Animation Classes Baltimore, MD

Animation is a creative technique that involves transforming still images to provide the illusion of motion. Animation has existed since the late nineteenth century; however, it wasn’t until the advent of computers that the field underwent a rapid evolution. Traditionally, animation involved hand-painting or sketching each frame on transparent celluloid sheets. In the twentieth century, with the advent of computer animation techniques like digital paint and ink and 3D computer animation, this field transformed to incorporate new technologies. Today, Animators use a range of techniques to create polished pieces, including stop-motion animation, claymation, and computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Animators rely on various techniques and tools, including Adobe After Effects and motion graphics, to make special effects for use in cartoons, computer games, TV, video games, and film. Those who have animation training in Baltimore can put their creative skills to use in a range of artistic career paths. Not only can animation knowledge lead to a career with a large employer like Walt Disney or Pixar; it can also assist in a range of other career paths outside of entertainment such as manufacturing, education, advertising, and finance. Animation skills are also valuable for capturing audience emotions through visual imagery and storytelling.

What Can You Do with Animation Training?

Animation training is a great way to open many professional doors in Baltimore. Unlike in the past, when Animators had to sketch every single image by hand and redraw that character each time they made the slightest change, new technologies are transforming the field of animation. Today, Animators create life-like 2D and 3D designs using computers with capabilities to enhance visual effects and motion graphics. Those with animation skills can put their training to use in many career paths beyond creating cartoons. Some individuals focus their efforts in TV or film, and others create CGI for use in engineering, advertising, video games, or virtual reality.

The uses of animation today are widespread and not specific to any one industry. Animators can apply their knowledge and training to create simulations for pilots to help them anticipate various flight scenarios or create training videos for soldiers to teach them battle tactics. Within the field of education, animation is a great way to transform “boring” content and breathe new life into it. Animation is useful for creating short videos for teachers and engaging content for students. 2D and 3D animation training is also useful in medical professions, publishing, and when creating kinetic typography for digital marketing material.

What Will I Learn in an Animation Class?

If you’re considering studying animation, a great way to acquire hands-on training in Baltimore is by enrolling in a class. However, you may not be sure what to expect from training. While no two programs are the same in terms of the scope of animation training they provide and their difficulty level, most coursework is intended to prepare learners to work with staple applications and techniques like motion graphics, Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Adobe Animate, and storytelling.

Motion Graphics

One of the core competencies taught in animation classes is how to create motion graphics. This process entails designing animations for outlets like web apps, TV, film, or online content. Motion graphics training is a valuable skill that helps Animators transform static designs into life-like creations. It is an asset in many industries, including web design and digital advertising.

After Effects

Another commonly taught software in animation programs is Adobe After Effects. This popular motion graphics software is used to animate text and objects, add transitions, create titles and closing credits, and add or delete elements from films. After Effects is often used alongside other Adobe applications like InDesign and Audition. It is also compatible with third-party plugins like FXFactory and CycoreFX.

Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D is a 3D animation and rendering tool that was created to assist with special effects, motion graphics, lighting, modeling, and texturing. Because this app provides an intuitive interface and customizable layout options, it is widely used among those who are just getting started with animation, as well as seasoned Animators in a professional setting. Cinema 4D is also popular among Game Developers for incorporating level designs and characters into their video games, as well as Animators interested in creating project visualizations.

Adobe Animate

Adobe Animate is generally used to create traditional animation. This application offers features for puppet animation, hand-drawn animation, and frame-by-frame animation. Additionally, illustrations and content created in other applications can be imported to Animate and then manipulated using this software.

Storytelling

Most animation courses provide learners with more than technical training; they also teach them soft skills like clear communication and storytelling. Most viewers know that all engaging movies or TV shows tell a compelling story. To weave this narrative, Animators must be good at storytelling, which involves a combination of auditory and visual elements that work in tandem to drive the narrative. Animation classes teach students to develop plots, emotional intensity, and characters. Coursework also provides instruction on techniques to hook viewers early on in the story, weave in surprises to keep them engaged as it unfolds, and show rather than tell.

How Hard is It to Learn Animation?

Before you decide to learn animation, you may be curious how challenging this process will be. Similar to other skills, the process of studying animation is largely subjective and dependent on a host of factors that differ for each student. Animation is a specialized discipline, one that weaves creativity with practicality. It takes most individuals time, patience, and perseverance to fully learn how to create animated frames. Most students will find that it’s relatively easy to familiarize themselves with the core concepts of animation. However, learning the technical training and techniques necessary to transform static images into vibrant animations can be an involved process. The average learner will have to devote several days or weeks to studying various software and applications, including Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D. Those who wish to master advanced-level animation techniques will have to devote much more time to doing so. Those who have previous experience using digital design tools will typically find the learning process faster and easier than those starting from scratch.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Animation?

