Animation: How to Get Started

An AI assistant was asked how to get started as an animator and here is the response!

🎬 1. Understand the Types of Computer Animation There are a few main categories:

  • 2D Animation (like traditional cartoons or motion graphics)
  • 3D Animation (used in films, games, and simulations)
  • Stop Motion (which might appeal to you as a sculptor)
  • Motion Capture (used in realistic character animation)

🧰 2. Learn the Tools of the Trade Here are some industry-standard tools to explore:

  • For 2D Animation:

    1. Toon Boom Harmony
    2. Adobe After Effects
    3. Krita (free and open-source)

  • For 3D Animation:

    1. Blender (free and very powerful).
      Since Blender is free and covers modeling, rigging, animation, and rendering, it’s a great place to start.
    2. Autodesk Maya (industry standard, but expensive)
    3. Cinema 4D (great for motion graphics)

📚 3. Take Online Courses or Tutorials Some great platforms:

  • YouTube (tons of free Blender tutorials)
  • Udemy (affordable, project-based courses)
  • Coursera or edX (more academic, sometimes free)
  • Animation Mentor or CG Spectrum (professional-level training)

🎨 4. Start Creating

  • Begin with small projects: bouncing ball, walk cycles, simple character rigs.
  • Share your work on platforms like ArtStation, Sketchfab, or Instagram.
  • Join communities like Blender Artists, r/animation, or DeviantArt.

🔁 5. Combine with Your Sculpture You could even scan your sculptures and animate them digitally. That could be a unique niche for you!