So, you're interested in animation, but you aren't quite sure where to get started. That's okay, there is an entire wealth of information out there for you to get your hands on. Remember though that animating is a journey, it takes lots of hard work, but it is extremely rewarding.

PICK A MEDIUM

There are lots of different ways you can begin animating, and countless styles beyond that. Traditional, Flash (or any 2D animation program), stop-motion, and 3D are just to name a few. Find out which medium(s) you'd like to pursue and gather the necessary resources to begin.

Most of us, however, will settle into Flash animation. Flash animations are created with Adobe Flash, but there are plenty of free alternatives to the program.

GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH YOUR MEDIUM

Those of you using pencil and paper may want to skip this section, but feel free to look into how traditional animation is done. Stop-motion is also something that should be rather self explanatory, but for the more serious animators you may want to look into armatures.

Flash animation can take some getting used to. When you first open the program it can seem very overwhelming, but don't worry, navigating the program will become easier after some time. You should definitely check into Newground's great collection of Flash tutorials. Another great way to get familiar with any program is to simply mess around with it and try creating something.

I won't be able to list information for every program and medium out there, but the web is full of tutorials and information that's only a quick google search away!

THE BASICS AND OTHER RESOURCES

So now you're confident enough in your medium to start learning the meat of it all, how to make stuff move and how to do it believably. I've composed a list of learning resources, both books and websites that you should look into. Remember though, they're meant to be used, not simply read. Try doing various exercises based on what you learn and practice practice practice!

-Websites-

The Principles of Animation - The basic techniques of animation, start here.
More information on the principles
Various resources by Carlos Baena
More Carlos Baena
Animation Meat - A great website that links to other great websites and has a wonderful list of resources!
Another animation tutorial collection by Newgrounds and there's a thread too!
Keyframer A great website, especially for you Flash animators!
Tips and tricks by Shaun Freeman
Animation Mentor A great website about an online animation school, but has plenty of free resources including webinars and blogs by animation professionals. Definitely a must see!

-Books-

I know some of you are more inclined to do you're learning on the web, but there really is some golden information in the pages of these books, I highly recommend looking into them. Try checking your local library or Scribd if you're not able to afford them.

The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams
The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
Character Animation Crash Course by Eric Goldberg
The Animator's Workbook by Tony White
Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!

I'm sure you're sick of hearing but practice makes perfect.Take all of this information and use it! Do motion studies, do short animation, pair up with a friend and create something new! Draw, draw, draw and keep moving forward! You can become a great animator if you put your mind to it, the potential is in you. It's going to be a difficult journey, and sometimes you might want to give up, but don't! Every long journey starts with a few simple steps, and I hope this information will help you take them.

"Animation is bottling lightning, one bolt at a time"- Brad Birdquicklink