Animation is a creative and rewarding career that can be learned online. There are many resources available to help you learn the basics of animation, and you can find courses that fit your budget and schedule.
If you're interested in learning animation online, here are a few free tools you can use to get started:
Krita is a free and open-source digital painting application that can also be used
for animation. It has a wide range of features, including a variety of brushes, layers, and effects. Krita is a great choice for beginners because it is easy to learn and use.
Krita animation software
OpenToonz is a free and open-source 2D animation software that was originally developed by the Italian animation studio, Gruppo Alcuni. It is a powerful tool that can be used for both traditional and digital animation. OpenToonz is a great choice for experienced animators who want a powerful and flexible tool.
Pencil2D is a free and open-source 2D animation software that is easy to learn
and use. It has a simple interface and a variety of features, including onion skinning, frame-by-frame animation, and tweening. Pencil2D is a great choice for beginners who want to learn the basics of animation.
Adobe Animate is a paid software, but it offers a free trial that you can use to learn
the basics of animation. Adobe Animate is a powerful tool that can be used for both 2D and 3D animation. It has a wide range of features, including a variety of drawing tools, layers, and effects. Adobe Animate is a great choice for experienced animators who want a powerful and flexible tool.
Getting Started
Once you've chosen a animation tool, you can start learning the basics of animation. Here are a few resources to help you get started:
YouTube: There are many animation tutorials available on YouTube. You can find tutorials on everything from how to draw characters to how to animate objects. Click here for a list of channels to check out.
Books: There are many books available on animation. Some of the best books include:
The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams
The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
The Rough Guide to Animation by Christopher Hart
Online Courses: There are many online courses available that can teach you the basics of animation. Some of the best online courses include:
For a Physical class experience check out Africa Digital Media Institute ADMI, who've partnered with Rubika from France.
Practicing
The best way to learn animation is to practice regularly. Set aside some time each day to work on your animation skills. You can practice by animating simple objects, such as a ball bouncing or a flag waving. You can also practice by animating characters.
Getting Feedback
Once you've created some animations, it's helpful to get feedback from others. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve. There are a few ways to get feedback on your animations:
Show your animations to friends and family. Ask them for their honest feedback on your work.
Post your animations online. There are many websites where you can post your animations, such as YouTube and Vimeo. You can also post your animations on social media.
Join an animation forum or community. There are many online forums and communities where you can get feedback on your animations from other animators.
Conclusion
Learning animation takes time and effort. Don't give up if you don't see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually reach your goals.
Here are some additional tips for learning animation:
Be patient. Learning animation takes time and effort. Don't expect to become an expert overnight.
Be persistent. Don't give up if you don't see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually reach your goals.
Be creative. Animation is a creative art form. Let your creativity shine through in your work.
Have fun! Animation is a fun and rewarding career. Enjoy the process of learning and creating.