Animation Classes Sydney

Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion from static images by playing them in rapid succession. Because our brains only retain images for a fraction of a second, when we see them move faster than that, we perceive them as a single moving image, creating the illusion of movement. Animation has been used in popular media since the late 1800s when flipbooks revolutionized the production of moving pictures, but different forms of animation existed long before then. Today, animation is a rapidly growing market with many opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you’re a creative individual looking for a matching career, this is a strong option.

What Can You Do with Animation?

Animation plays an important role in many industries. Video games depend on 2D and 3D animation to create immersive environments. Movies and television shows have also used modern technology to create or enhance some of the biggest blockbuster films in history. With animation experience, you can join professional studios to help storyboard, create, and produce some of the world’s most influential films. You might also have the opportunity to manage both small- and large-scale productions.

This skill is also useful in personal pursuits. We live in a digital age that celebrates the visual. Animation can help with building a personal brand and creating engaging content for social media, portfolio-building, or other self-promotional items like business cards and digital resumes. Animation is a valuable hobby skill that allows an artist the flexibility to experiment with their style without having to adhere to specific company expectations. This hobby can turn into a career later on.

In general, being proficient in animation can open up a world of unique opportunities. Animators have worked in a diverse range of industries such as a Satellite Animation Specialist for NASA or an Interactive Designer for the CIA. Animators can work in education to create streamlined e-learning tools and in healthcare to help simplify information for patients and professionals. This creative career can satisfy personal ambitions while also providing a stable list of career options. It is also a great opportunity for artists to use creativity to develop unique and engaging stories that an audience can connect with.

Why Learn Animation?

If you enjoy the process of creating stories and bringing them to life, animation is a great way to combine personal interests with professional growth. Those who learn this skill have access to a wide range of industries. According to Career Insights, animation is a growing industry, with production companies in Sydney being among the main players. Animation is also a relatively fun career, centered in some of the most dynamic markets in the world. There is a range of things you can do if you decide to pursue animation, making it a lucrative choice.

What Will You Learn in an Animation Class?

A typical animation course will teach you the vital skills necessary to be successful in the field. These include the principles and foundations of hand-drawn and digitally drawn animation. They also cover standard software for 2D and 3D animation such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Cinema 4D Lite. These courses will focus on tools like storyboarding and screenwriting, which are essential for success in the entertainment sector. Some classes may cover sound design. An animation class is also a great place to learn more about building and maintaining a portfolio.

If you’re pursuing a degree in animation, you can expect to be taught more specialized content. This can range from categories such as stop motion animation, computer animation, and traditional animation, to more technical skills like character rigging or rendering. Instruction in a degree program is often done through project-based learning, which can help develop communication, collaboration, and project management skills. Some courses may even provide internship opportunities, during which you can gain hands-on experience in studio work and professional environments.

Industries

Manufacturing & Engineering

Animation used in manufacturing can help streamline the process of creating new products. This relies on 3D animation, which provides an interactive visual aid for new product designs. Having a 3D mockup of a product is also a great way to give a clear representation of it to potential customers and investors. From an employee standpoint, animation can be used effectively in training staff on machinery or company processes, as it simplifies the large amount of information they need to work safely in that environment.

Engineering animation also relies on illustrations and 3D animation to simulate how machines, systems, and equipment operate. In this case, animation is used to simplify the technical information that engineers often encounter. It makes educational materials and platforms more accessible and user-friendly. Much like with manufacturing, it can make the overall process of training engineers much easier.

Education & Healthcare

There are many benefits to using animation in education. When combined with traditional tools, animation can simplify the learning process. It is easy for students to lose interest or become unfocused if they cannot understand complex information covered in class. Animation efficiently communicates complex ideas, often more quickly and engagingly than reading the information cold. Visual communication is an effective medium for classes that teach younger students or students who speak a foreign language.

In healthcare, many of the same benefits apply. Animation can be used to simplify the tools that doctors and patients use to communicate. This may include websites, portals, or emails. With the rise of digital communication, many hospitals and doctor’s offices use computers, phones, and other tools to display information, and this can make medical animation a popular choice to illustrate procedures, diagnoses, and other complex medical processes.

Social Media & Content Creation

Animation is considered a valuable tool in social media because it can be used to market ideas to the masses. Social media has a large reach and often pulls in a diverse audience. Animation is a preferred method of visual communication because it is more engaging and can reach a wider range of people than text or static images. Animation in this field can range from creating GIFs to uploading animated shorts on your social media. Some platforms also allow you to customize a homepage, which is a great place to use animation for self-promotion or idea sharing.

