Animation Breakdowns Basic: Learn how animators create scenes

Too Lazy; Didn’t Read (TL;DR)!

This blog breaks down what ‘animation breakdowns’ are, why they matter, and how ‘beginners’ can recreate them using ‘Canva, Google Slides, or Microsoft PowerPoint. We connect these ideas to your previous blog on the ‘History of Animation‘, then introduce the ‘types of animation used today’, including story-time animation. We simplify the overwhelming list of 22+ animation types into the essential ones every new animator should know. Finally, we end with a preview of the next blog, where we’ll explore how to start your own story-time animation channel and how to develop your story ideas calmly and effectively.

How You Can Recreate Them Using Canva, Google Slides, or PowerPoint:

If you have read my previous post on the ‘History of Animation‘, you know animation has transformed massively – from hand-drawn films to digital storytelling on YouTube. But one principle has stayed the same through every era:

‘Movement becomes believable when you break it into intentional steps.’

This is where ‘breakdowns’ come into play.

What Exactly Is a Breakdown in Animation?

Breakdown is the ‘in-between drawing or pose’ that connects two major poses in a movement.

1. Key Pose #1 → starting position
2. Breakdown Pose → how the movement transitions
3. Key Pose #2 → Ending position

Think of breakdowns as the glue that makes animation flow smoothly.

Breakdowns control:

• Arcs
• Emotional expression
• Energy and style
• Timing
• The “feel” of a motion

Even if you’re using the simplest tools, understanding breakdowns instantly boosts your animation quality.

How to Make Breakdowns Using Canva, or Google Slides?

You do not need advanced animation software to learn animation logic. These everyday tools let beginners experiment with movement in a simple, visual way.

1) Canva

Perfect for: story-time animation beginners, casual creators, or non-artists

How to do breakdowns:

1. Create a new presentation/project.
2. Draw or upload your character.
3. Duplicate the slide.
4. Shift or rotate the character slightly – this becomes the breakdown.
5. Repeat for additional frames.
6. Export as a video or GIF.

Why Canva Works:

• Drag-and-drop design
• Easy slide duplication
• Built-in animation effects

2) Google Slides

Perfect for: Total beginners, students, or anyone without design experience.

How to do breakdowns:

1. Add your character or shapes.
2. Duplicate slides to create frame-by-frame changes.
3. Make small adjustments each slide.
4. Export images or turn slides into a GIF/video using a simple converter.

Why Slide Works:

• Completely free.
• Simple layout.
• Perfect for learning timing, spacing and sequence.

3) Microsoft PowerPoint

Perfect for: beginners wanting more animation control.

How to do breakdowns:

1. Add character images.
2. Use ‘Duplicate Slide’ to build frames.
3. Use animation tools like ‘Motion Paths’ for smoother movement.
4. Export as a video.

Why PowerPoint works:

• Fantastic for visual learners.
• Great intermediate step before pro software.
• Precise movement tools.

Types of Animation Used Today:

(We are Only Covering the ‘Must–Know‘ Ones)

A) Traditional 2D (Hand-Drawn):

Used in: Anime, classic movies, and indie projects.
How it works: Drawing every frame by hand.
Great for: People who love drawing and expressive characters.

B) Digital 2D (Vector-based)

Used in: YouTube story-time videos, educational content, and modern cartoons.
How it works: Drawing on software or moving vector images.
Great for: Beginners, storytellers, content creators.

C) Story-Time Animation (Beginner Favorite):

Used in: Odd1sOut, Haminations, Jaiden Animations, and Timtom.
How it works: simple drawings, narration, and light movement.
Great for:

• Beginners with minimal drawing experience.
• People with stories to share.
• Creators using Canva, Slides, or PowerPoint.

D) 3D Animation

Used in: Pixar films, DreamWorks, and video games.
How it works: modeling, rigging, and animating in 3D software.
Great for: Tech-friendly beginners and gaming enthusiasts.

E) Stop Motion

Used in: Coraline, claymation, and DIY animation.
How it works: Move real objects slightly each frame and take a photo.
Great for: Hands-on creators, crafters, and beginners who love physical projects.

Breakdowns Are Universal Across All Animation Types

Whether you’re doing:

• Story-time animation
• 2D
• 3D
• Stop motion
• Traditional animation

Breakdowns guide the movement and make it feel natural.

In story-time animation, even though characters are simple, breakdowns help add micro-expressions, arm movements, lip-sync, and timing to keep the audience engaged.

Conclusion: Animation Starts With Understanding the Flow of Movement:

Breakdowns are the hidden magic behind great animation. And with tools like Canva, Google Slides, and PowerPoint, you can start practicing today: no expensive software or drawing expertise needed.

• The essential animation types beginners must know
•  What breakdowns are
•  Why they matter
•  How to make them

You are already ahead of most new animators.

What’s Coming Next: Starting Your Own Story-Time Animation Channel

(Or Your First Story-Time Animation Video)

In the next blog, we’ll dive into a beginner-friendly roadmap on:

i – How to begin your YouTube Story-Time Animation Channel?

• Free and paid tools
• Setting your channel foundation
• How long you should expect things to take

ii – How to come up with story ideas for your videos?

We’ll cover:

• How to stay calm when you can’t think of ideas.
• Why ideas don’t come instantly (and that’s normal).
• The truth: ideas take ‘days’ to develop.
• Where to write and store ideas.
• How to record thoughts on the go.

iii – Direct vs. Indirect Brainstorming:

Direct brainstorming:

• Sitting down with intention
• Mind maps
• Prompt-based thinking
• Writing lists

Indirect brainstorming:

• How to encourage subconscious creativity.
• Ideas that show up while you’re doing something else.
• Using daily life, conversations, or memories as sparks.

By the end of the next blog, you’ll know exactly how to start crafting your stories—and prepare for your first (or next) story-time animation video.