Explore digital animation techniques through project-based programs. You’ll strengthen your understanding of movement, design, and storytelling through visual art.
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.
Learn motion graphics and visual effects with Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. Develop your skills in animation, video editing, and special effects, and create a motion graphics demo reel to showcase your work to potential clients or employers.
Learn how to use Adobe Premiere Pro to create professionally edited videos in this comprehensive class. From importing and organizing footage to advanced editing techniques like multi-cam editing and green screen removal, this course will equip you with the skills to create compelling video content.
Dive into the dynamic world of Adobe After Effects with this advanced course, designed to elevate your animation and motion graphics skills. From mastering 3D layers and custom shapes to optimizing animations with expressions, you'll create captivating visuals that stand out in any project.
This course unlocks the power of Adobe After Effects, teaching you to create stunning visual effects and professional-grade motion graphics. Master techniques like motion tracking, compositing, and time remapping to take your video projects to new heights of creativity and impact.
Become a skilled Video Editor and Motion Graphics Designer by learning Adobe Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Develop creative techniques and concepts for editing videos, and showcase your skills by creating a professional demo reel.
Animation is the process of creating the illusion of motion by displaying a rapid sequence of images or frames, each showing a slightly different position of characters or objects. In traditional animation, pictures are drawn or painted on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed. Early cartoons are examples of this, but today, most animated movies are made with computer-generated imagery or CGI.
The earliest animation can be traced back to ancient Chinese shadow puppetry, which used cut-out figures to tell stories. James Stuart Blackton’s Humorous Phases of Funny Faces in 1906 and Émile Cohl’s Fantasmagorie in 1908 are considered the early pioneers of animated film, forging a path for the much later development of industry giants like Disney, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network.
Currently, animated movies and TV shows are popular, with many of them achieving critical acclaim and box office success. Animation isn’t just for children anymore either; interest in animated content for adult audiences has drastically increased with the popularity of shows like Bob’s Burgers*, Rick and Morty*, and The Simpsons*. Innovations like motion capture technology, computer graphics, and visual effects are all being used to create more lifelike characters, environments, and action sequences, contributing to the rising interest in animated films and television.
What you can do with animation will largely depend on which type of animation you pursue. There are five types of animation:
Animation allows you to explore your creativity, fine-tune your artistic skills, and potentially pursue new career paths. The type of animation you choose to learn will determine what you can create: maybe you’ll create eloquently handcrafted traditional animations, develop logos or work on commercials, or design truly terrifying monsters or FX.
The animation process is a series of steps that turns ideas into a visual and auditory sequence. This will be one of the first things you’ll learn in an animation course. The animation process is typically broken down into eight essential steps:
Figure drawing and composition are crucial in animation because they provide the foundation for creating believable and visually engaging characters and scenes. Figure drawing enhances knowledge of human anatomy, including skeletal structure, muscles, and how they interact. Composition in animation is the arrangement of visual elements in a scene to create an attractive, engaging story. Being able to accurately depict the human form in motion, understand anatomy, and strategically arrange elements within a frame helps you convey emotion and story effectively. Essentially, you will be able to translate ideas into compelling visuals through precise drawing techniques and thoughtful spatial arrangement.
The main purpose of an animation storyboard is to map out the story’s flow, scene timing, and character positioning. Storyboarding ensures everyone involved in the project understands the storyline and creates a cohesive final product. By identifying potential issues early, storyboarding saves time and resources during the animation process, ensuring that the final animation is well-structured and engaging for the audience. Storyboarding typically involves Animators, Directors, Producers, Writers, Editors, and marketing professionals.
3D modeling is a three-dimensional representation of objects, animals, machines, and humans. In animation production, all the settings and characters are composed of a 3D model. 3D modeling is used in different kinds of fields—from engineering, the game industry, film and animation, business advertising, and architecture, to special effects. There are two main types of 3D modeling: organic modeling includes natural objects in the surroundings, such as characters, animals, and plants; hard surface modeling includes man-made objects such as buildings, vehicles, and other manufactured items.
Visual effects (VFX) are computer-generated or manipulated images that are used to create animations and enhance the aesthetics of a project. VFX can be used to create characters or environments that are difficult or impossible to shoot in real life; enhance action sequences with explosions, fire, smoke, and water simulations, and improve the storytelling and immersion of an animated project by adding a touch of realism through animating fabrics like curtains, dresses, and tablecloths.
