Best Animation Classes NJ: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About NJ Animation Courses

Animation is a filmmaking technique that involves manipulating still images to create moving images. The field of animation has existed since the late nineteenth century. However, it wasn’t until nearly a century later that computers were introduced into this field. In traditional animation, each image was painted or sketched on a transparent celluloid sheet or photographed and featured on film. Today, this artistic medium incorporates computer animation, stop-motion animation like claymation, and computer-generated imagery.

Animators work with tools like Adobe After Effects to create special effects for computer games, films, TV shows, and cartoons. In addition to preparing individuals for a creative career path, animation training is also a great way to learn how to capture an audience’s emotions through imagery and storytelling. In addition to career paths with large employers like Pixar and Walt Disney, Animators can also find work in various industries beyond entertainment such as advertising, marketing, and education.

What Can You Do with Animation Training?

Knowledge of animation is an in-demand skill set that can lead to an exciting and artistic career. In the past, Animators had to sketch their animations by hand and redraw each image or character to reflect even the most minute change. Today, most Animators work with computers to create and develop their 2D and 3D designs. They also work with techniques like stop-motion animation and motion graphics. Some Animators apply their training to creating visual effects for TV or film. Others develop computer-generated images (CGI) for video games, virtual reality, film, engineering, or advertising. Knowledge of animation can also be a valuable skill set for training purposes in various industries. For example, Animators may be hired to create simulations that help pilots prepare for various flight scenarios or train soldiers in battle tactics.

Animators perform daily tasks using a variety of tools such as 2D animation software, drawing tablets, and 3D modeling software. Some of the core industry tools in Animation are Blender, Adobe Animate, Pencil2D, and Autodesk Maya.

What Will I Learn in an Animation Class?

Enrolling in an animation course in New Jersey is an excellent way to get hands-on training in the tools, software, and techniques needed to create a range of animations. Although all coursework differs in terms of its scope, difficulty level, and length, most learners can expect to receive training on several core skills when attending animation classes, including Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Adobe Animate, motion graphics, and storytelling.

After Effects

One core tool students are likely to encounter when learning animation is After Effects. This motion graphics tool provides users with many applications for adding or deleting elements, animating text and objects, incorporating transitions, and creating closing credits or titles. After Effects is commonly used alongside other Adobe products like InDesign or Audition. It can also be used with FXFactory, CycoreFX, or other third-party plugins.

Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D is widely used 3D animation software that helps users perform tasks like modeling, lighting, texturing, and animating. Both beginners and experienced Animators work with Cinema 4D because of its intuitive interface and customizable layout options. Those who know how to use this tool can animate 3D objects within live-action footage, which can make these images appear 2D.

Adobe Animate

Instruction on Adobe Animate is typically provided in animation coursework. This popular tool is a go-to for Animators interested in making traditional cartoons. Animate has features for puppet animation, frame-by-frame animation, and hand-drawn animation. Users can also import content from other illustrations and use Animate to enhance it.

Motion Graphics

Motion graphics training is often included in animation courses. Motion graphics involves creating animated content for use in film, TV, web apps, or other online content. Those with motion graphics knowledge breathe new life into static designs. Motion graphics training is valuable across industries, including web design and digital advertising.

Storytelling

In addition to training in software and animation techniques, coursework also prepares participants to be better storytellers. At the heart of any well-animated film or TV show is a story. Storytelling in animation combines auditory and visual elements to construct a narrative. Students of animation learn storytelling elements like developing characters, plot, and emotional intensity. Animated storytelling provides an opportunity to forge a connection with viewers from different backgrounds and demographics, transcend cultural boundaries, and share universal themes with audiences of all kinds. Coursework in animation often provides learners with training in how to hook their viewers early on, change the pace of a story, show rather than tell, and incorporate surprises to keep viewers engaged.

How Hard is It to Learn Animation?

Animation is similar to other skills in that the challenges each learner will face are subjective. Animation is a specialized artistic discipline, one that combines creative flare with practical applications. While it takes time, practice, and diligence to learn animation, most people can acquire basic animation skills relatively easily. Many learners will find that the most difficult part of the learning process entails becoming familiar with the technical skills and techniques required to transform images into life-like animations. The average learner will need to devote several days or weeks to studying the basic software and tools needed to work as an Animator such as Adobe After Effects or Cinema 4D. However, acquiring advanced-level animation knowledge may require much longer. Those who already know how to work with digital design programs will find this process much easier than those who must learn each application as they go.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Animation?

