Best Animation Classes CT: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About CT Animation Courses

Animation is a creative film technique in which still images are manipulated to create moving images. Although the field of animation has existed since the late 1800s, it wasn’t until another century, with the advent of computers, that it evolved considerably. Traditional animation techniques involved hand-sketching or painting individual frames on transparent celluloid sheets. In the 1900s, computer animation techniques like 3D computer animation and digital ink and paint transformed this field. Today, Animators work with techniques like claymation, computer-generated imagery, and stop-motion animation.

Animators use a range of tools and techniques, including motion graphics and Adobe After Effects, to create special effects for TV, film, computer games, and cartoons. Animation training is an excellent opportunity for those in Connecticut to pursue a range of creative career paths. Animation is not only an in-demand skill set for large employers like Pixar and Walt Disney but is also valued in many other industries outside of entertainment, including education, manufacturing, marketing, and advertising. Knowledge of animation does more than prepare artistic-minded individuals for an exciting career; it also is a great way to learn how to capture the audience’s emotions using a combination of storytelling and visual imagery.

What Can You Do with Animation Training?

Studying animation is a great way to put your training to use in a creative career. Long gone are the days when Animators had to sketch each image by hand and redraw that character to reflect even the slightest change. Nowadays, Animators create their life-like 2D and 3D designs, motion graphics, and visual effects using computers. Animation knowledge is applicable to a range of career paths beyond creating cartoons. Some professionals opt to put their training to use in film or TV, whereas others create computer-generated images for use in virtual reality, video game design, engineering, or advertising projects. Additionally, animation knowledge is a useful tool for training purposes across industries. Animators may be hired to develop simulations for pilots to help them prepare for a range of flight scenarios or to provide training for soldiers in different battle tactics. Some of the most popular tools Animators use to complete these tasks are drawing tablets, 3D modeling software, and 2D animation software. They also use tools like Pencil2D, Adobe Animate, Blender, and Autodesk Maya.

What Will I Learn in an Animation Class?

One of the best ways to receive hands-on training in animation in Connecticut is to enroll in an in-person or live online program. Each class varies in terms of the specific tools, techniques, and skills it covers. Some programs are intended for beginners, whereas others cater to those with advanced animation knowledge hoping to land a high-paying career. Regardless of the coursework you select, most animation training covers essential skills such as how to work with software like Cinema 4D, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Animate, as well as motion graphics and storytelling techniques.

Cinema 4D

Animation training often prepares learners to work with Cinema 4D, which is a 3D animation and rendering software designed to help users with tasks like motion graphics, special effects, texturing, lighting, and modeling. Cinema 4D is a go-to tool for novice Animators and those with advanced animation knowledge because it provides an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface and customizable layout options. It helps Animators create project visualizations and Game Developers incorporate characters and level designs into their video games.

After Effects

Another core tool most Animation classes prepare students to work with is Adobe After Effects. This motion graphics software has a wide range of applications for animating objects and text, incorporating or deleting elements, adding transitions, and creating titles and closing credits. Animators often use After Effects alongside other Adobe apps, including Audition and InDesign. It also can be used with third-party plugins like CycoreFX or FXFactory.

Adobe Animate

Adobe Animate is a popular tool for creating traditional animation. This software provides features for frame-by-frame animation, puppet animation, and hand-drawn animation. Animate users can also import content from illustrations they created elsewhere and use Animate to make enhancements.

Motion Graphics

When enrolled in an animation class, you’re likely to learn about motion graphics. Motion graphics entails designing animated content for use in TV, web apps, film, or online content. Those with motion graphics knowledge are able to breathe fresh life into static designs. Motion graphics is a useful skill across industries, including digital advertising and web design.

Storytelling

Animation courses provide learners with the opportunity to develop soft skills as well. Any successful film or TV show tells a compelling story. To convey this message, Animators must be skilled storytellers. In animation, strong storytelling involves a combination of visual and auditory elements, which work in concert to construct a narrative. In animation classes, students explore storytelling elements like plot, character development, and emotional intensity. They also learn how to show instead of tell, hook viewers early on, and add surprises to keep the audience interested. Animated storytelling is a great way to connect with viewers from all demographics and backgrounds, share universal themes, and form a connection with viewers.

How Hard is It to Learn Animation?

Before you get started learning animation, you may wonder how hard it will be to learn. Like other skills, the learning process behind animation is subjective and will vary from one learner to another. Because animation is a specialized creative discipline that combines creativity with practical applications, it can take time and practice to learn how to create animated frames. Most learners will find that they can become familiar with the basics of animation fairly easily. One of the main difficulties students of animation face is how to acquire the techniques and technical expertise necessary to elevate static images into life-like animations. Most learners will have to spend several days or weeks learning the basic tools and software needed in animation, including Cinema 4D and After Effects. Acquiring advanced-level knowledge typically takes much longer. Individuals who have prior experience working with digital design programs may find the learning process faster and easier than those who have to learn them from scratch.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Animation?

