How should one approach learning how to do computer graphics in an area that has no school.Is there good software for a beginner to get? I am interested in doing animation, the simple one or two movement kind for starters.

Your question is pretty vague. What is it exactly that you want to do with graphics/animation? How good are you with computers? Can you handle complicated software? You can learn graphics on your own but it takes a lot of time and dedication. If you want to make internet cartoons then you need to learn Flash. If you want to do 3d animation like the special effects you see in movies then you need a 3d rendering/animation environment like 3D Studio Max or Maya. FYI: All of these programs are very expensive.

For starters, just doing gifs. things to brighten up posts on message boards. Are there books available? I take it that unless one has an immense IQ being self taught in 3d etc is impossible. There are simple (I think) things like angels with moving wings, little repetitive motions that people use. I'm interested in those for a starter. Don't wanna start out with Heavy Metal, Roger Rabbit or anything like that.

Animated gif's are a good place to start. You're more likely to find useful tips by searching google for tutorials, as this is a field that is largely web based anyway.

I used to use a program called GIF Construction Set. You can use that in conjunction with a simple program like Microsoft Paint. If you want to get more serious, then at some point you're going to have to get involved with Adobe Photoshop. It's extremely powerful software and if you know a few tricks you can do magical things with it.

Good luck!

PS, you don't need to have a huge IQ to teach yourself 3d software. You just need to be the type of person who learns well on his/her own. And a little OCD helps, too.

Nice answers, Odie! (Pardon me for lurking.)

I'd like to welcome both of you to AnswerPool.

Thanks Odie & Professor. I have the OCD, for sure. Bet there's even a Photoshop for Dummies book around. That's how I learn practically everything.