What are the 12 key animation principles primarily based on?

The foundation of the 12 key animation principles primarily stems from observations of motion and space. These principles were established to create more realistic and appealing animations by closely mimicking how objects move in the real world, taking into account aspects such as weight, timing, and the dynamics of motion.

The principles are designed to enhance the believability of animated characters and actions, allowing animators to communicate emotions and storytelling effectively. Key concepts such as anticipation, squash and stretch, and timing are all derived from a fundamental understanding of how physical objects behave and interact with their environment. By observing and applying these principles, animators can create scenes that resonate with viewers and maintain a sense of immersion in the animated world.

In contrast, while color theory, animation history, and graphic design principles influence aspects of visual storytelling and style, they do not directly address the mechanics of motion and animation in the same way the observations of motion and space do. Thus, the understanding of physical movement is critical to the development and application of the 12 key animation principles.