One of the core challenges many learners face when studying animation is becoming familiar with the various technical skills required to handle the various elements in an animated image. The process of learning how to create professional-tier animations that include subtle, minute details often involves trial and error, as well as patience and follow-through. For example, most students of animation will find it much easier to create a basic animation that depicts a bouncing ball than to learn the skills to make a character’s hair look life-like. The more time animation students spend practicing techniques, the more focused their eyes will likely become to notice the slightest details in their animations and bring them to life.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Animation?

Learning animation can be a time-consuming process. Most average learners can learn the basics of working with a specific kind of animation software in just a few days or weeks. However, it takes most people significantly longer to master animation as a field. Because of how intricate digital animation is as a field, good advice for aspiring Animators is to begin slowly with their training. Even those who spend several hours a day practicing animation techniques may still have to spend months or a full year learning how to create professional-quality work. Prior knowledge of digital design can significantly speed up the learning process. It’s important to keep in mind that animation is a broad field. Learners may benefit from structuring their studies around the specific types of animation projects they hope to complete. For example, individuals hoping to work entirely in 2D animation will not need to devote a lot of time to studying 3D modeling.

Should I Learn Animation in Person or Online?

Once you decide that you’d like to learn animation, the next choice is whether to study this skill set in-person or through online training. Each format has its own strengths and drawbacks to weigh.

Students who prefer the traditional classroom learning environment will find that in-person classes in Connecticut are an excellent option. Those enrolled have the chance to learn from an expert instructor who has experience creating various types of animations. All coursework takes place at a training facility with the most current animation software and applications already installed on the computers. Rather than studying alone, students learn alongside others in their cohort, which provides a sense of community and support along the way. Participants can ask questions at any point and receive immediate support. If in-person training sounds like a good match for you, it’s important to remember that this type of coursework 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 Connecticut.

One popular alternative to in-person animation classes is live online courses. Live online training provides learners with many of the same educational benefits and outcomes as in-person training. Learners have real-time access to an expert instructor whom they connect with using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. They receive hands-on training in the most essential applications and techniques used in animation. Participants can even grant the instructor permission to share their screen if they require individualized assistance. Best of all, there’s no need to waste time and money commuting to and from class; all lessons can be completed remotely. Those leaning toward live online training should remember that they will still have to set aside time to attend regularly scheduled classes, which generally meet once or more a week. This is why learners who have busy personal lives or full work schedules may find live training prohibitive.

In addition to in-person and live online training options, aspiring Animators can also opt for on-demand coursework. This flexible training format is pre-recorded and placed online, where students can access content as their schedules permit and complete lessons at their own speed. Each student can decide for themself where to pause and rewind content, or even if they wish to rewatch an entire lesson to ensure they’re comprehending the material. Cost-wise, self-paced training is often a much more affordable study option than live study because it’s pre-recorded. Learners who are interested in asynchronous animation training should remember that no instructor will be available to field questions or offer support. This can pose challenges for some individuals such as those who are new to animation and need basic training, or for anyone who hopes to acquire advanced-level animation skills to put to use professionally.

Can I Learn Animation Free Online?

Before you invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars on animation coursework, you may wonder if there are any other options for learning animation. The good news is that many free online resources are available that can provide you with an overview of the field of animation, as well as help you find answers to specific questions:

Noble Desktop provides aspiring Animators with a range of pre-recorded seminars on topics like design, motion graphics, Cinema 4D Lite, After Effects, and web animation.
Reputable online educators like Coursera and Udemy also have free courses in animation and animation-related topics. Udemy’s After Effects: Complete Course from Novice to Expert provides an opportunity for students to complete hands-on projects that teach them how to use this popular software for motion graphics and visual effects. Coursera also has both free and paid content pertaining to animation. Training options such as these are specialized in scope and teach students topics like virtual reality or biomedical animation.
LinkedIn Learning offers a variety of animation-related content on different 2D and 3D animation techniques and tools. Learners can explore this content during a free trial period before purchasing a subscription plan to attend classes.
Artists and Animators at all stages of their careers use YouTube as a space to post videos and other artistic content. While the quality of the animation videos on YouTube varies significantly, and some tutorials are more pertinent than others, it is a good place for those who are just getting started in animation to become familiar with the process behind creating digital animations.

