How to Shape Yourself as an Animator
Behind every dancing cartoon, expressive jungle animal, or bouncing bubble letter is an animator who dared to imagine. But great animators aren’t born — they’re shaped. So how do you shape yourself into one? Animation is not just a skill, it’s a discipline—a blend of art, patience, storytelling, and tech-savviness. Start with Observation The first step to becoming an animator is learning to see. Observe movement in people, animals, leaves, water, and even shadows. As legendary Disney animator Glen Keane said, “To draw something well, you must understand it better than anyone else.” This habit of observation turns into a muscle—the one that breathes life into still images. Learn the Craft (Not Just the Tools) Master the 12 Principles of Animation—timing, squash and stretch, anticipation, etc.—before you master software. Tools change, but the principles don’t. Start with hand-drawn exercises, flipbook sketches, or simple frame-by-frame animation before jumping into Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, or Blender. Remember what Hayao Miyazaki once said: “Computers don’t create animation—people do.” Build a Routine Consistency is key. Spend at least 1 hour a day animating or studying animation. Break it down: This routine will shape both your eye and hand. Find Your Voice Don’t chase trends. Whether you’re into 2D edutainment or stylized shorts, let your content reflect who you are. That’s how artists like Gitanjali Rao or Nick Park (of Wallace & Gromit) made their mark—by staying unique. In Savaya’s “Kids Animations,” our animators create stories that not only entertain but educate. Each one reflects their personal storytelling flair. Bottom Line To shape yourself as an animator, be willing to stay curious, stay consistent, and stay connected to your creative core. Animation is not just a career—it’s a calling to move the world, frame by frame. 🎨 “Animation is about creating the illusion of life. And you can’t create it if you don’t have one.” – Brad Bird