well that's a very "difficult topic" to discuss!
because in the title their is 2 "notions" very ... difficult
my english is rusty...
1.democratization : for all?
2animation creation: very specialize ....not for many?
your goal is very noble but /for someone who's interrested in making logos or and little caracters
to "live"
animation and creation require serious studies... and very long one!
it also require a serious background...of learning how to draw!
for that in the spirit of your "title" i recomend the excelent method: of
betty edwards; drawing with the right side of your brain...
also...i would suggest to all students, and to animators
to be aware of the god complex
and to cultivate an humble spirit!
the path of learning how to make movies is like wanting to be a surgeon (doctor)
it takes time ( a long one!) and it is very frustrating....
i do not want to close the discussion with those thougts
but to me it seems important to set the contexte!