: Stylized
      • Textures: Realistic
      • Module 3 Homework
    • Module 4
      • Prop 2 – Texturing – Part 1
      • Prop 2 – Texturing – Part 2
      • Line & Shape Breakdown (Interiors)
      • Color & Texture Comparison (Exteriors)
      • Color & Texture Comparison (Interiors)
      • New Lesson
      • Lighting Comparison (Interiors)
      • Prop Style Demo
      • Module 6 Homework
    • Module 5
      • Prop 3 – Modeling – Part 1
      • Prop 3 – Modeling – Part 2
      • Prop 3 – Modeling – Part 3
    • Module 6
      • Prop 3 – Texturing – Part 1
      • Prop 3 – Texturing – Part 2
    • Module 7
      • Form Follows Function Reiteration
      • Prop 4 – Modeling – Part 1
      • Prop 4 – Modeling – Part 2
      • Prop 4 – Modeling – Part 3
      • Prop 4 – Modeling – Part 4
    • Module 8
      • Prop 4 – Texturing – Part 1
      • Prop 4 – Texturing – Part 2
      • Prop 4 – Texturing – Part 3