๐๏ธ Animation Learning Roadmap (Beginner โ Job Ready)

๐ Month 1โ2: Foundations
- Drawing & Basics of Art
- Learn proportions, perspective, character sketches.
- Practice quick doodles, storyboarding basics.
- Principles of Animation (12 Principles by Disney)
- Squash & Stretch, Timing, Anticipation, Follow Through, etc.
- Practice with simple objects (ball bounce, pendulum swing).
- Tools (Start Simple)
- 2D: Krita (free) or Adobe Animate.
- 3D: Blender (free, powerful).
๐ฏ Goal: Create a simple bouncing ball and walk cycle animation.
๐ Month 3โ4: Software Skills
- 2D Animation (if interested)
- Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony.
- Short character animations (lip sync, emotions).
- 3D Animation (if interested)
- Blender basics: modeling, rigging, keyframes.
- Animate objects & basic characters.
- Motion Graphics
- Learn Adobe After Effects for text animations, logo reveals.
๐ฏ Goal: Make 2โ3 short clips (like a logo reveal, a character walking, a product demo).
๐ Month 5โ6: Storytelling & Projects
- Storyboarding
- Learn how to plan scenes, transitions, camera angles.
- Short Animated Video (30โ60 sec)
- Script โ Storyboard โ Animate โ Add sound.
- Explore Trending Styles
- Whiteboard animation (VideoScribe / Doodly).
- AI tools (Runway ML, Pika Labs, Kaiber).
๐ฏ Goal: Publish 1โ2 animated shorts on YouTube/Instagram.
๐ Month 7โ9: Specialization
Now choose your focus area:
- 2D Animator โ Cartoons, explainer videos.
- 3D Animator โ Games, films, AR/VR.
- Motion Graphics Artist โ Ads, corporate videos.
- VFX/Compositing โ Films, OTT.
๐ Deep dive into specialized tools (Maya for 3D, After Effects for motion graphics, Houdini for VFX).
๐ฏ Goal: Create a 1โ2 min portfolio project in your specialization.
๐ Month 10โ12: Portfolio & Career Prep
- Build Showreel
- Combine best works (30โ60 sec reel).
- Showcase variety (2D + 3D + motion graphics if possible).
- Create Online Presence
- Behance, Dribbble, ArtStation, YouTube.
- Post small animations on Instagram Reels/TikTok.
- Career Options
- Apply to studios (Green Gold, Toonz, Technicolor).
- Freelancing (Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer).
- Content creation (YouTube animations, shorts).
๐ฏ Goal: Have a polished portfolio + apply for freelance/entry jobs.
๐ Career & Scope After 1 Year
- Salary (India Entry Level) โ โน3โ6 LPA (studio jobs).
- Freelance Earnings โ โน20kโ1 lakh/month (based on clients).
- Global Remote Jobs โ Big demand in gaming, AR/VR, and edtech.
๐ Extra Tip: Stay Ahead
- Learn AI + Animation tools (saves time, increases output).
- Network on LinkedIn & animation forums.
- Keep updating your reel every 3โ6 months.
๐ Do you want me to make a list of free + paid best courses & software (with links) that match this roadmap, so you can start learning right away?