Those interested in learning animation may encounter challenges in mastering all the technical skills necessary to work with an animated image’s elements. It takes trial and error, as well as patience and perseverance, to learn how to create professional-quality animation products with an eye toward the minute and subtle elements. For example, it’s much easier to learn how to create a basic animation of a bouncing ball than it is to provide animation to make a character’s hair look realistic. The more practice the average learner acquires, the more focused they are likely to become on even the slightest details that can bring their animation to life.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Animation?

The process of learning how to make detailed animations for professional use can be a time-consuming endeavor. Although the average learner can become familiar with the basics of using animation software like Autodesk Maya in several days or weeks, it takes most individuals much longer to master the field of animation. Because of how intricate the field of digital animation is, it’s helpful for aspiring Animators to begin slowly with their training. Even when devoting a few hours each day to animation practice, it can still require months or a full year of study to be able to create professional-quality animations. Those who bring knowledge of digital design to the process may find it easier and faster to learn animation. Since animation is such a broad field, most learners will find it useful to structure their studies around the sorts of animation projects they want to complete. For example, those interested solely in 2D animation won’t need to focus as much on studying 3D modeling.

Should I Learn Animation in Person or Online?

Before selecting a training option, all learners in New Jersey must decide whether to enroll in an in-person or online animation course. Each type of class has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Learners who thrive in the traditional classroom environment will find that studying animation in-person in New Jersey is the most engaging way to learn this skill set. Students learn from an expert instructor who has real-world training in creating animations. Not only can participants ask questions as they arise and receive immediate clarification, but they also benefit from the support of studying alongside others. Participants have access to computers with the most current animation software and tools already installed. Those interested in-person training should keep in mind that this learning format requires that participants attend classes that meet at regularly scheduled intervals at a training center. This means that they must have access to a reliable form of transportation to attend.

Students who prefer remote training can opt instead for live online animation courses. Similar to in-person study, live online training takes place in real-time. Students connect with the instructor using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. All participants can ask questions as necessary and receive in-the-moment guidance. They can even share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for more individualized support. One of the main perks of live online training is that it requires no commute; all coursework can be completed remotely from the comfort of the learner’s space. It’s important for students to remember that attending live online classes requires setting aside the time to attend regularly scheduled classes, which generally take place once or more a week. For those who have busy work schedules or personal lives, this type of training can pose challenges.

The most flexible way to learn animation is with on-demand content. Whereas live coursework takes place in real-time, on-demand training is pre-recorded, and the learner can access it on their own time. One of the main draws of this type of training is that it’s self-paced, which means each learner can dictate their own learning speed, pausing and rewinding lessons as often as they want. Cost, too, is another incentive for on-demand training. Since it’s pre-recorded, it’s often a much more cost-effective approach to learning than live coursework. Those interested in on-demand training should keep in mind that they will not have access to an instructor and must, therefore, find answers on their own to any questions they have. This type of study can pose challenges for some individuals, especially those who are new to animation or who have specific challenges they are facing in the learning process.

Can I Learn Animation Free Online?

Do you want to study animation but aren’t ready to invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in training? If so, the good news is that there are many free online resources that can help you learn the basics as well as find answers to specific animation-related questions:

Noble Desktop has several free, pre-recorded seminars on topics relevant to animation, including motion graphics, design, After Effects, Cinema 4D Lite, and web animation.
Other online educators such as Udemy and Coursera, also offer free courses in animation and related skills. In Udemy’s Adobe After Effects: Complete Course from Novice to Expert, participants complete projects as they learn how to work with visual effects and motion graphics. Coursera offers a range of free classes and paid content on animation. These programs are fairly specialized in their scope and content and provide instruction on topics like biomedical animation and virtual reality.
LinkedIn also provides a range of animation-related content on 2D and 3D animation tools and techniques. Learners can explore these through a free trial period before purchasing a subscription plan to access classes.
YouTube has provided Artists and Animators at all levels of development with a space to post content and videos. Although the quality of animation content varies, and some tutorials are more effective than others, YouTube can be a good place for novice Animators to begin exploring the process behind creating digital animations.
Free trials are another great way for students to get started with animation without having to invest a penny. Adobe provides free trials for all its programs so aspiring Animators can spend some time experimenting with the app before having to commit to purchasing a license.

