What steps should I take to become a animator

Hey Zaire,

Thats awesome you want to be an animator! Many people go to schools for animation but it is not always a must. It usually does come at a heavy cost and a lot of schools now are turn and burn. They are great however in giving you structure and discipline in doing your work and holding you responsible for completion. Schools are also great in helping you network, sometimes job placement, explore different options within the field you might like and many more.

Definitely get the Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams. Its practically the bible for animators whether youre 3d or 2d. Be prepared to dedicate A LOT of time practicing the craft and furthering your skills even when you become a professional. I can't even tell you how many people I've seen that couldn't cut it once they found out how much work it takes.
Not trying to scare you, just trying to give you a realistic idea. If you stick with it and work hard it can be awesome and rewarding.

Do some research online with programs and tutorials to start off and go from there whether it be school or just self teaching.
Best of luck!

Download free animation software (Blender for example) and look on the internet for tutorials.
Skills to learn:
- how to model 3d objects
- apply textures (materials) to these objects
- how to light the objects
- put a camera in the view
- learn how to animate the objects/lights/camera
- learn about how to tell a compelling story

Once you have done that, you will be in a much better place to decide what courses would be useful to you. Also having struggled with it will mean that you get more out of a course.
Or you don't do a course... many people self study.