Entertainment & Media

Entertainment is an industry that commonly uses animation. The animation market is expected to surpass $400 billion, with computer-generated animation making up the bulk of current projects. Animators in entertainment are given a wide variety of responsibilities that can include storyboarding and character design, to learning computer animation software and bringing stories to life. There are additional opportunities to run and manage projects. This extends to other forms of media such as television, video games, and even music. The goal for animators is to take thoughts and ideas and translate them into an engaging visual experience for others to enjoy.

Jobs

An Animator in Australia can expect to make an average A$75,000 a year, with high-end earnings of A$130,000. Animators can earn cash bonuses, commissions, and tips, which significantly influence their pay. For a 2D Animator, entry-level earners can make an average of A$60,000 a year, with growth determined by experience. Transitioning to 3D animation, you can expect a slight salary increase to A$64,000, with specific jobs in this category including Character Artists, Designers, and Model Artists.

Animation is a diverse field that offers many other unique job opportunities. If you are interested in the more creative side of animation, you might consider becoming a Storyboard Artist, which can earn you an average salary of A$63,000 a year. You could also pursue a job as a Character Animator, which can pay around A$87,000 and varies depending on whether you work in traditional, 2D, or 3D animation. If you are skilled in project management, the average salary is a comfortable A$140,000, with even entry-level positions offering over A$100,000 a year.

There are specific industries that have a high demand for animators. In the film and television sector, a Visual Effects (VFX) Artist makes A$83,500. The advertising and marketing field is also continually looking for Motion Graphic Designers who can enhance their social media presence, a role that pays an average of A$79,000 per year. For those interested in video games, Game Artists can make an average of A$50,000 a year. There are many more opportunities across other sectors worth exploring.

Best Animation Classes in Sydney

Noble Desktop offers a live online Motion Graphics Certificate, which introduces both motion graphics and visual effects. In this course, you’ll learn how to use Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite. You will develop strong animation skills, video editing skills, and special effects skills. When you finish the course, you will have access to a graphics demo reel that can be added to your portfolio and used to showcase your technical abilities.

The University of Technology in Sydney has a 1-day Introduction to Houdini short course. Houdini is a 3D software used to create special effects and works well in animation, video game development, and other media arts as a tool for creating physics-based special effects. This software is an alternative to traditional tools such as 3DS Max, Maya, or Cinema 4D. The course is geared toward beginners and familiarizes them with how to use Houdini to its fullest capacity.

Curtin University provides a 100% online program for Animation and Motion Graphics Design. This 13-week course covers the principles of animation, an introduction to motion graphics, and how to create title sequences and opening credits. It is a beginner course, with students expected to provide their own computer and have access to animation software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Maya, and Zbrush. By the end of the course, students will be able to plan and share a narrative using animation techniques.

JMC Academy offers courses in animation, including an 8-month diploma program that helps students develop core skills in 3D animation. Through project-based learning, students will plan, create, and deliver a mentored project. Students can expect to cover drawing techniques, game animation, and design fundamentals, and a specialty topic of their choice. Throughout the course, students will have access to workshops that guide them through self-contained exercises, led by industry professionals. The credits from this course can be used toward a complete diploma or applied toward a degree.

SAE Creative Media Institute has a comprehensive diploma program in 3D Animation Production. Students will learn how illustration, modeling, and animation interact with the 3D production process. In this collaborative learning opportunity, students will also gain the technical skills and software expertise needed to successfully animate their projects. Some general skills taught in this course include project management skills and scholarly research techniques. Credits in this program can be used as a standalone diploma or applied toward a full degree.

Sydney Community College offers an Adobe After Effects course for beginners that covers the essentials of motion graphics and visual effects. This course focuses on the creation of film titles, introductions, and transitions. Students can also learn more about animating logos, text, and high-quality visuals. Four other Adobe Creative Cloud short courses may also help with learning animation software such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Animators can use a combination of these courses to master animation editing software.

What to Learn Alongside Animation?

Graphic Design

Graphic design is closely related to animation. Graphic design is an umbrella term that traditionally includes both 2D and 3D animation, though it is not uncommon for people to consider them separate fields. Graphic design is also popularly considered an art technique used in static imagery to highlight information and communicate thoughts or ideas. Because of the overlap between these areas, learning the foundations of graphic design can help you take design fundamentals and apply them to create cohesive, high-quality animations.

Project Management

Animators often work in a collaborative environment with strict deadlines and expectations. One way to manage this is to learn more about project management and its associated software. Project management software in the digital age has become more accessible than ever. Tools like Trello, JIRA, or Asana can help you efficiently tackle projects and stay on task. This is especially important for freelance animators who manage their own schedules. These programs are also used widely outside of freelance work, with many studios and companies choosing software that aligns with their project outcomes.