It’s important to keep in mind that even though free online animation resources are plentiful, learners should be discerning in their selection process to ensure the materials they select are high-quality and current. While free resources like videos and blogs can provide a strong foundation for learners to build upon, they rarely are sufficient for helping students achieve mastery of animation for professional reasons. Most individuals will, at some point in their studies, require a more structured approach to animation training such as that provided through live coursework.

What Should I Learn Alongside Animation?

Once you’ve decided to learn animation, you may be curious if there are any skills or tools to study alongside this skill set that will be of benefit. The answer to this question is largely dependent on what focus of animation you wish to pursue. In addition to studying software and Adobe applications like Premiere Pro (for video editing), Photoshop (for digital image manipulation), and After Effects (for visual effects and graphics), those interested in 3D animation may wish to explore 3D modeling and lighting techniques. They also may opt to learn Blender or Maya. On the other hand, those more interested in 2D animation may wish to hone in on their art skills, including gesture drawing, anatomy, perspective, color theory, composition, and light/shadow techniques. Others may find it helpful to explore coding basics (which can be useful for possible integrations with interactive animation projects), game design, UX/UI design, or graphic design.

Industries That Use Animation

Animation training is a useful skill set in a variety of industries in New Jersey, including film and media, advanced manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and nonprofits. The following sections will further explore how animation is used in these key sectors.

Film & Media

In the 1890s, before Hollywood became the epicenter of film in the US, Fort Lee, NJ was considered the film capital of the world. To this day, this location still boasts one of the highest concentrations of film professionals who work outside of California. Filmmakers and media professionals flock to New Jersey to take advantage of the state’s enticing film tax credit, which can be applied to 30% of qualifying film production expenses for productions in Northern New Jersey. Those who work in film and media in this area rely on animation training to help them create an immersive world for their audience to enjoy. Animation skills like motion graphics and stop motion can help those in film and media create relatable characters, convey complex themes, establish atmosphere and mood, and create emotions on the screen.

Advanced Manufacturing

New Jersey is considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the US. Today, 236,000 people (7% of the state’s workforce) are employed in the manufacturing sector. New Jersey’s prime location makes it a great spot to import and export products. Those who work in advanced manufacturing in this area can explore career paths in chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, and automotive subsectors. The state currently ranks fifth in the nation for chemical manufacturing operations.

Animation training has many applications within the manufacturing industry. It can help break down complicated manufacturing processes so audience members have a better understanding of machine parts, product design, or assembly sequences. Those with the training to animate products in 3D can spot possible flaws in functionality or assembly, which can be adjusted before the physical prototyping phase. Animation skills are also useful for creating accessible tutorials to train new employees on safety protocol, machinery operations, and assembly procedures.

Transportation & Logistics

Another prominent New Jersey sector is transportation and logistics. This area boasts the East Coast’s largest port, in addition to a widely used rail network and a top-tier air transportation systems laboratory. In 2020, this sector created $63 billion for the state’s economy and employed almost 13% of the state’s private sector jobs. Animation training can be applied in transportation and logistics to help professionals create videos that visually communicate information for stakeholders such as employees or customers, regarding supply chain protocols, operational procedures, or delivery options.

Nonprofits

In New Jersey, the nonprofit sector plays a crucial role in the local economy. Currently, over 41,000 501(c)(3)s are registered in the state. This sector employs about 10% of the private workforce. Additionally, over 1.4 million people in New Jersey hold volunteer jobs associated with nonprofits. Animation training has applications in the state’s nonprofit sector because it can help nonprofits create attention-grabbing explainer videos that help the public understand their mission and values, promote their cause, break down complicated issues, and encourage people to donate to their cause. Visual storytelling is especially effective because it can help nonprofits connect with diverse audiences.

Animation Job Titles and Salaries

Those who work in animation in New Jersey can explore a range of creative career paths in fields like media design, 3D animation, and VFX art. Read on to find out about the responsibilities for each of these jobs, as well as the expected salary ranges.

Media Designer

Media Designers work with a range of digital media formats such as video, graphics, animation, and audio, to create attention-grabbing content for platforms like advertising, social media, websites, and applications. These professionals strive to use visual storytelling skills and design training to convey messages across various media channels. The average pay rate for a Media Designer who works in New Jersey is $100,000-$110,000 a year.

