They covered visual fundamentals, such as “squash and stretch,” and storytelling elements, like timing and anticipation.
In an influential 1981 book, The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation, two Disney animators codified 12 principles of animation. They covered visual fundamentals, such as “squash and stretch,” and storytelling elements, like timing and anticipation. All 12 principles aim to reinforce the illusion that animated characters are real, living beings so the audience connects to them emotionally.