All you need to know to become an animator
step by step
Whether you dream of animating characters for video games, bringing creatures to life in a blockbuster film, or telling your own story in a short animated film — you're in the right place.
And yes, it's absolutely achievable.
I couldn't draw. I didn't speak English fluently. And yet I went on to animate on some of the biggest productions in the industry: Spider-Man: No Way Home, Beauty and the Beast, Maleficent, Detective Pikachu, and many more.
The best-kept secret of the 3D animation industry?
Degrees don't matter. Your demo reel does.
This guide will walk you through every step — from understanding what 3D animation actually is, to choosing the right software (Maya or Blender?), finding the right training, and landing your first job in a studio.
Where to start?
How to start learning animation step by step:
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Understand animation techniques — techniques, styles, and the 12 principles
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Know about the animation job — what studios expect, what fields you can work in
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Choose the right training for you— school, online course, or self-taught?
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Get ready for your training— software, rigs, and workflow basics
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How to find a job and how to apply ?— how to build a demo reel that gets you hired
Download the full roadmap and free E-Book below to get every detail.
Learn animation step by step:
Step 1 — Prepare: What Is 3D Animation?
Before touching any software, it's essential to understand what animation really is and what the job looks like day to day.
3D animation covers a wide range of styles and industries: character animation for film and TV, video game animation, VFX, motion design, and more. Each has its own pipeline, tools, and expectations.
Step 2 — Learn: Schools, Online Courses & Self-Teaching
There is no single path into the industry. Some animators go through a dedicated 3D animation school, others use online platforms like Animation Mentor or iAnimate, and some are entirely self-taught.
What matters most is structured practice, solid fundamentals, and feedback on your work.
Key questions to ask yourself:
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Do I have the budget for a full program, or should I start with free resources?
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Am I better in a structured classroom environment or self-directed learning?
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What is my timeline to get job-ready?
→ How to get ready for your animation training | Animation schools map
Step 3 — Animate: Choosing Your Software
The two dominant tools in the industry are Autodesk Maya and Blender.
Maya is the industry standard in film and TV studios. If your goal is to work at a major production house, learning Maya is the safest bet. Blender is free, increasingly used in indie studios and games, and has a fast-growing community.
You'll also need:
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A character rig to practice on → Browse free Maya & Blender rigs
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A reference video setup to study real movement → Animation references
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The right animation scripts and tools to work efficiently → Maya scripts & Blender addons
Step 4 — Resources You Need to Progress
Learning animation doesn't happen in isolation. The right resources will cut your learning curve dramatically:
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Free rigs for Maya and Blender to practice body mechanics, walk cycles, and acting
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Video references to study weight, timing, and performance
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Communities like Discord groups and forums to get feedback and stay motivated
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YouTube channels from professional animators
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Books like The Animator's Survival Kit — the bible of the craft
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Animation festivals and events to stay connected to the industry
Ready to start?
Download the free roadmap and E-book, choose your software, download a rig, and start animating. The only thing standing between you and your first shot is getting started.
The industry is looking for talent — not degrees.
Animation resources
Here is a collection of excellent resources for animators: books to learn animation, podcasts to get inspired, press and websites to follow the news, an animation festival calendar, reference footage, and so much more!
Don't forget to join communities to get help and create a network!