A

Animation for Beginners

A Quick Start Epic Guide

If you're a newbie animator - this animation for beginners guide will quickly
get you started and after your dream career.

After all, you've probably drooled at the thought of getting paychecks for
animating...

...in a vfx movie like Avengers, a game like God of War, or a feature
like Incredibles 2.

But where do you even begin?

You have so many questions it’s overwhelming.

• What is animation after all?

• How do you actually animate?
• What tools, software, books, exercises, character rigs, and courses do you
turn to?

3

This epic guide on Animation For Beginners is about to answer all of them
and more.

You're about to hear life changing insights and truth bombs from a veteran
professional animator who learned it all the hard way.
So buckle up. The animation party is coming to you.

Lets dive in.


4

Epic Guide Chapters

Ch.1 What is Animation?

Ch.2 How to Animate

Ch.3 The 5 Different Kinds of Animation And Their Advantages

Ch.4 Animation Software for Beginners

Ch.5 Animation Hardware for Beginners

Ch.6 Animation Tools for Beginners

Ch.7 Animation Books

Ch.8 Animation Exercises

Ch.9 Free Maya Rigs for Beginners

Ch.10 Best Animation Courses

Ch.11 Animation Career Paths

Ch.12 Your Next Steps as a Beginner

What is Animation?
Animation is a series of still images that change over time to give the illusion
of life. If you've ever seen a flipbook, you've seen animation.

Yes - this is animation in one of its most basic forms.

So first and foremost, animation is an art.

It's a very young art and its crazy easy to start learning today.

But it’s also extremely challenging to animate well.

Especially, if you want to get paychecks for it.

In fact it's probably more complicated than any other art.

Why?

You're not just creating traditional art with still images, but you are also
manipulating time, mimicking real movement in slow motion, acting through
body language and you're telling a compelling story.

Whew. That's a lot!

How do you actually go about making all that without being overwhelmed?

How do you animate?


6

How to Animate
Thankfully, today, how to animate is less of a mystery, due to the awesome
artists that came before us.

Artists like the Legendary Disney animators called the Nine Old Men who
gave us road maps to quality animation.

And perhaps the best road map of is...

The 12 Principles of Animation

If you've ever wanted a formula for making great animation - the 12

principles are as close as it gets.

Every professional, at every level, follows them to take their art to the next
level.

But rather than reading all about them, watch this awesome video:

7

These 12 principles were first described in the legendary book "The Illusion of
Life" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.

Frank and Ollie were 2 of the Nine Old Men, who many consider some of the
best animators who ever lived.

They were key animators for classic films you might know like...The Jungle
Book, Peter Pan, 101 Dalmatians, Sleeping Beauty, and many more.

So it’s a good idea to follow their advice, especially with the 12 principles, if
you plan on becoming a fantastic animator.

Of course there is more to animating than just jumping in and following the
12 principles.

It helps to have clear steps from beginning to end - an order for when you
animate what part - when. That way you don't get frustrated and lost along
the way.

8

Animation Workflow

Every art has a process for creation – a workflow.

The better your process (your workflow) the better your art.

If you don’t believe this, go try sculpting clay for the first time.

$50 bucks you’ll get confused at how to start or you’ll wonder what tool to
use when. And your first sculpt will end up looking horrible.

What animation workflow should you have then?

There are literally 100's of different workflows to choose from…

As every animators adapts and develops their own based on their

preferences.

But here’s basically what they all do

They go through 6 stages, starting really rough and then add more and more
detail until it’s finished. Check out those stages below for a rough idea.

9

The 6 Stages of Animation

#1 - Planning (Conception)
• What kind of wood sculpture do you make?
• Find your ideas, your story, your character, your movements
• Do this with sketching, video reference, and story boarding

#2 - Blocking (Very Rough)

• What are your most important parts of the animation?
• Add in your storytelling drawings/poses/keys
• Just the bare minimum to sell the idea.

10

#3 - Blocking Plus (Rough)

• Breakdown how to move from 1 storytelling pose to the next

• Here you’re animation really starts taking shape.

#4 - Refining (Detailed)

• Add a lot more drawings/keys to further define each move

• By the end of this stage your animation, has believe-able weight, acting,
and story.
• All the major movements feel good enough.

#5 - Polish (Extremely Detailed)

• At the last stage, the animation is already working overall.

• You’re just getting all the little bits just right.
• Fingers, toes, drapery, ears, knee pops, arcs on the jaw, little lip-sync
tweaks, etc.

11

Are you still feeling a bit confused

about how to animate?

Don’t feel alarmed. Like most art, you learn best by doing it - by using your
hands.

If you really want to get a handle on how to animate, you should join an
animation for beginners course with step-by-step walk-throughs taught by a
pro.

Though, if you want to learn more about the advantages of the different
kinds of animation, the best animation software, and more – keep digging
in.

12

The 5 Different Kinds of Animation

and Their Advantages

You probably already know what 2D and 3D looks like. Maybe you even
have a preference for your dream career. But you probably DON’T know
the advantages and disadvantages of each. Or how many different kinds
there are.

This chapter will give you insights on how each medium differs, what skills you
need to learn, and the job options.

2D Animation

#1 - Traditional Animation

Usually, when you hear traditional animation – Disney is what first comes to
mind. Or maybe Looney Tunes.

It used to be the dominant medium for animation, though today it’s taken a
backseat for most animation productions.

In traditional animation everything is hand drawn page by page on real

paper.

Here’s some traditional animation in Treasure Planet by the legendary Glen

Keane (Tarzan, Beast, Ariel, Aladdin):

13

How many drawings do you have to make?

If you were animating on a film, there could be as many as 24 drawings a

second.

Why?

Films are typically captured on camera at 24fps - that’s frames per

second. A frame is what’s caught in the camera frame - a picture or a
drawing.

So 24fps = 24 drawings a second

Crazy huh!?

Now obviously, you could save a lot of time, cost, and stress
if you could draw less right?

That’s exactly what the master animators of old times did. They discovered a
solution.

Just show only 1 drawing every 2 frames. (Animating on 2's).

And BHAM. Now you only need half the drawings. 12 drawings per second
instead of 24.

To this day, this is still used. Sometimes there are even lesson drawings, like in
anime or kid cartoons. And it works especially well for when your character is
staying still.

It has to be used where appropriate though. For very fast actions, its often
still necessary to animate on 1's (1 drawing every frame).

This is an advantage traditional animation has over computer animation. In

computer animation characters look dead if they stop completely, but more
on that later.

• Main Advantage: Complete creative freedom to draw whatever you can imagine
• Main Disadvantage: High level drawing skill is required and there are far less job options
• Skill required for job: 5 stars
• Job Availability: 2 stars

14

#2 - Vector/Bitmap Animation

Vector animation is pretty much the same as traditional animation. You're

hand drawing all of the animation, but you’re drawing digitally with
software. The style is instantly different but often more simplified than pencil
and paper.

In recent years, with the growth of YouTube and social media, this kind of
animation has become pretty popular.

Here's a famous flash example that got shared everywhere years ago:

• Main advantage: Less Expensive and more tidy than 2D

• Main disadvantage: Using software to mimic pencil drawings
• Skill required for job: 3 stars
• Job Availability: 3 stars

15

#3 - Motion Graphics

Motion graphics is very different from other kinds of animation. Often its focus
is on interesting shapes and text, instead of story or character.

You’re moving graphic elements, like titles or logos around in appealing

ways. Typically most of the work is in commercials, marketing, and movie
intros/credits.

The fun part is that this takes the pressure off. The required animation skill is
much lower than other mediums. It’s much easier to get high quality cool
results when you don't have to create highly realistic character movements.

Here's a cool demo reel of a motion graphics artist:

• Main advantage: Simple straightforward medium

• Main disadvantage: Very little acting or storytelling
• Skill level required for Job: 2 stars
• Job Availability: 3 stars

16

3D Animation

#4 - Computer Animation

This is the most common form of animation today.

And this is where the most jobs are.

Studios of all kinds from HUGE ones like Disney to small TV cartoon
companies do computer animation.

The unique difference in this medium is that you manipulate 3D

virtual puppets called character rigs to create animation.

This means you don't need to know how to draw at all. But often you're also
limited by what your 3D puppet (character rig) is capable of. Like having
arms long enough to put a hat on.

