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What is the first step I should take in High school to become a professional animator.

I want to become an animator working in SFM, and make stories of my own.

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Beatriz’s Answer

Hi Charles,

I can't help you much with the specifics of SFM, but if you want to do animation professionally the tool is not the end of the game.
So it's better to focus on storytelling, cinematography and motion, and then apply that knowledge to whatever the tool.

For animators the first step is to draw everyday, draw people you have around, study their gestures and how they move. And this is old but the principles still apply: "The animator's survival kit" by Richard Williams, a must have book.

Also I'd say do some research on filmmaking, animation and art degrees to see the requirements for entry.

Best of luck!

Beatriz
Thank you comment icon I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Charles
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hi Charles,

First, it's awesome that you have a clear goal and passion for animation. That's a powerful combination - it's going to take you far! Here are some steps you can take in high school to set yourself on the path to becoming a professional animator, especially focusing on Source Filmmaker (SFM):

Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation
1. Learn the Basics of Animation: Start with the principles of animation, which are the foundation of all animation work. You can find resources and tutorials online or in books like "The Animator's Survival Kit" by Richard Williams.
2. Study Art and Design: Take art classes at school or online to improve your drawing skills. Understanding anatomy, movement, and perspective is crucial for animators.
3. Get Familiar with SFM: Source Filmmaker is a powerful tool for creating animations. Start by exploring tutorials on YouTube or the official SFM website to understand the basics of the software.

Step 2: Practice, Practice, Practice
1. Create Your Own Projects: Use SFM to create short animations or scenes. The more you practice, the better you'll get.
2. Join Online Communities: There are many online forums and communities where animators share their work, give feedback, and collaborate. Places like Reddit's r/SFM or the Source Filmmaker community on Steam are good starting points.
3. Participate in Challenges: Many online communities host animation challenges. Participating in these can give you deadlines to work toward and help you improve faster.

Step 3: Learn and Improve Continuously
1. Take Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer courses on animation, graphic design, and related fields.
2. Watch Tutorials and Behind-the-Scenes Videos: Learn from professional animators by watching behind-the-scenes videos of your favorite animations and following tutorials.
3. Read Books and Articles: There are many resources available that can provide you with insights into the animation industry and techniques.

Step 4: Build a Portfolio
1. Showcase Your Work: Create a portfolio of your best animations. This could be a website, a YouTube channel, or a profile on an artist platform like ArtStation.
2. Get Feedback: Share your work with teachers, classmates, and online communities to get constructive feedback and improve.
3. Stay Updated: The animation industry is always evolving. Stay updated with the latest tools, trends, and techniques.

Remember, becoming a professional animator takes time, dedication, and a lot of practice. But with your passion and commitment, you're well on your way! Keep creating and pushing your boundaries—you've got this!

Wishing you all the best on your animation journey!
Thank you comment icon Loved reading this, thanks! Charles
Thank you comment icon You're welcome! Chinyere Okafor
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Takieaa ReyFaun’s Answer

Hello Charles

I’m Miss Takieaa. I love animation! I even have a realistic version of the Beauty and the Beast rose incased in glass—just like the movie, except the petals never fall off. I have probably seen every major cartoon movie. But, I found a new hobby when I started watching animations from overseas because of the strange similarities and unique differences each film has in comparison to its peers in the global market.

To answer your question—What is the first step I should take in High school to become a professional animator?

The first thing you should do to become a professional animator is make a plan. Set a strategy! Map out your life in stages. Five years from now I want to be attending this (_____________University_______________). Ten years from now I want to own my own animation company and have a grounded volunteer and donation program from orphans and widows—

1. This is what I need to do to learn about teamwork.
2. I will invest in Leadership courses to ensure future successes.
3. I want to live in the Maldives, and work remotely— How do I begin to build a global base to join me in my endeavors to make perfect animations.

Also have a Ten, Fifteen and Twenty year financial plan. How much do you want to save, how much do you want to invest?

So basically, it’s important to visualize yourself as an animator, and more importantly—being happy as an animator. Everything else falls into place.

Well, I hope I answered your question. Have a beautiful life 🤓

Miss Takieaa
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Charles
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Dr’s Answer

Oh Charles, you’re about to embark on the epic journey to become a professional animator, and it's going to be an adventure! 🖌️🎨 But hey, let’s not sugarcoat it—animating is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. It’s intense, but sooo worth it!🔥

Here’s the first step, and it’s simpler than you might think: Start by learning the basics of animation—like timing, motion, and storytelling. You might not be creating Oscar-winning animations yet, but every step you take counts! So, you could dive into SFM (Source Filmmaker) or start with free animation software like Blender (don’t worry, no need to burn a hole in your wallet). 🖥️💥

But here’s the pro tip: Make mistakes, and make them big! Every animator's journey involves a lot of "oops, that looks more like a jellyfish than a human," and that’s totally fine. The more you animate, the more you’ll learn how to make those characters move like they’re alive (or at least like they’re not in the middle of a robot malfunction). 🤖💃

Now, for some humorous advice (because why not, right?):

1. Create your own characters—It’s your world! Go wild! You can make a character who’s a donut with legs if you want. The only rule? There are no rules! 🍩🦵


2. Keep watching animations and movies—Watch other animators at work, even if it’s just to look at how they make someone fall down the stairs in a way that looks SO realistic. It’s all about that timing.


3. Don’t forget to tell your own stories—Whether it’s about a battle between tacos and burritos, or your epic hero’s journey (maybe with pizza as the sidekick), let your creativity run wild! 🍕💥



And lastly, have fun! No pressure to be perfect—you're still in high school, so think of this as your time to make goofy animations that make you and your friends laugh. By the time you’re 20, you'll probably be making your own animated blockbuster, and it’ll all be thanks to that first weird animation you made in high school. 🎬

Good luck, Charles! Keep animating, and remember: The world needs more stories, and who knows, your donut character might be the next big thing. 🍩✨
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Dr for the advice. Charles
Thank you comment icon You are so very welcome Charles, go and achieve your goals cuae only you can (unless I was a superhero)! 😜 Dr H
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Ladan’s Answer

Hi Charles,

To embark on this adventure from the early steps of high school, I recommend not overlooking the power of watching animation. You’ve probably watched countless animations, and this passion has drawn you toward the world of animation and entering this field. However, now it’s time to look at animations from a different perspective.

Advance both theoretical and practical aspects simultaneously. On the theoretical side, play an animation and pause it scene by scene. With each pause, analyze elements such as angles, composition, color schemes, characters, and many other aspects. This exercise will greatly enhance your understanding.

On the practical side, start sketching rough compositions of scenes, avoiding detailed designs at first. Keep an archive of your sketches as a reference for your progress.
I hope you experience many great moments along this journey!
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Charles
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