The level of difficulty in learning animation depends on the kind of work one wants to do, the required detail and professionalism in the animations, and the individual’s prior knowledge of digital design skills. Animation is a specialized field that combines artistic expression with practical applications and often involves skill sets from related fields like graphic design, UX design, and UI design. The variety of skills needed can be challenging for those entirely new to the field, but with the right amount of dedication and passion, anyone can become an expert in animation.
Perhaps the most challenging part of learning animation is mastering the wide range of software programs used within the industry. Professional software like After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Cinema 4D are crucial tools for Animators. Each program has a specific function, such as motion graphics design, video compositing, image generation, or special effects development. Additionally, most animation studios use some form of product management software to manage workflow. Each of these software programs has its own learning curve and challenges.
The time it takes to learn animation depends on several factors, such as the skills you want to acquire, the amount of time and effort you invest, and your other commitments. Professional-level animation can take anywhere from months to years to master, although this duration can be shortened depending on the learner’s prior experience and goals. Previous experience in digital design or knowledge of animation theory can accelerate the learning process, and attending a professional training course can also help you reach your new career more quickly.
There are many factors to consider when answering this question. First, you’ll need to decide what learning environment is best suited for you. Do you excel in a collaborative environment that allows you to interact with your peers and receive instant feedback from your instructor? Or do you prefer a more solitary learning environment, perhaps one where you can learn at your own speed?
You’ll also need to decide how much time you can commit to your education and what level of flexibility your schedule requires. Are you looking to dive deeply into an intensive program? Do you work full-time and need classes scheduled in the evenings or on weekends?
In-person classes offer face-to-face interaction with your fellow students and your expert instructor. This collaborative environment is available for both full-time and part-time classes and provides structure and accountability—two things that can help you succeed. Online courses may lack this in-person interaction, but they make up for it with increased flexibility. Live virtual courses still offer instant feedback from your instructor and interactions with other students, while on-demand virtual training allows for the most flexibility since you can decide where and when you learn.
If you’re looking to complement your animation skills, consider learning additional creative skills like visual design principles, anatomy, and gesture drawing. These skills will help you expand your artistic skills, improving the quality of your animations. Additionally, “hard” skills like basic coding, video editing, and software tools like 3D modeling or motion graphics programs will enhance your ability to create compelling and technically proficient animated content.
Revered for its natural beauty and rich history, Virginia is becoming equally well known as an ideal location for working in animation. Several industries are thriving in the region, each of which will have a need for Animation experts for a variety of roles.
Virginia’s healthcare and social assistance sector increasingly uses animation to improve patient education, training, and communication. Hospitals and medical organizations—including Inova Health System in Northern Virginia and Sentara Healthcare in Hampton Roads—use animated videos to explain medical procedures, demonstrate treatment plans, and support patient engagement initiatives. Biotechnology and research organizations such as Virginia Bio+Tech Park in Richmond also rely on medical and scientific animation to visualize complex biological processes for research teams, investors, and public outreach. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, the need for high-quality visual communication makes animation an essential tool across the Commonwealth.
Virginia’s professional, scientific, and technical services industry is one of the state’s most animation-driven sectors, especially in government contracting, cybersecurity, and engineering. Companies such as Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI International, and Leidos frequently use animation and motion graphics to support training simulations, cybersecurity demonstrations, and technical presentations for federal clients. In addition, creative studios like the Martin Agency in Richmond and Hinge (with operations in Virginia) produce animated advertising, data visualizations, and branded storytelling for national campaigns. As demand for digital media and immersive learning grows, animation has become a powerful asset in Virginia’s high-tech and creative fields.
Retail companies in Virginia use animation to enhance marketing, product visualization, and customer engagement. Businesses like CarMax—headquartered in Richmond—integrate animated explainer videos and motion graphics into their online vehicle listings and brand campaigns. Regional retail brands such as Wegmans (Virginia locations) and Smithfield Foods also use animated content across digital platforms to showcase products, highlight promotions, and support online advertising. As e-commerce expands across the state, animation continues to help retailers communicate more effectively with customers in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Virginia’s hospitality and food service industry uses animation to promote tourism, enhance brand identity, and streamline staff training. Resorts and attractions like Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion frequently incorporate animation in their marketing campaigns, ride previews, and digital guest experiences. Restaurant groups and hospitality brands such as Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg use animation in social media content, safety videos, and online advertisements to engage families and tourists. As tourism remains one of Virginia’s largest industries, animation plays a growing role in helping businesses attract visitors and communicate memorable experiences.
