How to Start Amateur Animating

[SophyQ]

Hi, everyone! I don't know if this is the right forum to post, but I am kind of lost.

I want to start doing animation as a side hobby, but I don't quite know how to get started and which programs to use.

I own the current materials:
Windows 7 Laptop from 2012
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 (Android), Model 1
Wacom Bamboo Black Tablet for Drawing

Could you recommend what programs to use that is less than $100 dollars? I don't know how long I will be owning my laptop before transferring to a new one. I'm looking for a program that is intuitive and has audio insertion.
How do I start drawing animation by hand and have it transfer onto the tablet or PC?

The purpose of I am using animation for is to make it professional enough that I could incorporate it into the world of education. But I know this takes time. I also do not really have to any true artistic drawing skills even though I can design do amateur logo / graphic design via paint.

Could you give me advice for where to start? I know Toon Boom is having a sale right now, but I don't know which product to buy from them.

Thanks for listening!
Let me know how you guys started in the world of animation!

[Chocomilk]

If you're looking for something really cheap you could use Anime Studio. Pencil works as well.

Most people on the internet use Flash, ToonBoom Animate Pro/Animate/ Studio/ whatever, and sometimes things like After Effects to make stuff, but they're very expensive. It's probably best to start out with cheaper programs until you're serious.

If you're interested in 3d animation, there's Blender, which is free and very powerful.

In order to draw hand by hand and transfer it, you should probably get a scanner that allows you to scan your drawings into the computer and some type of digital editing software like photoshop or even the free alternative, GIMP. To draw on paper you'd need a lightbox, or at least a glass table that you can shine a light under. Example of what traditional animation looks like here. Keep in mind that it's not just a simple as picking up a pencil and animating just like that, it would be easier to mess around in a free program before you try traditional.

Also, it can get a little expensive, but you could always hire a freelance artist like Jazza to do it (Jazza is like this super cool guy btw and he has lots of great tutorials on his channel).

Good luck!

[Celshaded]

Synfig is pretty decent for a free program.

There's also a free pencil test software called Monkey Jam that's good if you're planning to work on paper.