Study the arts. In fact, study a wide array of arts that range anywhere from film production to fine art. You should also have a passion for art. While more goes into the process of animation, visual art is a fundamental building block. So draw and color and shade and take an interest in anything visual at an early age.
Pursue an education. Enroll in college courses that focus heavily on artistic training, such as the fundamentals of visual arts and graphic animation/design. While a degree isn't necessary to become an animation specialist, you will want to pursue some formal training in the field. If you already have a degree in an unrelated field, look at trade schools and community colleges that offer courses and programs in the visual arts.
Learn computer animation software. You already have a high appreciation for classical art as well as some formal training under your belt. Computer animation software will help you to combine those two attributes. Software is essential to film animation and controls a large portion of the action that you see on the screen. Search entertainment industry trade magazines for the most widely used computer animation software and begin to learn the basics of the program.
Move to an area that is widely regarded for film production. A back-woods residence in Iowa won't cut it if your goal is film animation. Relocate to where the action is, and for a large portion of the entertainment industry, that means Hollywood (Los Angeles, Calif.). Chances are that you won't find a job in animation right away. It might even be years before you are able to break into the entertainment industry, so prepare yourself for rejection and a long wait.
Seek out jobs that are closely related to the field of film animation. Maybe you moved to Hollywood, but that big break you assumed would be waiting didn't pan out. Fear not; Los Angeles is filled with part-time and full-time jobs that are, in some way, related to the film industry. The most coveted of all is the assistant. Aspiring actors, screenwriters and producers often flock to Hollywood with the dream of becoming an assistant to an already established component of the entertainment industry. In your case, locate the largest and most prestigious animation companies. Fetch coffee, run scripts or pick up clothes from the dry cleaner, if necessary--just remember that your chances of achieving your dream double when you get one foot in the door.
Network. Everybody in Hollywood has a story. Most are probably similar to your story. People who have been in the town longer than you have had the opportunity to build up important industry connections. Befriend those people and utilize their already established connections for your own personal gain. Remember, they did the same thing with somebody else. Talk to as many people as possible.
Search for independent productions that require animation work. No matter how small the budget may be (or, in some cases, how non-existent the pay may be), any animation work on a film will help to establish your career. Give yourself as many resume-building opportunities as you can find, so you have something to show the “big-wigs” when you finally manage to get that meeting.