Where To Learn Animation For Free

Are you interested in learning animation but don't want to spend a fortune on expensive courses? Luckily, there are several platforms available online that offer free animation tutorials and resources. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced animator looking to expand your skills, these platforms can provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to bring your creations to life. In this article, we'll explore some of the best places to learn animation for free. Let's dive in!

1. YouTube

YouTube is a goldmine for free educational content, and animation tutorials are no exception. Many talented animators and industry professionals share their knowledge and techniques on the platform, making it an excellent resource for aspiring animators.

One of the most popular animation channels on YouTube is Alan Becker. Alan is known for his “Animator vs. Animation” series and has a wide range of tutorials covering various animation styles and software. Another great channel is EonsComic, which focuses on traditional hand-drawn animation.

Other notable animation channels on YouTube include Cartoon Block, Draw with Jazza, and Bloop Animation. These channels offer a mix of tutorials, tips, and industry insights to help you improve your animation skills.

2. Animation Mentor

Animation Mentor is an online animation school that offers both paid and free resources. While their full courses require a fee, they also provide a selection of free webinars and tutorials that cover various aspects of animation.

One of the standout features of Animation Mentor is their Animation Workshops. These workshops are free and allow you to learn from industry professionals who work at studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Disney. Each workshop focuses on a specific animation topic and provides valuable insights and feedback.

In addition to the workshops, Animation Mentor also offers free tutorials on their Resources page. These tutorials cover topics such as character animation, creature animation, and acting for animators.

3. Coursera

Coursera is an online learning platform that partners with top universities and organizations to offer a wide range of courses. While most courses on Coursera require a fee, they also have a selection of free courses that cover animation and related topics.

One of the standout free courses on Coursera is “Animation and CGI Motion” offered by Columbia University. This course provides an introduction to the principles of animation and covers topics such as timing, spacing, and weight. It also explores the technical aspects of CGI motion and includes hands-on exercises to practice your skills.

Another notable free course is “3D Modeling and Animation Fundamentals” offered by the University of London. This course focuses on the basics of 3D modeling and animation using Blender, a popular open-source software.

4. Udemy

Udemy is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses on various subjects, including animation. While most courses on Udemy require a fee, they frequently have sales and promotions where you can find courses at discounted prices or even for free.

One advantage of Udemy is the wide selection of courses available, allowing you to choose the specific animation style or software you want to learn. Whether you're interested in 2D animation, 3D modeling, or motion graphics, you're likely to find a course that suits your needs.

Some popular free animation courses on Udemy include “2D/3D Animation – Create Amazing Graphics Animation in 2D” and “Create 3D Animation and Visual Effects with Blender”. These courses cover the basics of animation and provide hands-on exercises to help you practice your skills.

5. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that offers free educational resources on a wide range of subjects, including animation. While they don't have a dedicated animation course, they have several tutorials and videos that cover the basics of animation.

Their Pixar in a Box series is particularly popular among aspiring animators. This series takes you behind the scenes of Pixar Animation Studios and explores the various aspects of animation, including storytelling, character modeling, and simulation. Each lesson includes interactive exercises to reinforce your understanding.

In addition to Pixar in a Box, Khan Academy also has tutorials on topics such as drawing, storytelling, and computer programming, which can be beneficial for animators.

Conclusion

Learning animation doesn't have to break the bank. With the abundance of free resources available online, you can learn animation at your own pace and for free. Whether you prefer video tutorials, interactive workshops, or structured courses, there's a platform out there that suits your learning style.

Remember to take advantage of the platforms mentioned in this article, such as YouTube, Animation Mentor, Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy. Explore their tutorials, courses, and workshops to gain the skills and knowledge you need to bring your animated creations to life. Happy animating!