3D Animator

Those who work as 3D Animators in New Jersey work with computer programs to design 3D characters and the worlds in which they live. These professionals may focus on website animation, film, online media, or even amusement park experiences for Walt Disney World or Universal Studios. The average salary for a 3D Animator in New Jersey is $70,000-$80,000 a year.

VFX Artist

Visual Effects (VFX) Artists are tasked with creating life-like images for use in media outlets like TV, movies, or video games. These creative professionals use digital programs, as well as techniques like animation, lighting, compositing, and 3D modeling to create their art. VFX Artists may be hired to create digital assets like computer-generated crowds or monsters. To do so, they sometimes combine CGI and actual video footage, which allows them to create effects that transcend the normal boundaries of film production. VFX Artists in New Jersey make about $103,000-$113,000 a year.

Animation Classes Near Me

Are you a New Jersey resident interested in studying animation? If so, you can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to search for animation coursework in New Jersey. Instruction is available for learners at all levels, including those just getting started with animation.

Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, offers a range of classes related to animation. Students can study in-person in New York City or live online. In Noble’s After Effects Bootcamp, those enrolled receive instruction on how to work with this Adobe application to create engaging video content. Coursework covers topics like animation basics, file integration, and text effects. This beginner-friendly program prepares students to work with text and shape animations, position and scale, blending modes, and opacity animations. By course completion, participants will be able to create their own animations and titles. This class includes a free 1-on-1 mentoring session.

Noble also has a Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate for those interested in more comprehensive training. This intensive course readies participants to pursue a creative career path in fields like motion graphics design or video editing. Those enrolled learn how to work with a range of tools and software such as Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Audition, and Cinema 4D Lite. Graduates leave this course with a professional demo reel that they can share with prospective employers. Eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions are included with the cost of study. All Noble classes offer a free course retake option for one full year.

Certstaffix Training has several animation-related course offerings as well. In Adobe After Effects CC (2020), participants spend several days gaining a solid foundation in After Effects. Instruction is offered on how to create motion graphics, animate images and text, and create innovative 3D content using this app. By the end of this program, participants will be able to use advanced editing techniques, work with puppet tools, and incorporate lens flares. This provider also has Adobe Animate CC (2020) for those interested in a comprehensive introduction to this popular application. Participants explore concepts like how to design symbols, texts, and graphics, as well as how to animate symbols. By course completion, participants will be able to incorporate advanced motion tweens and publish their work for HTML5 or Flash. Both of these courses are taught live online. Students can complete their training from their own space or use the computer lab that’s provided in Bridgewater Township, NJ.

In One River School’s Intro to Digital Animation program, beginner-level instruction is available for children who want to learn animation. This hands-on class provides a fun introduction to digital animation skills like drawing, camera techniques, and timing. Children leave this class with a basic understanding of acting, concept art, storyboarding, and animation software. This class is a good option for those looking to acquire basic animation skills or set out on a longer animation learning path. Coursework is provided in-person in Englewood, NJ.

In Manhattan Edit Workshop’s Basic Fundamentals of Cinema 4D class, students receive a comprehensive introduction to how Cinema 4D is used for animation, 3D modeling, and rendering. They also receive instruction on basic animation skills, including lighting, texturing, and modeling, which are intended to provide them with the skills needed to design their own 3D graphics. This class is taught in-person in New York City.

Animation Corporate Training

Are you a New Jersey employer who thinks those at their workplace would benefit from learning animation? If so, Noble Desktop can help. Noble can provide corporate and onsite animation training for some or all of your employees. Training can be provided onsite at your location in New Jersey, as well as live online using a teleconferencing platform. Coursework is available in topics like motion graphics, video editing, Cinema 4D, and After Effects. If you’d like to train multiple employees in animation, discounts are available for those interested in purchasing bulk vouchers for Noble’s regular enrollment classes. Coursework can also be customized to ensure that each of your employees has the chance to maximize their studies.

To learn more about the exciting corporate training options Noble can provide in animation, please don’t hesitate to contact Noble today to learn more.

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.

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Key Insights

Learn More About NJ Animation Courses

What Can You Do with Animation Training?

What Will I Learn in an Animation Class?

After Effects

Cinema 4D

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

Film & Media

Advanced Manufacturing

Transportation & Logistics

Nonprofits

Animation Job Titles and Salaries

Media Designer

3D Animator

VFX Artist

Animation Classes Near Me

Animation Corporate Training

NJ Animation Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

NJ Animation
Corporate & Onsite Training