Each learner will encounter their own challenges as part of the animation learning process. However, most individuals will find that it’s difficult to become familiar with all the technical skills needed to create each element in an animated image. This process demands they develop a keen eye for detail, one that will help them be cognizant of the most minute and subtle details in a character’s appearance or gesturing. This can take trial and error, in addition to follow-through and patience. The average animation student may find it much easier to create a basic animated clip that depicts a bouncing ball than one that makes a character’s hair appear life-like. The more time and practice a student of animation spends developing these techniques, the more they will learn to focus their attention and notice the most intricate animation details and bring them to life.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Animation?

The process of learning animation can be time-consuming. The average learner can acquire a basic understanding of how to use different animation software in only a few days or weeks. However, most people will need a much longer timeframe to learn the entirety of this skill. Because digital animation is such a robust field, aspiring Animators should keep in mind that it can be useful to begin the learning path slowly. Even those who devote a few hours a day to practicing various animation techniques may still need to spend months or a full year of training to be able to create professional-level animations. It’s a good idea for aspiring Animators to structure their studies around the kinds of animation projects they hope to complete. For example, those who intend to work in 2D animation won’t need to spend as much time studying 3D modeling techniques as those who hope to create 3D animations.

Should I Learn Animation in Person or Online?

Those who live in Baltimore and are interested in studying animation can choose between in-person training options and online coursework. Each training format has its benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Learners who thrive in the traditional classroom learning environment will find that in-person animation classes are an excellent way to connect with other students and have the chance to learn from an expert instructor. In-person training takes place at a designated training facility in or near Baltimore that provides students with computers that have the most up-to-date animation software and applications already installed. Participants can ask questions as they arise and receive in-the-moment support. The hands-on, small-class environment ensures participants can fully immerse in their studies and get the most out of their training. Those interested in-person study should remember that this type of training requires attending classes in-person. This means that you must have a reliable form of transportation and live relatively close to a designated training facility in Baltimore.

Live online animation classes are a popular alternative to in-person study. This type of study takes place in real-time using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Students complete their studies remotely, from the comfort of their own space, and don’t have to waste time or money battling rush-hour traffic and Baltimore or searching for parking options. Those enrolled can ask questions in the moment and even grant the instructor permission to share their screen for more individualized support. If live online study seems like a good match for you, keep in mind that you’ll have to set aside the time to attend classes that meet at regularly scheduled intervals, often several times a week. For this reason, this type of coursework can pose challenges for those who work full-time or who have busy personal lives.

The most flexible option for studying animation is through on-demand classes. Unlike in-person and live online classes that take place in real-time, on-demand coursework was recorded at an earlier time and placed online. Each learner can decide when to access the content, how long to spend on lessons, and even where to pause and rewind to ensure they’re getting the most out of their training. In terms of cost, self-paced animation classes are usually a much more affordable training option than synchronous study since no instructor is present. Those who are interested in exploring self-paced animation classes should consider that it can be difficult to fully master animation without having access to a live instructor. It is up to the learner in this training format to find answers on their own to any questions they have.

Can I Learn Animation Free Online?

Before you spend hundreds of dollars or more on animation training, you may wonder if there are other more affordable study options. The good news is that you can find a range of free online resources that provide an overview of animation, give answers to questions you may have, or offer updates on current trends or software releases:

• Noble Desktop features various pre-recorded seminars on its website pertaining to popular animation topics such as how to work with After Effects, Cinema 4D, motion graphics, design, and web animation. These beginner-friendly videos are a great way to learn the basics.
• Online educators like Udemy and Coursera have free courses devoted to animation and animation-adjacent topics. In Udemy’s After Effects: Complete Course from Novice to Expert, participants complete various hands-on projects designed to teach them how to work with After Effects for visual effects and motion graphics. Coursera also has both free and paid animation training options. These offerings tend to be more specialized in scope and provide instruction on topics like biomedical animation or virtual reality.
• Aspiring Animators can use LinkedIn learning to find animation-related content on 2D and 3D animation tools and techniques. LinkedIn offers a free trial period for its classes before students are asked to purchase a subscription plan.
• YouTube is another valuable resource for Animators and Artists at all stages of their careers. It provides a place for creative individuals to post their artistic and video content to share with others. Learners should keep in mind that the quality of videos on YouTube differs significantly, and some content is more up-to-date and pertinent than other material. Generally speaking, YouTube is a great place for those who are new to animation to familiarize themselves with the process of designing digital animations.
• Free trials are another great way to explore animation tools without having to commit to purchasing. All Adobe products come with a free trial window in which users can spend time experimenting with the software before deciding whether to buy a license.

