Learn to create compelling video content with Adobe After Effects. This course covers the basics of animation, text effects, and file integration needed to start creating impressive visual content from scratch. Get hands-on experience with real-world projects taught by an experienced instructor.
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Animation is a method of creating the illusion of movement from a series of still images. Animators create a sequence of images, each slightly different from the next, and display them in rapid succession to create the appearance of movement. This technique is effective because of the way that the human eye works. Adobe explains, “It’s based around an optical illusion called ‘persistence of vision’. Our eyes only retain images for one tenth of a second, so when we see them appear quicker than that, our brain merges them together.” It states that most animations use between 12 and 24 images to create one second of film.
In the early days of animation, images were hand-drawn or painted onto celluloid sheets. This process was extremely time-consuming, and it took many hours of work to produce even a short animation. Adobe explains, “This was painstaking work—high-budget productions hired enormous animation teams to do it. 1994’s The Lion King, for example, employed 600 animators and technicians.” Today, much animation is created using computer software. This not only speeds up the process but gives animators many new tools to work with, and they are now able to create types of content that were impossible with traditional techniques.
There are a number of different types of animation such as stop motion animation, 2D animation, 3D animation, claymation, and motion graphics. Adobe explains that while some people believe animation means cartoon, this is not the case. It states, “Cartoons are animated films, often characterized by exaggerated visual style and wacky plotlines. They’re made using animation techniques but have a distinct history to other animation styles.”
Experts believe that significant changes are again coming to the animation industry as a result of artificial intelligence (AI). One animation studio explains that AI technology has already made a substantial impact on animation. It states, “AI-driven animation tools use machine learning algorithms to automate tedious tasks such as character animation, lip-syncing, and background generation. These tools enable animators to focus more on storytelling and character development, while AI handles the repetitive aspects, ultimately increasing productivity and reducing production timelines.” Some believe that in the future, animators will rely even more on AI, which will make animation quicker and more accessible, but will also fundamentally change the creative process.
Animation is a versatile medium that can be used in many different ways, and learning animation will give you an in-demand skill that you can apply in a variety of different ways. As society comes to rely on digital media more and more, the ability to create animation has become a valuable asset that is sought after in many fields. In a recent LinkedIn article, the author writes, “One of the primary reasons animation is so important in the digital world is its ability to enhance communication. Visual storytelling is a powerful tool, and animation allows for the conveyance of complex ideas, emotions, and information in an engaging and accessible way. Whether it's through 2D or 3D animation, motion graphics, or even stop-motion, animations can make abstract concepts easier to grasp and memorable.”
Animation training also provides a tool for expressing your ideas creatively. The LinkedIn author writes, “Animation is a versatile medium that allows for personal self-expression. You can use animation to tell your own stories, share your views, and create a unique artistic voice.” While some people use their animation training for professional purposes, others pursue animation as a hobby. Many people say that it can be a very fun and fulfilling creative outlet to create characters, stories, and other types of animated content.
When you take an animation class, the skills that you learn will vary depending on the class that you take. However, a number of fundamental skills are covered in most animation classes. For instance, you’re likely to learn about drawing, composition, and storytelling techniques. You’ll probably learn about both 2D and 3D animation, and are likely to learn to use an animation application like After Effects. In addition, since animation frequently involves collaborating, you may learn more about working with others as part of the process of creating animated content.
Animation is often done with the help of a computer application, however, as an Animator you still need drawing and composition skills, and these are covered in most classes. Some people worry that if they can’t draw, they will never be able to learn. There is a widespread belief that to become an artist, you need to be born with artistic skills, but in reality, there is a lot of evidence that this is not true. Many experts insist that while being born with artistic skills is beneficial, it is definitely possible to learn to be artistic. For instance, one artist writes “With enough and consistent practice, you can learn artistry such as writing or drawing and become an expert.” In fact, she says, “Some of the most famous artists practiced regularly to become great and never relied solely on their talents.”
