After Effects is an industry-standard tool for video animation, special effects, and post-production work. Many popular Hollywood movies were made with After Effects, including Star Wars and Marvel blockbusters. However, After Effects is capable of much more than making movies. After Effects can also be used for motion graphics animation, which is important for social media and marketing strategies.
After Effects is often used in combination with other Adobe apps. For example, editors often use After Effects and Photoshop together. An advantage of using multiple Adobe apps is that they all integrate well with one another. In 2019, After Effects and Photoshop were awarded Scientific and Engineering Awards by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for their influence on the advancement of the motion picture industry.
After Effects also integrates well with Cinema 4D Lite, which is a streamlined version of an app called Cinema 4D. Cinema 4D and Cinema 4D Lite are used for modeling, animation, and simulation. After Effects subscribers get free access to Cinema 4D Lite and can use it to create 3D content, which can be imported into After Effects projects.
After Effects Careers in San Diego
Video Editing and Motion Graphics Design are multi-skill professions, so while knowing After Effects is essential for people working in these areas, it won’t get you a good career on its own. You’ll need knowledge of other software, including other Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Although technical skills are important, you will also need to have industry-specific knowledge about filming techniques to succeed in these industries.
San Diego is the second largest city in California and has many employment opportunities for editors who know how to use After Effects. It is a popular location for businesses and organizations because of its beautiful weather, lively economy, and popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo. The Navy has a large base in San Diego, and there are many biotech and wireless companies in the area. This creates a promising environment for finding work in video production since many different entities need people to create videos for advertising and educational purposes. For example, the Navy requires Video Editors to produce videos, commercials, and other important projects.
One career that involves After Effects skills is Video Editor. Video Editing is an important part of films, television, and commercials. Video Editors use After Effects to improve the quality of footage through processes like color correction and adding visual effects. While knowledge of After Effects is important for this career, it is one of numerous skills required to succeed as a Video Editor. If you get a job as a Video Editor in San Diego, you can expect a salary of about $56,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
An expert in After Effects might also end up in a career in motion graphics or animation. Glassdoor reports that an Animator in San Diego earns about $58,000 per year. Motion Graphics Designers generally earn more. According to Glassdoor, a San Diego Motion Designer earns about $72,000 per year.
In-Person After Effects Classes in San Diego
Learning After Effects is a major undertaking, which is why many people prefer to receive After Effects instruction from a live instructor. In-person classes offer several benefits over learning from pre-recorded videos. Real-time instruction allows you to get consistent feedback from your instructor and other students while you practice using After Effects.
Ledet Training has beginner and intermediate courses designed for people looking to use After Effects in a professional setting. Each of Ledet Training’s multi-day courses covers fundamental skills in After Effects, and they are run through a workshop format that caters to student needs. The intermediate class is designed for students who already have some knowledge of After Effects and Photoshop.
Certstaff offers a multi-day Adobe After Effects course that is ideal for beginners and hobbyists. This class uses a remote instructor; however, students have access to Certstaff’s labs and equipment in San Diego. If you want to improve your skills in After Effects but aren’t ready to invest in new equipment, this class may be a good fit for your needs. Certstaffix Training also offers a free retake within six months.
Future Media Concepts also offers remote After Effects training. Students can choose from three courses: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each takes multiple days to complete. Future Media Concepts is an Adobe Authorized Training Center.
Virtual After Effects Classes
Virtual learning is quickly becoming the most popular alternative to in-person learning. With live online instruction, you get many of the same benefits of in-person instruction without having to leave your home. This can be a significant benefit in a large city like San Diego, which often has lengthy commute times. Instructors in live online classes answer questions in real time, and they can even see and control student screens, with their permission.
Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, has multiple options available for San Diego residents to attend live online After Effects classes. After Effects in a Day is a short course that covers the basics of this app. In the After Effects Bootcamp, students receive more advanced instruction as they learn how to create motion graphics and animations. For students who have completed the bootcamp, After Effects Advanced is a way to become even more skilled in After Effects. The curriculum includes text, shape animations, and video compositing.
If you’re interested in switching careers or upskilling for a current one, check out the Motion Graphics Certificate. This course teaches students multiple skills related to video production and post-production, including After Effects and Premiere Pro, and includes information on how to apply this knowledge to a career. There is also a Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate. The certificate programs take multiple weeks to complete and include one-on-one mentorship sessions.
There are other options available if you’re interested in learning After Effects live online. NYIM Training has virtual After Effects courses with beginner-friendly and more advanced instruction options. These include After Effects in a Day and an After Effects Bootcamp.
Corporate & Onsite After Effects Training in San Diego
The rising popularity of video as a medium means that businesses can benefit from having up-to-date skills in After Effects. Noble Desktop offers corporate and onsite After Effects training to introduce new motion graphics and animation knowledge into your company’s marketing or social media strategies. Whether your company is large or small, instructors can work with you to create a custom lesson plan that covers the most applicable topics. Participants receive comprehensive support materials such as handouts and premium training videos. You can also buy your employees vouchers for Noble’s open enrollment After Effects courses at a discount. Contact Noble Desktop to receive more information about its corporate After Effects training options.