/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

>>3179702
Hey guys, newfag here, I've been lurking/posting in the thread a bit and wanted to ask you pro's some questions.
I just recently finished highschool a couple months back, and am studying some nonrelated stuff at my uni atm. I really want to get into animation and make it my profession, but until now the only time I've ever animated anything was a 1-week beginners course after graduation.

I was pretty busy with other shit the las couple weeks, but I want to dedicate the time and effort to learn (and hopefully master) animation. Currently working my way through the "51 Great Animation Exercises" from this website http://www.animatorisland.com/51-great-animation-exercises-to-master/, so I can get down the basics of animation ASAP.

So in general, I'd like to know:
>Are these 51 exercises a good idea for a beginner? What other stuff can you recommend for somebody starting out?
>Can you self-teach animation or do you absolutely need to go to a school/college? Does it matter wheither you go to an expensive school or not?
>Is it perhaps better to just directly jump into the industry somewhere to get working experience and contacts immediatly, even if you get low/no pay?
>Apart from "Practice, practice, practice" (which is why I want to try to make at least one animation a day), are there any other ways or tips to improve your skills effectively?

I'll just link my shit to this post, I would be happy about any feedback:
>>3183148
>>3183151
>>3183161
>>3185269

>>1964737 link to the version of pic related with sound, since it seems I cant post it on /ic/

>>3113558