How to Build Confidence as a Beginner Animator

Why Confidence Feels Hard (But Matters More Than You Think)

When you’re first learning animation, confidence can feel like a mythical beast—always out of reach, always just for “real artists.” You look at your rough sketches and wobbly loops and think, *“Who am I kidding?”*

That feeling? It’s not just you. Every animator—yes, even the professionals—started with doubt. What makes the difference isn’t talent. It’s the *willingness to keep going* even when you don’t feel ready.

And that’s exactly why I created this site, *Drawn to Animation*. Because if you’re here, trying, practicing, and learning—then you already belong in the animation world. Let’s help you believe it.

Start Small (And Celebrate It)

Confidence builds through momentum, not masterpieces. Start with something so small, you *can’t* fail:

• A 2-second bouncing ball
• Looping blinking eyes
• A stick figure waving hello

These tiny wins matter. They show you that you *can* finish something. That’s where belief begins. Don’t wait until you’re “good enough.” Start where you are—and honor every step.

Practice in Public (Even When It’s Scary)

One of the fastest ways to build confidence? Share your work. Not because it’s perfect—but because *it’s yours*.

Post on Instagram. Join animation Discords. Share to Reddit’s r/animation. Most people won’t judge you. Many will cheer you on. And every time you put yourself out there, your fear shrinks.

Is it scary? Of course. Do it anyway.

Watch Beginners Become Pros

Want proof that confidence is learned? Watch the early work of animators who later went big. A lot of them started just like you—scrappy, uncertain, and full of mistakes.

Check out this short video where animator Ethan Becker talks about how confidence *isn’t* something you’re born with—it’s something you earn through doing.

Watch: Ethan Becker – How to Be Confident

Even though he works in the industry now, his message to beginners is clear: You don’t have to wait to feel ready. Just start creating.

You don’t need perfect tools, a fancy school, or a fanbase. You just need the nerve to keep going.

Track Your Progress (Seriously—Do It)

If you’re not seeing your improvement, you’re going to think you’re stuck. So make it easy to see how far you’ve come.

• Keep an “animation journal” or folder of everything you make
• Set a weekly goal—even if it’s tiny
• Revisit old work every 30 days and compare

When you look back, you’ll be amazed at what a month of practice can do. That proof is rocket fuel for confidence.

Final Thoughts

Confidence isn’t about being fearless—it’s about acting *despite* the fear. It’s about showing up, again and again, even when your drawings wobble and your timing’s off.

That’s why *Drawn to Animation* exists: to remind you that you’re not alone, and that your work matters. Every time you animate—even just a little—you’re proving that you belong here.

Want to keep learning? Here’s something worth checking out:

Source Material

• Ethan Becker – How to Be Confident
• Reddit – r/animation