Here's a short behind the scenes look at Pixar animators moving character
rigs for Incredibles 2:

• Main Advantage: You don’t need to know how to draw - you use 3d virtual puppets
called (character rigs)
• Main Disadvantage: Limitations of character rigs and software
• Skill Required for Job: 5 stars
• Job Availability: 5 stars

17

#5 - Stop Motion

Stop Motion combines live action filmmaking with animation techniques

using physical objects. You take a physical object, puppet, or even your
own body and take a series of still images with a camera to create
animation.

And man does it look cool!

Here's some behind the scenes footage of stop motion animators for Kubo
and the Two Strings:

• Main advantage: very organic and naturally appealing

• Main Disadvantage: The most labor intensive medium
• Skill required for job: 5 stars
• Job Availability: 1 star

18

Animation Software for

Beginners
Today, it's so easy to start learning animation, as there are all kinds of great
software packages available and several of them are FREE.

Recommendations for all the best software options are listed below in order
from inexpensive to professional.

2D Animation Software

Krita
Can you get cheaper than FREE? Krita is a
great example of why it’s so easy to start
learning animation today. It's open source,
just click the link and download.

Cost $ FREE

Flipbook

Again - FREE software. Flipbook is basic and very

traditionally focused. The design is probably as close as
you can get to traditional 2D animation with software.

Cost $ FRE

19

Adobe Animate CC
Formerly known as Flash, this software is a favorite
among many You-tubers, Independent Filmmakers,
and Beginners.

With a $20 /monthly payment plan and a free

trial, Animate CC has made getting started with
premium software - much easier.

Est. Cost $20/Month

Toon Boom Harmony

A very flexible program that can go
anywhere you want to go in any kind of
style - from stick figures to high quality
Ghibli / Disney.

It's a tad more expensive than Animate

CC but still has a free trial with a fairly low
month cost after.

Est. Cost $41-78 / month

TV Paint
This is the digital hand drawn animators
professional software of choice. If your
seeking to create the highest level 2D
animation like golden age Disney - TV
Paint is your choice.

There is also a Trial version available to help

you decide.

20

Est. Cost $600 or $1500

Dragonframe
Dragonframe is the #1 software for Stop Motion
Animators. Feature Films like The Little
Prince, Loving Vincent, and Isle of Dogs where
created using it, so that pretty much says it all.

There are special student prices and helpful add

on's like Bluetooth controllers. So check out the
options.

Est. Cost $295

3D Animation Software

Blender
Blender is a FREE open source 3D program. Due to
this, it’s gained a lot of popularity. However, very
few, if any, animation studios actually use Blender
on the job.

So its great for testing out what 3D programs are

capable of. But if you want to become a 3D
professional animator, you should probably plan
to learn Maya eventually.

Est. Cost $Free


21

Autodesk Maya
Maya is the industry standard for most jobs in
movies and game studios. If you want to get
comfortable with what you'll probably be using
as a professional, start here.

And don't let the cost scare you, there

are FREE student versions and a Free Trial (Other
3d programs exist that are similar to Maya,
though they aren't worth mentioning for
animation).

Est. Cost $190th


22

Animation Hardware for

Beginners
Creating your own animations doesn't require expensive equipment. You
can go pretty bare bones, especially if you’re animating in 2D.

But if you're an ambitious beginner and you want as sweet a setup as you
can handle right now, there is some hardware that will make your life easy.

Recommendations for both the basics and the ideal hardware are below:

Basic Animation Hardware


23

Ideal Animation Hardware


24

Animation Tools for Beginners

If you're planning on animating in Maya the industry leading 3D software, the

3 FREE tools here will make animating much easier and fun for you.

Arc Trackers Ghosting AnimBot

Arc Trackers let you Ghosting lets you Animbot is the BEST
visually see how your outline your toolset for every Maya
animation is moving in character rig from animator - whether they
3D space from frame to frame to frame to are a student or
frame. And they let you better see your professional.
make adjustments on spacing and to help
With a drag and drop
the fly. you breakdown your
install, you get an
poses.