Another great way to learn animation without spending a penny is through free trials. All Adobe products include a free trial window so users can devote time to experimenting with the application before buying a license.

Even though there are plentiful free animation resources available online, learners should be discerning as they select content to ensure that the resources they opt for are current and high-quality. Free resources like blogs and videos can be a good place to start learning animation basics, but they rarely suffice to help students master this field for professional purposes. Most learners will eventually need to adopt a more structured learning approach such as attending a live class, to fully master animation.

What Should I Learn Alongside Animation?

As you study animation, you may wonder which tools or skills you can study simultaneously to make you a more marketable, well-rounded learner. The answer to this question depends largely on the specific animation focus you hope to pursue. Aspiring Animators will have to study core software and Adobe apps like Photoshop for digital image manipulation, Premiere Pro for video editing, and After Effects for graphics and visual effects. To supplement this training, those who hope to work in 3D animation may also study lighting techniques and 3D modeling. Individuals more interested in 2D animation may instead opt to further develop their art skills, including perspective, anatomy, gesture drawing, composition, color, and light/shadow techniques. Other students may choose to learn computer programming basics, which are helpful for possible integrations with interactive animation projects. They may also study game design, graphic design, or UX/UI design.

Industries That Use Animation

Animation training is used in many prominent industries in Connecticut, including financial services, TV and film, advanced manufacturing, and nonprofits. The following sections explore the role animation plays in each of these key sectors.

Financial Services

Connecticut’s main industry is financial services. This sector has contributed double the amount to the state’s GDP as the number-two industry. Connecticut remains a global leader in investment and asset management. Over 5,400 financial companies are located in the state, including 10 of the 20 largest hedge funds worldwide. Within the finance sector, finance animation is a powerful tool for breaking down complicated financial concepts into a visual language that’s accessible and engaging. Those with animation training can communicate complex financial data in simple terms that can educate audience members and ensure they understand the meaning.

TV & Film

Connecticut is home to hundreds of production and post-production facilities and studios. The state’s tax incentive program makes the area a prime location for film production. The state’s prime location and proximity to NYC make it a great location to pursue a career in film or TV. Those who are employed in TV or film production benefit from animation training because it can help them create an immersive and captivating world for audiences to experience. Training in stop motion and motion graphics can help film and TV professionals develop relatable characters, create scenes with emotional resonance, communicate complex themes, and develop atmosphere and moon on screen.

Advanced Manufacturing

Connecticut’s robust manufacturing sector employs nearly 10% of the state’s workforce. This area has a high concentration of Fortune 500 companies and is a supportive environment for advanced manufacturing. Connecticut invests in a range of programs that support high-tech manufacturing initiatives such as those situated within the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Manufacturing or the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology. The state is often referred to as the “Arsenal of the Nation” because it’s a world leader in metalworking and transportation equipment.

Within the manufacturing sector, animation training is valuable because it can help explain complex manufacturing processes through visual storytelling so audience members can better grasp product design, machine parts, or assembly sequences. 3D animation skills are also useful for identifying potential flaws in assembly or functionality, which can be addressed before physical prototyping is undertaken. Animation knowledge is also useful for helping Manufacturers create tutorials to train new employees on assembly procedures, machinery operations, and safety procedures.

Nonprofits

The Connecticut nonprofit sector is another prominent industry in the state. Approximately 115,000 residents, or 7% of the state’s workforce, are employed in the nonprofit sector. They provide residents with services like access to healthcare, food, technology, housing, and childcare. Annually, this sector generates nearly $37 billion in revenue. Animation is a valuable skill set within the nonprofit sector because it can help with tasks like creating engaging explainer videos that provide the public with information on an organization’s values and mission, as well as promote its cause and encourage donations to support it. Visual storytelling is an effective technique for helping nonprofits connect with diverse audiences.

Animation Job Titles and Salaries

Those with animation training can apply their skills to many exciting career paths in Connecticut such as in VFX art, 3D animation, and 2D animation. Read on to learn more about the core job responsibilities for each profession, as well as the average pay rates for these roles.

VFX Artist

Visual Effects (VFX) Artists work to design life-like images for media outlets like video games, TV, or film. They work with animation techniques, lighting, 3D modeling, and composing, as well as digital programs, to create art. VFX Artists may focus on creating digital assets like computer-generated imagery (CGI) monsters or crowds. This technique requires combining actual video footage with CGI to generate effects that wouldn’t be possible within the normal parameters of film production. In Connecticut, the average salary for a VFX Artist is $90,000-$100,000 a year.

3D Animator

3D Animators in Connecticut use computer programs to create 3D worlds and characters. These creative professionals may opt to focus on film, website animation, online media, or even creating amusement park experiences for Universal Studios or Walt Disney World. The average pay rate for a 3D Animator in Connecticut is $126,000-$136,000 annually.

