It's finally done!
Now, on to good thoughts.
1) Ok, so, first off is have reachable idea. So for instance, if you want to create an epic YouTube video to a well known song (like Happy or Let it Go), let me tell you something. You ARE NOT going to be able to do that for your first animation! That's not to say it's impossible and that you never can, but if you do, you will probably literally spend hours at the computer drawing out 3-4 minutes of frames. BOR-ING! So just let it go, and start off small, then get bigger. Trust me, you'll be a lot happier. (This tiny animation clip would probably only be shown for 5-6 SECONDS in a big animation, think about that. Now find that old Lion King movie and thank the animators who did a lot of that BY HAND.)
2) Start off by sketching, see what you want, and try to draw it in repetition. It will help you later drawing the frames if you know the character well. (I sketch Fire a lot, she's on my papers and PDFs and on EVERYTHING, just like a real cat.) It may also help you to have a reference or tracing image, like I did.
3) Draw out the lineart and initial sketches , PLEASE PLEASE DO THIS! IT IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL, AND VERY MUCH BETTER LOOKING THAN WHAT I DID! If you are still asking me 'what's lineart?' then look at the running cycle at the top of this post. Another name for lineart is lineout. Another thing, I didn't make that running cycle of Novo, PantheraSonya of YouTube did. Go see her.
4) NOW add your colors, I should think that this part would be easy for you. It will be almost exactly like a coloring book, but with more repetition by coloring the same thing over and over again. This is probably the easiest step, so enjoy!
5) This next step is optional, and it is shading. In case you don't know, the way to make things look more '3-D' and realistic is to ad shadows, shading, and lighting. So if you are going for a slightly more realistic or 3-D look, add shadows . Please don't ask me where, I have no idea and it depends on what you've drawn. Here, go see this about shading.
6) Lastly, add any special effects or background if you want. You don't HAVE to do this, but it will make it look cooler (and not lazy like me). I would highly recommend this if you have time, but it is optional. Also, remember not to go overboard with those special effects, maybe a couple shimmers or flames or something, but keep it minimal.
I believe that that is it, and now for the big reveal! The moment that I know that you have all been waiting for: The Animation! (Sorry about the bad quality, I'll try to retape it...sometime....)