Programming Languages

3D graphic artists are encouraged to learn programming languages to improve their animation skills. This can significantly help in the video game industry where animation is primarily digitized. If you are interested in joining 3D animation, learning C++, Java, or ActionScript can significantly help when adding interactive features to 2D or 3D graphics. Some languages, like Python, even come with packages that help create games with engaging visuals and animations. Due to this overlap, learning how to code or picking up a few programming languages can enhance your animation skills and make them more marketable in related industries.

Animation Certificates and Certification

Animation certificates are a great way to validate your skills in the industry. They can help secure jobs by fulfilling entry-level requirements and assist you in building a strong professional portfolio. These certificates provide the foundational skills needed to be successful in animation and are a good way to gain more experience and learn directly from industry professionals without having to commit to a longer program or a full degree.

What is the Difference Between Certificates and Certifications?

Certificates and certifications are similar but have very important differences. A certificate is awarded upon completion of a course and shows proficiency in the curriculum for that course. Certification follows the same premise, but the course must adhere to industry standards and is typically awarded by an institution backed by a professional association or organization. While both can help secure additional job opportunities, a certification is more rigorous and often requires standardized testing. Certifications are also more likely to be regularly renewed as industry standards are updated.

Why Become Certified in Animation?

There are several reasons to become certified in animation. A certification is an excellent way to gain hands-on, practical experience in animation before joining the professional field. It can help you build a strong portfolio and provide access to a network of peers and industry professionals who can advise you on strategies to improve your skills and grow your proficiency. It also acts as an endorsement that can be used to help expand job opportunities. With certification, you gain the backing of an institution, which can help fulfill the entry-level requirements of certain studios and companies.

Will I Need to Be Certified in Animation to Find a Job?

Joining the field of animation does not require a certificate; however, it can act as an endorsement of your capabilities and can expand your job opportunities. Though animation is an artistic career with many freelance opportunities, certain companies may have a certification or degree requirement.

Certificate Classes in Sydney

Noble Desktop has a live online Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate. This course dives into the essential skills needed to fully use animation software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Cinema 4D Lite. Industry professionals will walk you through the development of techniques and concepts for high-quality video editing. By the end of the course, you will have a professional demo reel and a functional portfolio that can be used to expand your career options.

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment also offers a certificate in 3D Animation Foundations. This is an introductory course that educates students on 3D animation, especially for use in film and video games. The curriculum includes modeling, texturing, character and environment design, and short movie production. It also covers concept art and storyboarding. Upon completion of the course, students will create a short animated film suitable for publishing on a video-hosting platform. They will also leave with a functional portfolio that can be used in a variety of jobs.

City Desktop is an authorized training center that offers an Adobe-endorsed certificate in an Animate Advanced Course. These courses are designed for those who are already proficient in Adobe Animate and want to learn more about the full capabilities of this software. Students learn how to write basic JavaScript to help control animation loops. They also explore animation masking, motion editing tools, and both classic and motion tweens. This training features small class sizes and is offered as customized training.

Animation Classes for High School Students

NextGen Bootcamp offers high school students an immersive journey into the world of 2D animation through its Animation Summer Bootcamp in New York City. This in-person class is led by seasoned instructors and provides a collaborative environment where animation enthusiasts can connect and learn. During the first week, students explore the fascinating history of animation, tracing its evolution from early methods to today’s advanced techniques. They also begin applying animation principles through interactive sketching exercises and hands-on demonstrations that lead into the fundamentals of design and animation.

In the second week, students advance to more complex topics and develop a final project. They also learn cutting-edge animation techniques, sound design, and timing to create polished, professional-looking projects. Additionally, students explore the art of storyboarding to bring their narratives to life. The course culminates in a final project where students present the skills they’ve acquired and receive constructive feedback from both peers and instructors—boosting their confidence and passion for animation. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion, strengthening their credentials for college applications and early career opportunities.

For those unable to attend in-person, Animation Summer Bootcamp Live Online offers a convenient and equally engaging alternative. Led by experienced instructors, this live, interactive course mirrors the in-person experience. With remote setup assistance and hands-on projects using Zoom technology, students interact in real time with instructors and classmates. They can view and hear the instructor’s screen live and communicate via computer audio, phone, or microphone. Instructors can remotely access student screens to provide instant feedback and demonstrations.

The online course features the same dynamic content as the New York City bootcamp, covering the evolution of animation from its origins to the highly realistic styles used today. Students engage in real-time with design and animation principles through practical exercises and modern techniques. They explore the nuances of timing to develop projects that convey mood, weight, and visual impact. By the end of the course, students will have acquired professional-level animation skills, demonstrated through a final online project for which they receive instructor and peer feedback. Whether in-person or online, NextGen Bootcamp’s Animation Summer Bootcamp offers a dynamic learning experience that nurtures creativity, builds essential skills, and prepares students for future creative and professional pursuits.