A lot of animation work involves telling a story, so when you study animation you may learn some basic storytelling techniques. For instance, you may learn how to write a script, and how to create and develop characters. The animation studio Animost has a blog post about the importance of storytelling in animation. It insists, “The Animator’s skill in conveying emotions, movement, and expressions plays a crucial role in bringing the story to life. Whether through traditional hand-drawn animation or computer-generated imagery (CGI), the goal is to immerse viewers in a unique and visually stimulating world.”
2D and 3D animation are among the most common types of animation, and you'll likely learn about both in an animation class. 2D animation is animation created in a two-dimensional space, and 3D animation is created in a three-dimensional space. Because 3D animation is relatively complex, it is usually created with a computer application. 3D animation is more complex than 2D animation and can look more realistic; however, it can also be more expensive to create. These two types of animation also require different types of skills. For 2D animation, you need to know about drawing and composition, while 3D animation requires knowledge of things like lighting, 3D modeling, and rigging.
In the early days of animation, everything was drawn by hand, and creating even a short animation took a lot of time. Today, most animation is done with computer applications like Adobe After Effects or Animate. These applications speed up the work process. They also provide animators with many new tools, expanding the possibilities in animation. When you take an animation class, you are likely to learn to work with an animation application. Most animation apps have a lot of different tools, and it can take a long time to master them all.
It is definitely possible to create animation alone, however, many animators end up working as part of a team. For instance, they might work with other animators, or they might be part of a larger production team that includes people like directors and writers. As a result, if you want to work in animation, it can be valuable to learn how to collaborate effectively with a team. When you take a class, you may work on some group projects where you can practice your collaboration skills.
Most people find that learning some basic animation skills is relatively easy. However, mastering this art form is a lot more difficult. In an article about animation that was published in Vulture, the authors argue that while animation may appear effortless and magical, it actually requires a lot of work to achieve. They state, “Animation has always been more effective than other art forms at convincing viewers of its magic… Disney’s identity for nearly a century was predicated on the magic of moving pictures onscreen. The enchantment both obscures and emphasizes a truth about the filmmaking technique: Animation, at every stage, is incredibly difficult.”
As one animated video production explains, the level of difficulty involved in learning animation ultimately depends on the level of mastery that you want to achieve. It says, “Like any other creative art form, working on animation can be as easy or hard depending on what you want it to become in the end.” For instance, it says, “With 2D animation, all you need to get started is a pencil and some basic animation design software.” However, learning to produce a complex project can take much longer. For example, it says, “A 5-minute video might take many painstaking months to develop if you want it to look spectacular.”
While 2D animation may seem simpler than 3D animation, many animators say that 2D animation is actually harder to learn. They explain this is because 3D animation uses computers, while 2D animation is created through drawings. As a result, 2D animators need to learn about things like physics and anatomy so they can create believable drawings and movements. For example, to be believable, animated objects are generally created to move according to the principles of physics. Mastering these principles and translating them into drawings can take some time.
The amount of time it takes to learn animation depends on your goals. If you just want to learn some animation skills for fun, you can learn the skills required to create basic animations in a matter of weeks. However, if you want to use animation at a professional level, it will take a lot longer to learn the skills required. Most professional animators learn and practice for years to master their craft. One artist stresses that practice is a very important part of the learning process, insisting, “Quickest way to improvement? Practice. It’s a simple bit of advice that rings with absolute truth. Articles, tips, mentors, and study will never get you as far as rolling up your sleeves and getting down to work.”
When you start looking at animation classes you’ll quickly discover that there are a number of different learning formats, like in-person, live online, and on-demand. Each format has unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which way to learn will depend on your specific circumstances and learning goals. In-person classes are the traditional way to learn a new skill and remain a popular choice in animation. One of the biggest advantages of an in-person class is that you’re face-to-face with your teacher, which makes it easy for them to assess your progress, offer personalized guidance, provide feedback, and answer questions. You’re also face-to-face with other students, which can make collaboration and networking more likely. Another advantage of in-person learning is that you’re in an environment dedicated to learning, and there are minimal outside distractions. A disadvantage of in-person learning is that you have to commute to the classroom, and that can be inconvenient and expensive. In addition, when you learn in-person, you’re limited to classes scheduled within commuting range. If you don’t live in a major metropolitan area, you may not have many options available to you.