Free animation resources are readily available online. However, learners should be selective when they choose content to ensure the material is high-quality and reflects the current best practices in animation. Free videos and blogs can provide a good starting place for learning fundamental animation concepts but are rarely enough on their own to help students master this field for professional use. Most aspiring Animators will require a more structured approach to learning animation such as through live coursework, to fully master this broad field.

What Should I Learn Alongside Animation?

Once you pursue animation training, you may be curious about which skills or tools you can study alongside this subject to provide you with a more well-rounded education. The answer is largely dependent on the type of animation you intend to pursue. Most Animators must be familiar with core Adobe applications like After Effects for visual effects and graphics, Premiere Pro for video editing, and Photoshop for digital image manipulation. Learners hoping to apply their animation training to 3D animation may wish to learn 3D modeling and lighting techniques as part of their studies. On the other hand, those who are more focused on 2D animation may wish instead to devote time to developing their art skills in anatomy, perspective, composition, light/shadow techniques, color, and gesture drawing. Others still may find it more useful to explore topics like computer programming, which has applications for possible integrations with interactive animation projects, or UX/UI design, graphic design, or game design.

Industries That Use Animation

Those with animation training can put their skills to use in a range of industries in Baltimore, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and nonprofits. The following sections will take a closer look at the role animation plays in each of these industries.

Financial Services

One of the key sectors in Baltimore is financial services. This industry plays an integral role in the city’s economy. The city’s central location between Washington, DC and New York City makes it a prime location for large financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and CFG Bank to have operations. Baltimore is home to over 50 credit unions and 80 banks. Within this sector, those who have animation knowledge can put their skills to use in financial animation. This type of animation helps to break down complicated financial concepts into a visual language that audiences can understand. Financial animation also helps organizations share complex financial data in accessible terms.

Healthcare

Healthcare is a staple industry in Baltimore. Six out of the ten largest Baltimore employers are in healthcare, including the University of Maryland, MedStar Health, and Johns Hopkins Hospital & Health System. Johns Hopkins alone has contributed nearly $15 billion to the state’s economic output. Within the healthcare industry, animation training is used to create animated video ads that convey complex medical procedures and treatment plans for healthcare professionals and patients. It’s also an asset for providing medical training like simulations of surgical procedures or 3D anatomy visualization of anatomical structures. Animation training also can help companies demonstrate new medical devices to healthcare providers and patients.

Manufacturing

Baltimore’s manufacturing sector has been a staple industry in the city for many years, in part because of the city’s port access, which makes it a prime location for imports and exports. Today, the many Manufacturers in the city have a more specialized, smaller focus in fields like creative industries and advanced manufacturing initiatives. Baltimore residents who have animation skills can put them to use in manufacturing, creating animated content that can visually break down complicated manufacturing processes. This helps audiences better understand machine parts, assembly sequences, and product design. 3D animation training is also an asset for helping identify any flaws in functionality or assembly, which can then be addressed before the physical prototyping state is underway. Manufacturers also rely on Animators to create tutorials to train employees on machinery operations, assembly procedures, and safety practices.

Nonprofits

Another key Baltimore sector is nonprofits. More than 5,000 currently are located in this area that contribute greatly to the city’s economic development and employ 10% of the Baltimore workforce. Programs like the Maryland Nonprofits Accelerator Program help nonprofits extend their capacity. Some of the most prominent nonprofits in Baltimore are the Baltimore Community Foundation Inc. And the Johns Hopkins Hospital Endowment Fund Incorporated. Animation skills are useful for those who work in nonprofits because they can assist with a range of everyday tasks. Animators create explainer videos for nonprofits that offer information on the organization’s mission and values, promote its cause, and encourage donors to support it. Visual storytelling is also a particularly effective way for nonprofits to connect with diverse audiences.

Animation Job Titles and Salaries

Baltimore residents who have animation knowledge can put their training to use in a variety of exciting creative career paths in fields like 3D animation, media art, and VFX art. Keep reading to learn more about the responsibilities and average pay rates for these roles.

3D Animator

3D Animators who work in Baltimore use computer programs to create 3D characters and the worlds they inhabit. These individuals can specialize in animation for online media, film, websites, or even amusement park experiences for parks like Universal Studios or Walt Disney World. The average pay rate for a Baltimore-based 3D Animator is $83,000-$93,000 annually.

