2D Animation
We can do that – and you can too. From traditional pencil and paper fundamentals to the sophisticated all-digital workflow, we teach students how to bring their artwork, characters, and stories to life. 2D animation is one part acting, one part storytelling, and one part visual art. It can be done with traditional cell animation or with cutting-edge animation software. With our 2D Animation program, you’ll have the skills and experience to succeed in many careers.
2D Animation is used in a number of entertainment and informative venues such as Advertising, Mobile Device Games and Apps, Web Interface and Video, Education and Instructional Media. It can be done with traditional animation or with cutting edge animation software. Students learn to convert their artistic abilities from basic to advanced level hand-drawn and digital animation skills using the latest industry-standard software. Graduates prepare for a career in the animation industry as a storyboard artist, character designer or 2D animator. With our 2D Animation program, you’ll have the skills and experience to succeed in many careers.
With An ACC 2D Animation Education…
You Can Become a:
- Traditional 2D Animator
- Character Designer
- 2D Computer Animator
- Storyboard Artist
You Will Learn:
- Character Design
- Layout
- Background Art
- The 12 Principles of Animation
- Complete Production Workflows
- 2D Compositing and Special Effects
- Intro to Stop Motion Animation
You Will Be Trained In:
- Toon Boom Harmony
- Adobe Animate
- TV Paint
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Premiere Pro
Our Program & Courses
We offer both an Associate of Applied Science and Science and a Certificate in Game Design.
You can see all of the courses required for both the certificate and the associate’s degree by clicking the button below. Email Deanna Whaley at [email protected] if you’d like a copy of our advising worksheet and general information about our program.
For further information and descriptions about the courses please visit the College Catalog: Course Descriptions.
Get Prepared For a Career in 2D Animation
Within the boundaries of the 2D Animation world, there are many specializations. Concept Art, Background and Character Design, Lead Animation, Assistant Animation, Post Production and Compositing, and Colorization Specialist.
A career in 2D Animation offers a variety of opportunities to explore new ideas and new places. The market is wide and vast. You could end up anywhere including Hollywood, Portland, Canada, France, India, Japan… the list keeps going. Or, you could stay right here in Austin. Many animators choose to work on contract projects that allow them to work from home.
Average starting salaries range from $35,000.00 – $75,000.00 per year depending on the specific market and experience.
–Michelle Acosta
Alumni & Professional Animator at Joe Rothenberg Animation

Advising and Course Planning
From learning what Game Design is to scheduling your first semester of classes to preparing you for the job market, GDAMG advisors are here to help!
General ACC advisors are not always aware of changes to our degree plans, so please contact us to make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date information.
Email Deanna Whaley with any questions about our programs.