Top 10 YouTube Channels to Help You Learn Animation

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Animation, as an art form, possesses a unique blend of creativity, storytelling prowess, and technical expertise. Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of animation or aiming to further elevate your established skills, YouTube stands as an invaluable platform, offering an abundance of educational resources to guide you on your journey of mastering this captivating craft. To illuminate your path towards becoming a proficient animator, here are ten exceptional YouTube channels that furnish a treasure trove of insights and tutorials dedicated to the art of animation:

10 youtube channels to help you learn animation

Aaron Blaise

Aaron Blaise, a former Disney animator, opens the doors to his wealth of experience through comprehensive tutorials. His channel encompasses a diverse array of subjects, including character design, digital painting, and both traditional and digital animation techniques.
Link – Aaron Blaise

Bloop Animation

For both novices and seasoned animators seeking fresh insights, Bloop Animation is an educational haven. The channel boasts an assortment of tutorials, animation challenges, and discussions spanning software guidance to the nuances of storytelling and character development.
Link – Bloop Animation

The School of Motion

Specialising in motion design and animation, The School of Motion channel is an all-encompassing resource. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned animator, you’ll discover tutorials and immersive courses encompassing diverse animation techniques, catering to both 2D and 3D realms.
Link – The School of Motion

Howard Wimshurst

Howard Wimshurst’s channel acts as a virtual academy for frame-by-frame animation. From the intricacies of walk cycles to character animation and special effects, his tutorials—drawing from both traditional and digital techniques—form an invaluable resource for aspiring animators.
Link – Howard Wimshurst

CGMeetup

CGMeetup is a dynamic resource that any animation enthusiast would surely find delightful. With a wide range of animation reels, short films, and behind-the-scenes breakdowns, there is plenty to explore and learn from. At CGMeetup, you can gain invaluable insights into the works of industry professionals and discover new levels of creativity. From exploring the inner workings of animators’ creative processes to finding inspiration for your own work, you can always expect to discover something new and exciting.
Link – CGMeetup

Ben Marriott

Ben Marriott is talented content creator provides some of the most insightful tutorials online, and he specialises in helping users learn how to work with tools like Adobe After Effects. From creative techniques for creating dynamic animations to handy tips and tricks for enhancing your animation skills, Ben’s videos are an excellent resource for anyone who is passionate about this field.
Link – Ben Marriott

ECAbrams

ECAbrams offers a wide range of tutorials that are designed to help you improve your skills and create stunning visual effects using Adobe After Effects. These tutorials cover a variety of topics, including how to create engaging animations, how to use different tools and techniques to achieve specific results, and much more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, ECAbrams has something to offer. The tutorials are easy to follow, and they provide clear and concise instructions that will help you achieve your goals.
Link – ECAbrams

CG Cookie

CG Cookie has an extensive collection of tutorials that cover a broad range of topics, including animation, 3D modeling, and game development. Whether you’re just starting or you’re an experienced artist, you will find something to help you progress in your career. The CG Cookie courses are presented in a clear and concise format that makes it easy to follow along. Moreover, the instructors are knowledgeable and experienced professionals in their respective fields, providing you with the best learning experience possible.
Link – CG Cookie

Motion Design School

Motion Design School is an excellent resource with a variety of tutorials and courses available, the channel provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you master animation software. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to take your skills to the next level, Motion Design School has something for everyone. From basic concepts to advanced techniques, the tutorials are straightforward and easy to understand, making it easy for anyone to get started and start creating stunning animations and visual effects. With a dedicated team of experts and a commitment to excellence, Motion Design School is the ideal place to go if you want to improve your skills and enhance your career prospects in the field of motion design.
Link – Motion Design School

CartoonSmart

CartoonSmart’s YouTube channel is the perfect destination for anyone who is inclined towards game art and animation. It provides a diverse range of tutorials that cater to a vast audience seeking knowledge in many different areas. Whether you are looking to sharpen your skills in character design, vector art or animation techniques, CartoonSmart’s channel has got you covered. With practical and easy-to-follow instructions, anyone can learn the essential techniques needed for creating exceptional game art and animation.
Link – CartoonSmart

UDEMY COURSES:

Additionally, here are three highly recommended Udemy courses that can further enhance your animation learning journey:

Maya Autodesk for Beginners: Guide to 3D Animation

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to 3D animation using Autodesk Maya. Taught by a seasoned Hollywood professional, it provides you with all the fundamental knowledge required to begin your journey into the world of 3D animation.
Link – Maya Autodesk for Beginners

After Effects CC Masters: VFX, Motion Graphics, Animation+

This course is designed to take you through an in-depth journey of Adobe After Effects CC. With over 460+ lectures and more than 35 hours of easily digestible video content, it’s the perfect learning experience for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills.
Link – After Effects CC Masters

The 2023 Blender Primer: 3D Modeling, Animation & Rendering

The Complete Blender Course your gateway to mastering the art of 3D modelling, animation, and rendering with Blender, one of the industry’s leading software.
Link – The 2023 Blender Primer

Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation for Beginners

This course is a starting point to learn the art of classical 2D animation, perfect for beginners or those who want to give animation a try.
Link – Learn to Animate: Classical 2D Animation

Embarking on the journey to learn animation entails commitment, practice, and access to invaluable educational resources. These YouTube channels, alongside Udemy courses guided by experienced animators and educators, serve as your companions in this transformative expedition. Whether you’re a budding animator igniting your passion or a seasoned artist honing your skills, these resources equip you with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration required to bring your animated visions to life.