Are you an animation wannabe? a career as an animator is a fantastic idea. Setting up with the needed equipment such as personal computer, animation software and drawing tablets may cost some bucks.
I have been able to pool together a few softwares that are user-friendly and you can also download for free to get started.

2D Animation Softwares
For beginners, 2D animation software is quite easy to run. It will also serve as a foundation for 3D animation softwares when you learn different concepts. Below are two of the best animations softwares I was able to pool together.

1. Tupi
Tupi is an open source 2D animation software. It combines frame-by-frame animation technique with tweening to produce animation. It is ideal for amateurs looking to create 2D animation and can even be used by children aged 8 and over. This software also features an objects library (JPG, PNG, SVG, GIF) and a Stop Motion Module. This software can be run on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows operating systems. The features of Tupi include basic illustration tools (such as Pencil, Ellipse, and Polyline), an exposure sheet, tweening tools (such as scale, position, rotation, opacity, and color), a preview player and a video exportation module (AVI, MOV, and MPEG).

2. Pencil
Pencil is an open-source vector drawing program for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux which gives the freedom to produce your own digital comics. Pencil is the best software for beginners who are willing to learn basic cartoon animation principles. It is based on hand-drawn animation techniques. The software exports to a .FLV file. The major function provided in Pencil is the timeline feature, it allows you to add four different types of layers: bitmap images, camera, sound and vector images. Pencil interface is much more straightforward than that of Adobe Flash and it provides a clean and clear platform. Quality drawings can be produced using a graphics tablet.

3D Animation Software
In comparison to 2D animation, or traditional animation, 3D has much more depth, and it comes looking more realistic

1. K-3D
This software is a free animation and modeling software, featuring a plugin-oriented procedural engine for its content. It features procedures and parametric workflows. Properties can be modified interactively. It allows you to create and edit documents in multiple realtime OpenGL solid, shaded, texture-mapped views. This software supports polygonal modeling and features basic tools for patches, animation, NURVS, and curves. It can be run on Windows, OS X, Linux, and FreeBSD.

2. Blender
Blender is a professional open-source computer graphics software used for creating animated films, 3D printed models, visual effects, art, interactive 3D applications and video games. The features of this software include raster graphics editing, 3D modeling, rigging and skinning, UV unwrapping, texturing, and lots more. It allows you to edit your videos and even create games. Blender is the best software for new animators who want complete and total control of what they are creating. The software can be run on Windows, OS X, and Linux.

Don’t forget to sign up on Findworka. You can get small to mid-size animation projects on Findworka. Big projects too when you are competent enough. Register today and join the league of superstars working remotely.

If you are still thinking when to get started, what are you waiting for? Get in and start developing your craft.

Maya is also a good 3D software, for modeling too