6 answers
mason kay
1
Answer
South Brisbane, QLD
Asked
1436 views
how do i go into the digital art industry(specifically 2d animation) with no drawing skills?
pls list courses too
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5 answers
M.S. Gumelar
Author I Digital Artist
8
Answers
Denpasar, Indonesia
Updated
M.S.’s Answer
Dear Mason Kay,
You are absolutely right—learning 2D animation does not require exceptional drawing skills. A simple ability to sketch will suffice, much like drawing a basic ball, as demonstrated in this link:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/112588883?collection=772082
Animation is fundamentally about motion rather than drawing. While strong drawing skills can certainly be beneficial, they are not entirely necessary. If someone excels in drawing but their animation lacks fluidity, it is no longer animation—it becomes motion graphics instead. Therefore, focusing on animation principles that are rooted in physics will greatly enhance your progress.
Additionally, I recommend avoiding video-based learning. You may find yourself constantly rewinding, fast-forwarding, and pausing rather than fully absorbing the material. Instead, I suggest using eBooks or well-structured online tutorials, which provide clear, step-by-step guidance without the need for constant navigation.
Wishing you success in your learning journey!
Best regards,
M.S. Gumelar
You are absolutely right—learning 2D animation does not require exceptional drawing skills. A simple ability to sketch will suffice, much like drawing a basic ball, as demonstrated in this link:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/112588883?collection=772082
Animation is fundamentally about motion rather than drawing. While strong drawing skills can certainly be beneficial, they are not entirely necessary. If someone excels in drawing but their animation lacks fluidity, it is no longer animation—it becomes motion graphics instead. Therefore, focusing on animation principles that are rooted in physics will greatly enhance your progress.
Additionally, I recommend avoiding video-based learning. You may find yourself constantly rewinding, fast-forwarding, and pausing rather than fully absorbing the material. Instead, I suggest using eBooks or well-structured online tutorials, which provide clear, step-by-step guidance without the need for constant navigation.
Wishing you success in your learning journey!
Best regards,
M.S. Gumelar
Reuel Machaliwa
Painting, wood Carving
6
Answers
Ndola, Copperbelt Province, Zambia
Updated
Reuel’s Answer
If you have interest in digital arts .I think the best way is to find some one who is already established in digital arts in you area...they will be able to mentor you and motivate you in the digital arts industry...and also try learning online like on YouTube and other downloadable links for tutorials
Sabrina Caballero Vega
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Sabrina’s Answer
Now I'm not a professional, but from what I know, you CAN be an animator without knowing how to draw. The most likely technique you’d be using would be flash or puppet animation since it’s gotten better to not be so stiff when being used with 2D styles. Now where to learn it would be on online classes like in https://www.simplilearn.com/ for example. But first things first learn the principles of animation, since it is the same for any form of animation theres plenty of videos on YouTube but I strongly recommend this one . https://youtu.be/uDqjIdI4bF4?si=JCeKPTvFhZFTf4PH.
I do recommend you learn how to draw regardless.
I do recommend you learn how to draw regardless.
Andria Jackson
Art Education
8
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Andria’s Answer
I recommend searching for 2D animation courses to see what best suits your needs. There are lots of sites out there, and even free resources on Youtube if you want something more affordable. I also recommend books such as The Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams. It's a great animation book for beginners.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hey!
Breaking into the digital art industry, especially 2D animation, without drawing skills is definitely possible and more common than you might think! Animation is about much more than just drawing—it involves movement, timing, storytelling, and character development. Start by learning the fundamentals of animation, such as squash and stretch, timing, and anticipation, which are essential regardless of your drawing ability. You can use software that doesn’t require advanced drawing skills, like Toon Boom Harmony or Adobe Animate, which focus on rigging and vector animation. Blender’s 2D mode and Krita are also great for beginners. Instead of hand-drawing every frame, you can master techniques like motion design, rigging, and digital puppetry, which allow you to animate pre-made assets or simple characters. To build your skills, take online courses such as "Animation for Beginners" on Udemy or "2D Animation Essentials" on Skillshare, which teach core concepts and basic movements. YouTube tutorials on Blender's Grease Pencil and character rigging in Adobe Animate can also help you practice. Start with small projects like animating a bouncing ball or creating a simple walk cycle with stick figures to get comfortable with movement. Over time, focus on developing storytelling skills and understanding how to create fluid motion rather than perfecting drawing skills. By building a portfolio of simple animations and continuously practicing, you’ll be well on your way to breaking into the 2D animation industry.
Breaking into the digital art industry, especially 2D animation, without drawing skills is definitely possible and more common than you might think! Animation is about much more than just drawing—it involves movement, timing, storytelling, and character development. Start by learning the fundamentals of animation, such as squash and stretch, timing, and anticipation, which are essential regardless of your drawing ability. You can use software that doesn’t require advanced drawing skills, like Toon Boom Harmony or Adobe Animate, which focus on rigging and vector animation. Blender’s 2D mode and Krita are also great for beginners. Instead of hand-drawing every frame, you can master techniques like motion design, rigging, and digital puppetry, which allow you to animate pre-made assets or simple characters. To build your skills, take online courses such as "Animation for Beginners" on Udemy or "2D Animation Essentials" on Skillshare, which teach core concepts and basic movements. YouTube tutorials on Blender's Grease Pencil and character rigging in Adobe Animate can also help you practice. Start with small projects like animating a bouncing ball or creating a simple walk cycle with stick figures to get comfortable with movement. Over time, focus on developing storytelling skills and understanding how to create fluid motion rather than perfecting drawing skills. By building a portfolio of simple animations and continuously practicing, you’ll be well on your way to breaking into the 2D animation industry.