Live online classes are a more flexible alternative to in-person classes. Students still receive live instruction with this option, but rather than being physically present in the classroom, they simply log in via computer and attend remotely. They can attend from home, the office, or any location with an internet connection. This format gives students more class choices because they can attend classes based in other cities or states. As a result, there is often a more diverse group of people in the class too, which can help students get a wide range of different perspectives on the course material and can also expose them to more diverse networking opportunities. A downside to live online training is that you aren’t in a classroom environment, which can make it easier to get distracted. For example, if you’re at home, you may get sidetracked by household tasks. In addition, while live online classes do have some flexibility because you can attend from any location, you still have to attend at a set time, which may not be ideal if you have a busy schedule.
A third class option is the on-demand format. On-demand classes are asynchronous. Material is pre-recorded, and you can progress through it at your own pace, stopping and starting whenever you need to. This format gives you the most scheduling flexibility. You can even fast-forward or rewind course content if you want to, which gives you even more flexibility in the learning process. While on-demand classes aren’t live, in many cases they do include the opportunity to interact with the instructor and other students. In addition, on-demand classes are often less expensive than live ones. However, a downside to this type of class is that you won’t have access to a live instructor. Another downside for some people is that this style of learning often requires more self-motivation than live classes.
If you’ve started looking for an animation class, you’ve probably discovered a number of free online classes and you might be wondering if it’s possible to learn animation online for free. Free online resources can be a great way to get an overview of animation topics, to learn a new skill, or to troubleshoot a problem. An example of a good free online resource is Noble Desktop’s Get Started in Motion Graphics tutorial, which gives an overview of motion graphics and video editing and includes an introduction to creating animation with Adobe After Effects. Adobe also offers many short tutorials on its products, which you can use to learn new animation skills.
However, if you want a comprehensive animation education, you’ll need to invest in a paid class. Free resources are unlikely to be enough if you want to learn more than a few basic animation skills. When you take a paid class, you’ll be guided through a comprehensive curriculum by an expert and you can ask questions and get feedback. Many classes also include a certificate, which is a good way to share your achievement with potential employers or clients. Another advantage of a paid class is that you’ll know you’re receiving accurate and up-to-date information.
If you’re learning animation, you’ll likely need to learn how to work with at least one animation application, since the majority of animation is now created on computers. Popular animation apps include Adobe Animate and After Effects. With apps like these, you can create and edit animations much more quickly than you can if you’re working by hand. These applications also give you a wide range of different creative tools. For example, After Effects has a tool called the Puppet tool that you can use to control animations by placing pins in a static image.
Graphic design and motion graphics design skills can also be complementary to animation. Graphic designers manipulate visual elements to communicate ideas and messages to an audience. Motion Graphics Designers give movement to static design elements. Learning something about these fields can help you gain an understanding of the principles of design and how to use these principles to achieve specific effects. For instance, you can utilize certain design elements to draw your viewer's attention to particular parts of a design or to elicit a specific feeling.
If you’re learning animation you should also start working on a portfolio or demo reel. This is a selection of work that you have done, and can be used to demonstrate your skills to potential clients or employers. Adobe insists that a good portfolio is an essential part of being an Animator. It states, “This is a chance to demonstrate how you’re unique—and how you can bring stories, characters, and objects to life better than the competition.” Some animation classes include working on projects that you can incorporate into your portfolio.
Many different industries use animation. One of the first that comes to mind for most people is the film and television industry, and this is one of the largest employers of animators. However, animators also work in many other industries including video gaming, marketing, and education. Animators work in many different cities across the United States, however, the largest number are found in Los Angeles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Los Angeles employs more than 14,000 Special Effects Artists and Animators. Seattle is the next biggest employer, employing just over 3,000 people in this job category. After that are San Francisco and New York.