Media Designer

Media Designers are hired to work with digital media formats like animation, graphics, audio, and video to create compelling content for platforms like social media, advertising, applications, or websites. These creative individuals rely on experience in visual storytelling and design concepts to communicate their intended message across different media channels. The average yearly salary for a Media Designer in Baltimore is $75,000-$85,000.

VFX Artist

Those who work as Visual Effects (VFX) artists in Baltimore are hired to design real-life images for use in video games, movies, TV, or other media outlets. These individuals draw from their experience with 3D modeling, digital programs, compositing, lighting, and animation to create their art. Some VFX Artists create digital assets like crowds, monsters, or other CGI. This requires knowledge of how to combine actual footage with CGI images to create special effects that extend far beyond the normal boundaries in film production. VFX Artists who work in Maryland make about $104,000-$114,000 a year.

Animation Classes Near Me

If you’re interested in studying animation, you can search for animation classes in Baltimore using Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. Coursework is available from several local educational providers for learners at all levels.

Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, has various course offerings in animation. Its classes are available in-person in New York City and live online. Noble’s After Effects Bootcamp is intended for those interested in learning to create professional-quality video content. Bootcamp participants explore After Effects basics such as file integration, text effects, and core animation concepts. This introductory-level class also covers topics like how to work with position and scale, text and shape animations, opacity animations, and blending modes. By the end of this program, attendees will be able to create their own titles and animations. A free 1-on-1 mentoring session is included with tuition.

Noble also has a Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate that provides in-depth instruction in Adobe Audition, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Cinema 4D Lite. This hands-on program is a great match for those hoping to pursue a career in video editing or motion graphics. Participants graduate from this certificate program with a demo reel featuring their best work, which they can share with prospective employers. Tuition includes eight 1-on-1 supplemental mentoring sessions. All Noble classes offer a free course retake option for up to a year.

In Ledet Training’s Adobe After Effects 101—After Effects Essentials, learners receive a comprehensive overview of how to work with this popular application to create stunning visual effects and professional-level motion graphics. Those who attend this beginner-friendly class spend several days exploring how to enhance video, use best design practices, and apply their After Effects training to projects in e-learning and beyond. Ledet Training also offers Maxon Cinema 4D 1091—C4D for Beginners for those who want to learn how to use this application to manage projects. This introductory-level class covers Cinema 4D basic concepts like lighting, splines, texturing, rendering, animation, compositing, and generators. Those interested in enrolling benefit from having prior experience using Cinema 4D. Both classes are available live online and in-person in Washington, DC.

Think BIG. Learn Small’s Adobe After Effects CC Advanced provides intermediate-level instruction for those who want to learn how to work this application’s more advanced features. Students are taught to use the 3D camera tracker, particles, effects, simulation, and roto brush. Instruction is provided by industry-certified professionals who have extensive training using this app. This provider also offers Adobe After Effects CC BootCamp, which provides extensive hands-on training for those interested in learning how to create motion graphics. This comprehensive program is available for those who are new to this app and want to explore basics such as how to work with projects that include effects, keyframes, layers, and text. Both courses are available in-person in Columbia, MD.

Certstaffix Training’s Adobe Animate CC (2020) is available for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to how to work with this application. Students are taught how to create texts, graphics, and symbols, as well as how to animate symbols. Coursework covers how to incorporate advanced motion tweens into projects and publish work for Flash or HTM5. Certstaffix Training also has Adobe After Effects CC (2020) for individuals who want to devote several days to exploring After Effects basics. Learners become familiar with how to animate text and images, create motion graphics, and make their own innovative 3D content. By course completion, participants will be well-versed in how to use puppet tools, lens flares, and advanced editing techniques. These classes are both available live online. Students can study remotely or complete their training in the computer lab that’s provided in Laurel, MD.

Animation Corporate Training

Would the employees at your workplace in Baltimore benefit from studying animation? If the answer is “yes, ” let Noble Desktop help. Noble has corporate and onsite animation training options available for some or all of your employees. Noble can provide training onsite at your workplace in Baltimore or live online using Zoom. Training options are available in topics like video editing, motion graphics, After Effects, and Cinema 4D. If you’re interested in offering training to multiple employees, you can purchase bulk vouchers for Noble’s regular enrollment classes at a discount. You can also work with Noble to customize coursework to ensure all learners get the most out of their training.

To discover more about the different animation training options Noble can provide those at your workplace, feel free to contact Noble today to learn more.