How to Become an Animator | Where to Start and What They Don't Tell You

Wondering how to become an animator? Have you been asking "do you need a degree to become an animator?" Wondering if you can rather just teach yourself animation and become an animator without school? Over the years, I've gotten a lot of questions from students or people looking to change their careers, wanting to know how to become an animator and where to start, and asking for any advice I can give them when starting out as a beginner animator. Before jumping in and applying to the first animation school you find, there are some things to consider.

A lot of people also wonder if it's necessary to pay for courses or attend an animation school, or if you can teach yourself animation. They also wonder if it's actually all worth it in the end, money-wise - if they will earn a lot of money as an animator - and if they will even be able to get a job in the animation field. in this video, I'll address these questions, and drop some truth-bombs about animation industry problems which are not always mentioned to those entering the animation industry, since it's always good to find out about animation career truths.

So get some animation school advice, find out where to start and what they don't tell you about the animation industry, and learn how to become an animator.

#animationindustry #careeradvice #howtobecomeananimator

0:00 - Intro
0:59 - Most common questions
1:18 - Do I need to attend a tertiary institution to get into this career?
1:40 - Possible roles/options in the animation industry
5:07 - How can I learn what I need to know? (options for colleges and courses depending on disciplines )
5:41 - South African institutions
6:31 - Online courses
7:06 - Resources and tips for self teaching
7:26 - The Animator's Survival Kit - NB
9:30 - Is it worth it? (Truth-bombs)

Some links to resources as mentioned in the video:

Where to buy The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams:

Possible career roles/ options in the industry:

Resources for self - teaching or improving your skills:

My social media:

My awesome shirt is from the illustrated novel, Super South !
Support them here:
IG - @super_haarig

[brucesherwell]

This is such an awesome video, so many truth bombs and so rewarding. For my part learning I learned most of my skills on the job (Ironically from Robyn). One major thing I've learned is this is a constantly evolving industry, so even after leaving college you never stop learning and are always challenged. Really great that you are doing these videos. As it is a resource that is sorely needed especially in this industry.

[Yogg_Personal]

I feel like i learned more by trying and failing on my own than at school. After working at a concept art school for 4 years i noticed that the most important things you could ever learn is Problem solving and taking criticism well . You have to have some thick skin in this Industry

[benhlomuka]

😊You just made a South African kid aspiring to be an animator happy.✨

[HW-wzgp]

2d Animation has been a dream since I was in middle school! I've finally decided to start my journey! I'm currently on a youtube binge for animation tutorials and advice and I stumbled on your channel! Videos so helpful and funny I subbed, have an awesome day!

[BxThexGhost]

I went out and bought "The Animators Survival Kit" because of this video here a couple months back. I love reading all of the information within those pages and I can definitely tell it will help me in my future. I currently am studying Computer Animation at a university here in the states and I refer to this often. Thank you for your content!

[tigerlilianimation]

Ohw It would be a Dream 🥺✨
I admire all the animators 😭

[wackafool]

Thanks for the information! I'm currently in high school and I want to learn how do 2d and 3d animation, as well as do game development. I know it'd be hard, but I'm certain that it's gonna be worth it in the end

[tshepokgame]

Love your energy and truth Bombs. I wish I had encountered a video like this so that I could get a good sense of what I am getting into.

[ArtInMotionStudios]

This is what I was thinking about yesterday. There is so much to consider and once you are done studying at some institution. You still end up learning so much more once you are actually on the job!

[miyoko]

aa thank you- i'm in middle school and i really want to be an animator, this helps a ton!!

[huakyuu]

I am currently in high school and really want to go towards animation as a career. I've heard many great things about going to an animation college, but I'm honestly really scared of spending 4+ years at an animation college to only end up not getting a job (or get laid off of a job and won't have a income). I've heard that you could do online courses of animation and use college to go towards something else for a backup, but I'm not really sure what to do in college then.

[oby]

Self-learned here! These days its far easier getting into 3D (For free) than when I started out. Fun watch ^-^ make more plz

[jenniferproctor]

I'm so glad you brought out "the book" ! I got so excited! This video is very informative:)

[GamesofMischief]

I’m 29 and I’m thinking of going into animation. I would like to eventually create my own cartoons but I never knew where to get started. Thank you for the information. ❤

[luzsjk]

Thanks for the advice and tips I've seen other videos but yours is really helpful. I've had a lot of people liking my drawings and as well stories I've created. The reason why I want to be a animator is because I want to create my own animated TV series. I know it's going to be hard and alot of commitment and dedication but it's what I've really admired ever since I was younger. shows like Avatar, my hero and She ra have encouraged me that I too can one day create an amazing animated series like these.
Just want to say thanks again 🙏

[startaplin]

Sincerely, I ask myself a few questions. When it comes down to it, I want work that makes me feel good and satisfied to be where I am. I want to contribute to something. Managing deadlines and stress levels is actually something I find quite difficult to do — I mean, I just have to look at my college experience to know this — and, little old me has chronic anxiety to live with.
But then, I do believe I could have the skill levels to get into the industry, if I am willing to face my fears, that is.

[peaou]

when i finished my university, the only job i could get was for explainer animation studio, where focus was on 12-30 second commercials. that kind of job was so boring, even on construction sites people are having more fun. now i feel lucky working on animated shorts, even tho pay is only a fraction of what you get

[HubertKnoblauchDContentOnline]

Great stuff. Good point on the accredited course vs self taught. I finished my B-Tech Industrial Design in 2007, and similarly have found that many people can do a product viz in 3d (in fact any half descent generalist) however, the designers with "formal" education digs into how a person will interact, what is it made of, can it be produced, if used in mid or upper Africa, what are the UV stabaizers needed and a whole lot if other considerations.

Your channel is onto something and will do well because of how it is presented. Clear, easy to follow, well structured and OBVIOUSLY, experience.

[dzjengis]

Oh hey. My friend send me that book digitally and I was just looking at it and said to myself, that is a lot of reading

[petgod]

Wow, after producing many music videos, you are a mine of information and a valuable asset in my quest to produce my first animation video. Looking forward to many hours of viewing your informative and well produced channel Robyn. I've learnt so much from just one video. Thank you.