One of the most common industries to find animation is the film and television industry. A significant percentage of the content produced in this industry contains animation. According to a report by Data Bridge Market Research, the animation market is growing rapidly and is likely to reach 192,874.48 million dollars by 2030. It states, “The reason for this significant growth is that most films use CGI and 3D technology today. Now, Hollywood is also using 3D technology to create various objects, costumes, and props to make their movies more realistic. Therefore, increasing usage of animation in media and entertainment sector is anticipated to drive the market's growth rate.”
Video gaming is another rapidly growing industry that relies on animated content. A writer on the Kevaru Games blog explains the key role that animation plays in gaming. She says, “Video game animation has become an essential aspect of creating an immersive experience for players… By animating each element, designers can evoke emotions in players, whether it’s the excitement of a thrilling chase or the heart-wrenching grief of a character’s loss.” She insists, “Gaming animations have become one of the key elements in the success of modern video games that we all love to play.”
Animation has also become increasingly common in educational content. One LinkedIn writer discusses the reason for its popularity, explaining, “Animation simplifies complex processes, reinforcing content through visually stimulating designs.” According to the author, a recent research study showed that when viewers were exposed to a message in video form they retained 95 percent of it, compared to only 10 percent if they read it in the form of text. The author concludes, “This makes animation, particularly animated videos, an ideal learning tool.” Animated content in education includes things like short videos for students, animated imagery to explain technical concepts, and simulations where students can interact with the animated content.
Animated content is commonly used in the marketing industry. Marketers like it because it is engaging and memorable. One media production company explains, “Animation can also help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. With so many brands vying for attention on social media and other digital platforms, it can be hard to make your content stand out. By using animation, you can create content that is visually distinct and instantly recognizable.” In addition, animation can be a lot cheaper to produce than live content since no actors or sets are required.
Animators create animated content. Related jobs include 2D Animator and 3D Animator. A large percentage of animators work in the film and television industry, but they also work in many other industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), which gathers and analyzes statistics about the U.S. labor market, between 2022 and 2032 there will be an 8 percent increase in jobs for Special Effects Artists and Animators. This is faster than the average U.S. job growth rate of 3 percent. The agency states, “Projected employment growth will be due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television. Consumer demand will continue for more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and three-dimensional movies.” In addition, it says, “Continued demand for computer graphics for mobile devices such as smart phones, will lead to more job opportunities. Special effects artists will be needed to create animation for games and for mobile applications.” A significant percentage of Special Effects Artists and Animators are self-employed; 58 percent, according to the BLS, so if you like to work for yourself, this may be a good career for you.
the BLS reports that California employs the most Special Effects Artists and Animators in the country; approximately 19,000. Washington follows, with about 3,500 employed. California, New Jersey, and New York pay the highest wages. According to Payscale, an Animator has an average salary of $62,000 in the United States.
A Motion Graphics Designer also works with animation. This job involves taking static design elements and giving them movement, and is a cross between graphic design and animation. Motion Graphics Designers work with computer applications like Adobe After Effects. They usually have an education in graphic design, and they work in many different industries including marketing, and film and television. Payscale reports that a Motion Graphic Designer in the United States earns about $65,000 per year.
Another common animation job is that of video game design. Video games include many different types of animated content, and animators create that content. Video Game Designers often specialize in specific types of content like scenery or characters. Some work on animated promotional content, which is integrated into many games. According to the World Economic Forum, the video game industry is thriving. It states, “The global video game market is forecast to be worth $159 billion in 2020, around four times box office revenues ($43 billion in 2019) and almost three times music industry revenues ($57 billion in 2019).” This means that good future job prospects are likely for Video Game Animators. Glassdoor finds that a U.S. Video Game Animator earns about $68,000 yearly.
