2 answers
Carlina
Student
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best direction if you want to become a 2D Animator?
I'm currently a senior in high school, aiming to become a 2D Animator, but I don't know the best way to achieve that goal efficiently in a way that works best for me. I still want to review basic drawing skills while also developing new animation skills so I can build a career out of what I love, no matter where I end up after graduation.
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2 answers
Benjamin Hall
Animator
12
Answers
Cicero, New York
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
Hi Carlina!
If you want to become a 2D animator the first and best step to do so is always to improve your drawing skills. I recommend drawing still lifes of anything you can find around your town/house. For figure drawing I recommend looking up images online to help you, I also highly recommend learning gesture drawing, these are drawings where it's more about capturing the overall form and energy of a pose rather than drawing all the details, this will be a tremendous help to you because not only will you learn to plan your drawings quickly but this will be essential for planning for 2D where you have to plan out drawing many images. A few main things I highly recommend learning about for drawing are Silhouette, Line of Action, and Contrapposto. Then try to start drawing people in motion, this will be tricker since your subject won't be holding a pose for you this is where gesture drawing can really help in capturing the feeling of a pose quickly without all the extra details.
I would also recommend learning how to use digital drawing and animation programs, my personal recommendation is Krita which is free to use and has both drawing tools and 2D animation functionality so if you're starting on a budget this is a risk-free way to start. When you get a more serious desire for 2D animation the industry standard tends to be either Toon Boom or TV Paint, Toon Boom is more likely if you live in North America. Both are very expensive though so I recommend learning free or lower-price software first. Toon Boom comes with Annual and monthly fees which are less if you get a student license and TV Paint has the latest version of their software available for one-time purchase which you can then pay to upgrade later.
For learning more about 2D animation I recommend learning at an animation school. Animation Mentor had 2D animation classes available although they can be expensive. For your own research, I recommend The Animator's, Survival Kit by Richard Williams. As well as online resources like Agora Animation which has a free library of animation videos available. I also recommend following YouTubers who specialize in 2D animation like Toniko Pantoja. Also joining a 2D animation discord group can help as they can answer questions for you and you can help others by answering their questions.
Overall I think it's great to have a passion and drive for art and that as long as you remain dedicated to it you'll go far.
If you want to become a 2D animator the first and best step to do so is always to improve your drawing skills. I recommend drawing still lifes of anything you can find around your town/house. For figure drawing I recommend looking up images online to help you, I also highly recommend learning gesture drawing, these are drawings where it's more about capturing the overall form and energy of a pose rather than drawing all the details, this will be a tremendous help to you because not only will you learn to plan your drawings quickly but this will be essential for planning for 2D where you have to plan out drawing many images. A few main things I highly recommend learning about for drawing are Silhouette, Line of Action, and Contrapposto. Then try to start drawing people in motion, this will be tricker since your subject won't be holding a pose for you this is where gesture drawing can really help in capturing the feeling of a pose quickly without all the extra details.
I would also recommend learning how to use digital drawing and animation programs, my personal recommendation is Krita which is free to use and has both drawing tools and 2D animation functionality so if you're starting on a budget this is a risk-free way to start. When you get a more serious desire for 2D animation the industry standard tends to be either Toon Boom or TV Paint, Toon Boom is more likely if you live in North America. Both are very expensive though so I recommend learning free or lower-price software first. Toon Boom comes with Annual and monthly fees which are less if you get a student license and TV Paint has the latest version of their software available for one-time purchase which you can then pay to upgrade later.
For learning more about 2D animation I recommend learning at an animation school. Animation Mentor had 2D animation classes available although they can be expensive. For your own research, I recommend The Animator's, Survival Kit by Richard Williams. As well as online resources like Agora Animation which has a free library of animation videos available. I also recommend following YouTubers who specialize in 2D animation like Toniko Pantoja. Also joining a 2D animation discord group can help as they can answer questions for you and you can help others by answering their questions.
Overall I think it's great to have a passion and drive for art and that as long as you remain dedicated to it you'll go far.
Tessa Lewis
Senior Program Manager
6
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Tessa’s Answer
While I'm not currently a 2D animator or designer, I've had past experience enrolled in college for graphic design and design management. I've since pivoted away from true graphic design, but continue to utilize certain visual design values in my current role and it's really helped me find happiness in my career. You're thinking super far ahead which is amazing! Here are some tips to build out your drawing skills efficiently and effectively:
- Do you have any art organizations near by in your town? I spent a lot of time taking drawing and painting classes in high school and college, which are often offered at a discount for students. While it's not animation, it's key for building strong visual art skills. I would highly suggest joining an art association near you! It is usually free or inexpensive to join.
- What projects are going on at your school, place of work, local town, etc. that you could get involved in to showcase and practice your drawing and visual art skills? This is an amazing way to get involved at low cost, and build your resume. For example, I was able to assist with painting butterflies for a large hanging installation at my high school library that I was able to use in my portfolio later on. You may need to reach out to teachers, bosses, etc. to understand what they may need help with or have interest in.
- Keep a sketchbook! Sketch anything, especially things that are pretty challenging for you. If you make even one sketch every couple of days, you will soon have a large sketchbook to show your progress and skills you've built over time!
Research local art associations to join, determine if there are any classes you want to take.
Ask one person in your school, work, town, etc. if there are any visual projects you can assist them with.
Pick up a sketchbook and take it with you everywhere you go!
- Do you have any art organizations near by in your town? I spent a lot of time taking drawing and painting classes in high school and college, which are often offered at a discount for students. While it's not animation, it's key for building strong visual art skills. I would highly suggest joining an art association near you! It is usually free or inexpensive to join.
- What projects are going on at your school, place of work, local town, etc. that you could get involved in to showcase and practice your drawing and visual art skills? This is an amazing way to get involved at low cost, and build your resume. For example, I was able to assist with painting butterflies for a large hanging installation at my high school library that I was able to use in my portfolio later on. You may need to reach out to teachers, bosses, etc. to understand what they may need help with or have interest in.
- Keep a sketchbook! Sketch anything, especially things that are pretty challenging for you. If you make even one sketch every couple of days, you will soon have a large sketchbook to show your progress and skills you've built over time!
Tessa recommends the following next steps: