Moving graphics and animation are everywhere, from websites to phone apps, to movies and TV. If you are interested in changing careers and getting a job as a Motion Graphics Designer, you will need to learn to use digital editing tools and put together a professional-looking portfolio of videos. So should you get a college degree or enroll in a motion graphics certificate program? Whichever you choose, the prospects of getting a job in this growing field are good.
College Degree
While few colleges and universities offer a specific degree in motion graphics, many offer classes as part of an art or film degree. Many people become interested in motion graphics after getting a degree in graphic design. College is a four-to-five-year commitment with many other requirements for graduation. Some schools are specifically devoted to the arts and offer graphic design, filmmaking, digital editing, and cinematography classes.
A college degree can cost between $20,000 and $100,000, depending upon the school, when you are finished. Of course, a degree includes many other classes in subjects like English, psychology, math, science, and social studies, and classes in the major area of study. A four-year college degree is a well-rounded education, but it isn’t the only way to become a Motion Graphics Designer.
Motion Graphics Certificate Course?
A motion graphics certificate course is designed to teach you how to use digital tools that will allow you to bring letters and numbers to life. In addition to learning to create motion graphics with Adobe After Effects, you will learn to animate 2D objects with Abode Animate and 3D objects with Cinema 4D Lite. You will also pick up a few valuable special effects skills.
The assignments in certificate programs are designed to create a portfolio or demo reel when you complete them. You can show this to potential employers and clients. Many programs also offer mentoring help with your job search as part of the certificate course, and this includes a critique and assistance with creating your motion design demo reel. Place your portfolio on a personal website or on a platform like Behance or Dribbble. Keep your portfolio up-to-date with samples of your latest jobs. It helps people find you and builds your reputation.
Another plus to a certificate course is that the instructors are professionals with significant industry experience. They keep up with the fast-changing world of motion graphics and animation and can steer you in the right direction when it comes time to look for a job.
Digital Tools for Motion Graphics
Animation and special effects software is complicated and difficult to learn. Certificate courses can help you learn some of the digital tools you will need for motion graphics, animation, and special effects.
After Effects
After Effects is a video compositing and animation program from Adobe that allows an Editor to insert animations and special effects into videos during post-production. Create titles, move objects, correct color, or use an extensive library of special effects.
Cinema 4D
With Cinema 4D, an Editor can create, insert, and manipulate 3D graphics in a video. It also includes some lighting, texturing, and special effects capabilities. Cinema 4D is included in the Adobe Creative Cloud through an agreement with Maxon.
Animate
Animate is another Adobe product that creates mostly 2D animation. It can be used for characters but also to animate elements and drawings.
Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Maya is the animation software used by Disney Studios for major animated films like Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., and Avatar.
Houdini
Houdini's benefits are nodes and a procedural workflow. The nodes are pieces of stored action that can be replicated to create effects like ruffled feathers or blowing grass. The procedural workflow is used to create smooth and dynamic effects.
Blender
Blenderis a powerful animation program that does pretty much what all of the others do with one big difference. It is a free, open-source program.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Certificate?
How long it takes to complete a motion graphics certificate depends upon the school and how much time you can devote to classes. With Noble Desktop, it takes between two-to-four months to finish the course. You can choose between full or part-time classes and whether you want to meet during the day, evening, or on weekends. When you complete the course, you will receive a verified digital certificate of completion recognized by the New York State Department of Education. This type of certification, along with a high-quality portfolio of work, can help you get a job as a Motion Graphics Designer.
How Much Does a Certificate Course Cost?
Again, this depends upon the school, but Noble Desktop’s motion graphics certificate course costs $3,495. Financing is available through an installment program or student loans. Some employers also reimburse for tuition.
Can I Get a Motion Graphics Certificate Online?
If you live in a large city, there may be in-person classes available to help you get started in motion graphics and animation, but in case there aren’t, you can take certificate courses remotely. All you need is a stable internet connection and a computer that can run the software.
Some people prefer in-person classes when learning new information, but that isn’t always available. Noble Desktop offers in-person classes in New York City or live online classes from anywhere in the world. Live online classes have a similar set-up with a real-time, remote instructor who can answer questions and take control of your monitor—with permission—to show you how to do things. You get the same level of attention as in in-person classes and you don’t have to leave your home or search for parking.
Conclusion
It’s easy to learn motion graphics design and start a new career without a college degree. Check out Noble Desktop’s motion graphics courses. Choose between in-person sessions in NYC at Noble’s location or sign up for live online motion graphics courses and attend from anywhere. Use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me to find other courses in motion graphics in your area.