This one is called Arc amazing arc tracker,

Tracker 110 and it’s This one is called BH tween machine, a flurry

been around for a long Ghost by Graphite 9 of curve management
time. and it’s fantastic. tools, mirroring and
more. Just get it.



25

Animation Books for Beginners

The right books will vastly expand your understanding of the art, when you're
practicing on your own. And they are amazing reference for you when
you've joined an animation course.

The books listed below belong on every animator’s bookshelf.

They are not the kind you read once and throw away.

If all you got was 1 at first, it will shower you in priceless wisdom.

To help you decide, these animation books are ranked from most to least
impactful for beginners.


26


27

Animation Exercises for

Beginners

If you want to try out animation for the first time, or if you want to develop
your skills a little before you join an animation course, these exercises will be
fantastic for you!

1. Vertical Ball Bounce

o (Straight up and down to a stop - 100f max)
2. Ball Bounce
o (Across the camera frame and settle to a stop - 150f max)
3. Pendulum
o (Moves across screen to a stand still - 150f max)
4. Flour Sack / Juice Box
o (Walks and hops once 72f max)
5. A Ball w/ a Tail
o (Hops along and leaves frame - 120f max)
6. Normal Walk Forward
o (An average walk with at least 4 steps - from the hip down only - 120f
max)
7. Personality Walk Forward
o (A walk with 1 distinct emotion - from the hip down only - 120f max)

28

These animation exercises might seem extremely easy. They aren't. That is, if
you try to make these animations closely mimic real life (think Pixar
Quality) these exercises will challenge you immensely.
But they will be worth your time. And if you do them right they will give you a
solid foundation of the fundamentals.

Site links with even more exercise lists:

Animator's Island Thinking Animation 11 Second Club


29

Free Maya Rigs For Beginners

If you're planning to use Maya (the industry leading 3D software) you'll need
good free character rigs to start animating.

Simple rigs will also help you stay focused on learning the art - instead of
getting overwhelmed with technical hurdles.

So to save you time searching for good rigs that aren't too advanced - here's
a recommend list:

The Bouncin' Ball Ultimate Rigs Walking Battle

Egg
As simple as this rig is, Ultimate Ball, Tailed,
it’s my favorite free Pendulum, and A robot rig that keeps it
ball rig for one reason Ultimate Walker. An simple but lets you
- you can rotate the all in one practice all the basics in
ball, as well as the fundamentals rig an exciting new way.
squash and stretch package.
independently.

If you're looking for more free Maya rigs check out this page:













30

Best Animation Courses for

Beginners

When you’re looking to become a professional fast, taking animation

courses is the best way to level up from amateur status.

Sure you could try to learn on your own. But learning on your own will leave
you blind to all the mistakes you’re making. You won't have experienced
eyes to point out what to fix.

If you go that route, YEARS will go by as you search for answers to even basic
questions that a veteran mentor could give you in minutes.

Of course, not all animation courses are created equal either.


31

The best animation courses are online

Below is a short list of course recommendations to start going after your
dream job the right way.

And if you're looking for far more details or proof on why online courses give
you the best shot at your dream job - check our ultimate guide on the best
animation schools below.

Online Courses, Workshops, and Mentorships:

Online Courses











Online Schools:


















32

If you want far more insights for picking the

right animation course check this out:


33

Animation Careers


What types of jobs in animation exist once you’ve become good enough?

You could have a job animating in movies, video games, TV, advertising,
various freelance projects or even create your own job as an independent
filmmaker.

You have so many possible animation career paths available. Especially

since each industry also has very different roles and styles for the animation
you create.

Check out more details and examples of possible animation career paths
below:

Move / Film Animators

z



















34

Video Game Animators

Motion Graphics and Freelance Animators


















35

Independent Filmmakers

































36

Your Next Steps as a Beginner

To Animation



By now, this epic guide should have given you a lot of insights on how to
start going after your dream career.

And it’s probably saved you several years and thousands of dollars of
searching for the right answers.

If you feel the same way, would you pay it forward by sharing this guide?

Share it with a friend or anyone that you think might benefit from it too.

But you're probably also wondering - what's the next step for me? What skills

do I need to become hire-able? What does the road ahead look like?

37

Checkout the journey from Beginner to Professional

Animator: