The 5 Biggest Myths About Becoming an Animator – Debunked!

If you’ve ever thought about becoming an animator but felt held back by common misconceptions, you’re not alone. There are so many myths floating around that discourage aspiring animators from pursuing their dreams. Today, I’m going to expose the five biggest myths about becoming an animator and show you the truth behind them.

Myth #1: You Need an Expensive Degree

Let’s start with the big one – the belief that you must have a degree to be successful in animation.

Now, before I go any further, I want to make a quick disclaimer. If your goal is to work at a major studio like Disney or Pixar, they may require specific qualifications. If that’s your dream, then by all means, pursue a degree that aligns with those job requirements.

However, the animation industry has changed drastically over the years. You don’t necessarily need a degree to be a successful animator. You can build a career as a freelancer, start your own animation studio, or create and sell your own animated content online. There are so many different ways to be successful without going the traditional college route.

Online courses, one-on-one coaching, and industry training programs are often more affordable and can teach you just as much (if not more) than a university program. I personally learned animation through online courses and coaching, and I’ve built a successful career without a formal degree.

What really matters is your portfolio and skills. A degree doesn’t guarantee a job, but a strong portfolio will open doors for you. Focus on building your skills and showcasing your talent instead of worrying about whether you have a degree.

Myth #2: You Must Be a Master at Drawing to Animate Well

This is a huge misconception that stops many people from even trying animation.

Years ago, when animation was primarily hand-drawn, strong drawing skills were essential. But today, with digital tools and software, drawing is no longer a requirement for becoming an animator.

Many modern animation techniques rely on rigged characters, pre-made assets, and reusable templates. You can create animations by manipulating these elements rather than drawing every frame from scratch. In fact, you can even outsource character design and backgrounds to professionals on platforms like Fiverr.

So if you think, “I can’t draw, so I can’t animate,” let me tell you: that’s just a myth. With the right tools and approach, anyone can learn animation.

Myth #3: You Must Work for a Big Studio to Succeed

Many aspiring animators believe that the only way to make a career in animation is to work for a major studio like Pixar, DreamWorks, or Nickelodeon.

That’s simply not true.

I’m living proof that you can build a career in animation without working for a big studio. I run my own animation business and have launched my own streaming platform where people pay a monthly subscription to access my animated content.

There are so many ways to make a living from animation:

• Freelancing on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork

• Creating animated content for YouTube

• Selling animations as digital products

• Producing animations for churches, schools, or businesses

• Launching your own streaming platform or membership site

Gone are the days when working for a large studio was the only way to be an animator. The internet has opened up countless opportunities, and you can create a successful animation career on your own terms.

Myth #4: You Need Expensive Software to Create Professional Animations

Another common myth is that you need to invest in expensive animation software to create high-quality work.

Yes, some industry-standard programs come with hefty price tags, but there are amazing free and affordable alternatives available.

For example:

• Blender (3D animation) – Completely free and used by professionals

• Krita (2D animation) – Free and excellent for digital animation

• Daz 3D – Affordable 3D asset creation software

If you’re worried about needing an expensive high-powered computer, cloud-based solutions like Vagon Cloud PC allow you to run professional software on any device without needing high-end hardware.

The bottom line? You don’t need a huge budget to start animating. There are free tools and resources available, so finances should never be a reason to hold you back.

Myth #5: You Must Be Naturally Talented to Be an Animator

Many people believe that only those born with natural artistic talent can become animators. This is simply not true. Animation is a skill, and like any other skill, it can be learned, practiced, and improved over time.

While having an eye for movement and storytelling can be helpful, success in animation comes down to dedication, persistence, and continuous learning. The best animators didn't start out as experts—they honed their craft through study, practice, and experience.

If you feel like you’re not 'naturally talented' but are passionate about animation, don’t let that stop you! Focus on developing your skills, learning the fundamentals, and putting in the time to practice. With the right mindset and effort, anyone can become a great animator.

Final Thoughts

The world of animation is more accessible than ever before. You don’t need an expensive degree, expert drawing skills, a job at a major studio, costly software, or even natural talent to succeed. What truly matters is your dedication, your willingness to learn, and the time you invest in developing your skills.

With online courses, affordable (or even free) software, and the ability to work as a freelancer or create your own projects, the possibilities are endless. If you have a passion for animation, don’t let these myths hold you back. Start where you are, keep learning, and take consistent action toward your goals.

If you're serious about becoming an animator, I invite you to check out my training programs and free resources to help you get started. The journey may not always be easy, but with persistence, your dream of becoming an animator is absolutely within reach!

Now, go create something amazing!