2D Animator

Those who work as 2D Animators in Connecticut put their artistic skills to use in creating characters, storyboards, and backgrounds. These professionals may choose to focus on designing visual effects and animations for advertisements, video games, or mobile devices. They also may be employed by marketing agencies, motion picture studios, software companies, or tech companies. The average yearly salary for a Connecticut-based 2D Animator is $72,000-$82,000.

Animation Classes Near Me

If you live in Connecticut and are interested in finding nearby animation classes, you can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to search for animation classes in Connecticut. Coursework is available from many top providers for learners at all levels of proficiency.

Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, offers several hands-on training options for Connecticut residents. Its classes are available in-person in New York City and live online. After Effects Bootcamp is a great option for those interested in learning how to use this Adobe app to create professional-quality video content. Students explore topics like text effects, animation basics, and file integration. This introductory-level class also covers topics like blending modes, position and scale, text and shape animations, and opacity animations. By the end of this bootcamp, those enrolled will be able to create animations and titles from scratch. Tuition includes a free supplemental 1-on-1 mentoring session.

More rigorous training is also available from Noble in its Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate. This comprehensive class prepares participants for a career in video editing or motion graphics. Students explore software and tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Cinema 4D Lite. Students graduate from this certificate with a professional demo reel that showcases their best work and can be shared with prospective employers. All Noble classes include a free course retake option for up to a year.

Those who live in or near Hartford can receive hands-on training in Premiere Pro by enrolling in American Media Training’s Premiere Training Course. This program is taught by Adobe Certified instructors and includes two courses: Premiere Beginner Class and Premiere Advanced Class, which can be taken individually or in sequence. The Beginner Class covers basic Premiere Pro skills like adding transitions and video effects, incorporating audio, and exporting work to Adobe Encore. In the Advanced class, students take their training further and learn how to manipulate video speeds, work with advanced audio mixing, and polish a video for a professional broadcast. No prerequisites are required.

Certstaffix Training also has several animation-related courses. Adobe After Effects CC (2020) teaches learners how to animate text and images, create motion graphics, and design 3D content using After Effects. By course completion, those enrolled will be able to work with advanced editing techniques, add lens flares to their projects, and use puppet tools. Certstaffix Training also offers Adobe Animate CC (2020), which offers students a robust introduction to this app. Students learn how to create symbols, graphics, and text. By the end of this program, those enrolled will be able to work with advanced motion tweens and publish their work for Flash or HTML5. These courses are both available live online.

Animation Corporate Training

Would the employees at your workplace benefit from learning animation? If so, let Noble Desktop help with their professional development. Noble offers corporate and onsite animation training in a range of in-demand animation techniques and tools, including video editing, motion graphics, After Effects, and Cinema 4D. Noble can provide training for some or all of your employees onsite at your location in Connecticut or live online using Zoom. If you’re hoping to train multiple employees in animation techniques, vouchers for Noble’s regular enrollment classes can be purchased in bulk for a discount. You can also opt to customize the training Noble provides to ensure each employee can maximize their studies.

Please feel free to contact Noble today to learn more about the different corporate training options Noble can provide for your workplace.

Corey Ginsberg

Corey Ginsberg is a professional writer with two decades of experience creating and editing content. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, graduating with honors. Corey also holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Florida International University and served as the editor of Gulf Stream Magazine. She has worked with clients such as the Dick’s Foundation, colleges, invention companies, Nike Swim Camp, The Pentagon, The Pittsburgh Robotics Institute, and major design firms. Drawing from a broad creative, technical, and professional writing background, Corey currently writes about a range of technical topics, including computer programming, data analytics, and computer-aided design.

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

After Effects Bootcamp Learn The Skills Guarantee™

Noble Desktop Motion Graphics Certificate

Noble Desktop After Effects Advanced

Noble Desktop Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate

Key Insights

Learn More About CT Animation Courses

What Can You Do with Animation Training?

What Will I Learn in an Animation Class?

Cinema 4D

After Effects

Adobe Animate

Motion Graphics

Storytelling

How Hard is It to Learn Animation?

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Animation?

How Long Does It Take to Learn Animation?

Should I Learn Animation in Person or Online?

Can I Learn Animation Free Online?

What Should I Learn Alongside Animation?

Industries That Use Animation

Financial Services

TV & Film

Advanced Manufacturing

Nonprofits

Animation Job Titles and Salaries

VFX Artist

3D Animator

2D Animator

Animation Classes Near Me

Animation Corporate Training

CT Animation Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

CT Animation
Corporate & Onsite Training