A Digital Marketer may also use animation skills. According to a recent LinkedIn report, digital marketing is “the most in-demand skill globally.” A significant percentage of digital marketing content contains animation. the BLS published a list of the twenty jobs that have the highest projected numeric change in employment, and Marketing Specialists are on that list. A U.S. Digital Marketer earns about $76,000 yearly, according to Payscale.
If you want to learn animation, many major cities run in-person animation classes. For instance, the Manhattan Edit Workshop offers in-person classes in New York City. This school was founded in 2002 and runs a variety of software classes in both an in-person and live online format. Adobe After Effects Level I is an introductory course that covers Adobe After Effects essentials. It takes a number of days to complete. Students learn about the After Effects workflow and motion graphics fundamentals. Other covered skills include creating a basic animation using effects and presets, working with masks, animating text, working with shape layers, and distorting objects with the puppet tool. Rendering and outputting are also covered.
Students who already have some experience with After Effects and want to gain more advanced skills can take the Adobe After Effects Level II class. In this class, students work on mastering the After Effects menu and its many tools. They also learn industry-standard best practices. Instructors cover transfer controls, parenting, tracking and stabilizing, using the roto brush tool, and keying. This class is intended for editors, motion graphics artists, and producers.
Computer Training Source, Inc. offers a variety of different in-person computer classes in the Chicago area, including animation training. After Effects Part 1 is focused on creating animation, motion graphics, and visual effects in After Effects. Students learn to create a composition and arrange layers, add effects, add audio, animate a composition, work with the timeline, and render and export. They also learn about chroma keying, rotoscoping, and advanced editing techniques like particle systems and time warp.
More advanced students can take After Effects Part 2, which is designed for students who have already mastered After Effects basics. In this class, students work on animating a multimedia presentation, where they learn many different After Effects skills including keyframing, applying effects, masking video, creating an animated slideshow, and adding audio. Instructors also cover the 3D camera tracker, which includes learning to track footage, create a camera, create text in 3D, animate text, and adjust the camera’s depth of field.
Noble Desktop also offers a number of different animation classes. This school is based in New York City where it runs in-person classes at its Manhattan facility. However, it also runs its classes in a live online format that can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection. The Motion Graphics Certificate is a popular option. This is a multi-week class where students learn how to create animation, visual effects, and motion graphics. They will work with Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite and will learn how to animate photos, graphics, and text, creating a variety of different types of animation including animated logos, infographics, social media promos, and title animations. Included in the tuition are five one-on-one mentoring sessions that can be used to work on challenging concepts from class, or to get portfolio, resume, and job search advice. Noble Desktop classes come with a certificate of completion and the option of doing a free course retake within one year. This school is licensed by the New York State Department of Education.
The After Effects Bootcamp is another popular animation training option at Noble Desktop. This is a multi-day class where students learn to create motion graphics and animations with Adobe After Effects. Covered skills include foundational principles like understanding the workspace, and basic animation techniques. More advanced skills are also covered, including motion tracking, green screen removal, creating dynamic transitions, and adding audio to animations.
Noble also offers shorter class options like After Effects in a Day. This course is appropriate for beginners and is designed to give students an understanding of After Effects essentials and get them started using this application to animate photos, video, and text, and adding audio. Students who take this course will learn a wide range of skills including fade-ins, easing in and out, the essentials of the user interface, layer animation, the timeline, and working with video. While not required, basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator is helpful. Design skills are also beneficial to students who want to take this class.
If you’re trying to pass the Adobe Certified Professional Exam for After Effects, you’ll also find a class for that offered by Noble Desktop. The After Effects Certification Program is a multi-day class. Students start with two After Effects classes, where they learn many different After Effects skills, from beginner through advanced. Students also get six hours of private tutoring, where instructors help them prepare for the exam. Finally, they take the Adobe After Effects Certification Exam. The course fee includes the cost of the exam as well as proctoring and one free retake. If you don’t want to take the certification exam, you can receive an additional hour of private tutoring instead.
