How long does it take to learn 3d animation?

It depends on how you look at the question.

On one hand, you will always lear and explore new ways of doing 3D animations and telling stories. So the real answer to your question is “forever”.

However, if you are asking purely from the perspective of “getting a job”, then you don’t really need to be an expert at everything. Just know the software well enough to make “something” with it.

You just need to have a systematic approach to learning. A bit like how you learn to draw: you do perspective, sketches, exercising colours, exercising shadows, and slowly you start mix and matching skills to get to more complex artwork.

If you want to learn by practicing, check out this list 10 projects every 3D animation or VFX artist should have in his showreel

If you need resources, Youtube (free) and DigitalTutors (paid) are the best places to find beginner tutorials.

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