Training Connection, a computer and business training school based in Los Angeles, also runs animation training in a live online format. The After Effects Fundamentals class is designed for students who need to develop an understanding of video editing, motion editing, and compositing for graphics and video careers. It covers the real-world usage of After Effects and how to set up a new project. Students also learn about basic animation effects and presets, animating shapes, and animating text. Other covered skills include working with masks, adjusting color balance and correcting color, working with 3D, and rendering and outputting projects. Students get a certificate of completion and a training manual. They also have the option to do a free course retake within six months.
Another Training Connection option is the After Effects Bootcamp, a multi-day class where students learn how to use After Effects in an accelerated bootcamp-style class. Instructors cover setting up an After Effects project, creating basic animations with effects and presets, animating text, and animating shapes. Students also learn about masks, working in 3D, adjusting color balance, and color correction. In addition, there is instruction on many advanced After Effects skills including particle simulations, advanced masking, cloning, time-warp simulations, and puppet tool distortion.
Key Code Education also offers live online Adobe After Effects classes. Adobe After Effects I is a multi-day class designed for Editors, VFX Editors, and Graphic Artists. Covered skills include animating techniques, the fundamentals of motion tracking, keying techniques, and rendering and exporting. Students also learn about shortcuts, linking methods to share properties across objects, and distinguishing between layer masks and track mattes. Key Code Education offers classes that help prepare students to work in the entertainment industry.
NextGen Bootcamp’s introductory summer course for high schoolers delves into fundamental 2D animation techniques. Animation Summer Bootcamp NYC is an in-person class where you can get hands-on help from expert instructors and connect with other students who are excited about animation. During the first week, the course explores the rich history of animation, from its humble beginnings to today’s cutting-edge techniques. Then, students dive into the nitty-gritty of design and animation principles. Through hands-on sketching exercises and demos, students learn how to apply principles to their own projects.
Week two levels up with advanced concepts and a final project. Students incorporate cutting-edge animation techniques, sound design, and timing to create professional-looking projects. They’ll also learn to use the technique of storyboarding to bring their story to life. The final course project applies the skills learned throughout the course. Students will have the opportunity to share their finished projects and receive feedback from peers and instructors. This course is sure to build confidence and spark a passion for animation. After completing this bootcamp, students receive a certificate of completion they can share online with friends, or include in college applications and job searches.
Students who can’t attend a summer bootcamp in NYC can access this exciting class online. In Animation Summer Bootcamp Live Online, experienced instructors teach a live, interactive course. Remote setup assistance is available, and students work on all the same hands-on projects as in-person classes. Using Zoom, participants can watch and hear the instructor’s screen in real time, speak to the instructor using computer audio, phone, or external microphone, and share their screen with the instructor. Students can even allow the instructor to take control of their computer to provide hands-on assistance temporarily.
All the cutting-edge content covered in the NYC bootcamp is included in this online experience, from tracing the origins of animation to the forefront of contemporary techniques. Students immerse themselves in design and animation principles with hands-on sketching exercises, state-of-the-art animation techniques, sound design applications, and narrative-driven storyboards. They’ll discover how timing is used to create lifelike projects that convey mood, weight, and power. By the end of the online course, students will be crafting projects with professional polish. The culminating project is an online showcase of the skills acquired throughout the course and provides a chance to receive feedback from peers and instructors.
If you want to train a group of employees in animation, Noble Desktop offers corporate animation training, with flexible scheduling and content customized to your needs. Instructors with industry animation experience can conduct training in-person at your business or in a live online format. In addition, students receive comprehensive support materials to use after the class is complete, including handouts and access to premium training videos.
If you want to give your employees a more flexible training option, you can purchase vouchers for Noble’s regular group classes, which typically run on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. With this option, employees can register for classes individually. There is a discount on large voucher purchases. Contact Noble Desktop for more information about corporate animation training options or to schedule a free consultation.
Upskill or reskill your workforce with our industry-leading corporate and onsite Animation training programs. Conduct the training onsite at your location or live online from anywhere. You can also purchase vouchers for our public enrollment Animation courses.