Animation is often used in movies, television shows, video games, websites, and other media. While job titles may vary, these professionals usually report to a Creative Director or Animation Director while working closely with writers, other artists, and technical staff. On larger projects, Animators may be part of a team assigned specific roles such as Character Animator, Background Animator, or Special Effects Animator.
It can be tricky to know which job titles are best for your job hunt, so a few of the most commonly found roles are outlined below.
Gameplay Animators work with techniques like key-framing and motion capture to bring digital creatures, humans, vehicles, and props to life in games. They are hired to maximize a game engine’s technology and the opportunities for interactivity and gameplay in the gaming experience. These individuals work alongside Designers and Game Programmers to generate initial character movements while adhering to technical constraints. This requires maintaining vast libraries of character movements, which can be revised as animation cycles for each character. As a Gameplay Animator, you can expect to make $81,000–$118,000 in Virginia.
Storyboard Artists are visual storytellers who transform written scripts into 2D images that comprise a storyboard that serves as a visual guide for how the animated feature will play out. A strong storyboard shows not only the logical progression of action in a film but also the story’s emotional impact. Storyboard Artists are mostly involved with pre-production tasks, including camera angles, timings, and sequence points of view. A Storyboard Artist can earn $60,000–$75,000 in Virginia.
2D Animators create traditional animation and cartoons in which backgrounds and characters are drawn by hand. On a daily basis, 2D Animators perform tasks like collaborating with writers, clients, and directors about stylistic elements and how they’re being executed through animation, preparing rough sketches, creating illustrations and models, selecting color palettes, and setting up exposure sheets. They also sync audio and voiceover tracks with visual elements. Salaries in Virginia range from $74,000 to $81,000 for a 2D Animator.
Those who work as 3D Layout Artists determine the virtual camera angle for each shot, including its depth, movement, angle, and point of view. 3D Layout Artists collaborate with Directors and VFX Supervisors to determine the camera’s look and feel, as well as the animated sequence’s environment. On a daily basis, these individuals perform tasks like interpreting storyboards, positioning characters, assembling environments, determining the camera path in a scene, and experimenting with various camera angles to find the best shots. As a 3D Layout Artist, you can earn $68,000–$75,000 in Virginia.
Build your skills in animation, video editing, and special effects with this Noble Desktop certificate course that prepares you for opportunities in the world of motion design and video production. You’ll learn the art of motion graphics and visual effects using Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite.
You’ll practice advanced techniques like greenscreen removal, rotoscoping, and motion tracking with Adobe After Effects, learn the fundamentals of video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro, and create 3D models using Cinema 4D Lite. Apply your skills through hands-on projects that mirror industry standards. You’ll also develop a professional demo reel showcasing your work in motion graphics, special effects, and video editing, giving you the tools to impress potential employers or clients with your expertise.
If you’re looking to gain the skills needed to excel in digital design, this Noble Desktop program may be for you. You’ll be equipped with the technical expertise and creative confidence to craft modern, professional designs for both digital and print media, setting the stage for a successful career in the design field. This course will teach you to deepen your understanding of design theory by mastering layout strategies, typography, and color schemes. You’ll learn Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign to create stunning designs for print, web, and digital platforms; and explore the principles of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design using Figma. By the end of the program, you’ll have a well-rounded portfolio that showcases your expertise in web design, digital graphics, and UX/UI that’s ready to present to employers or clients.
This Noble Desktop program focuses on building creative techniques and prepares you to deliver polished video projects for professional use. Through hands-on projects, you’ll learn the essentials of video editing, motion graphics, and audio design, and transform your abilities in video editing, motion graphics, and audio production using Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition.
You’ll learn how to edit video footage using Adobe Premiere Pro, adjusting clip timing, speed, and color to achieve professional results; clean up and mix audio tracks, remove noise, and add sound effects using Adobe Audition for enhanced video production quality; and animate text, graphics, and layered elements from Photoshop and Illustrator using Adobe After Effects.
If you’re looking to provide in-person or online training for your office or team, Noble Desktop can help. They offer a variety of corporate training programs, including programs for the construction industry. You can order vouchers in bulk at a discount, choose which courses are available to employees, and even let your employees choose their own schedule. Plus, you can choose to have your training hosted at a location of your choice, live online, or at Noble Desktop’s Manhattan office.
With a top-notch customizable curriculum and instructors who are experts in their industries, Noble Desktop’s corporate training is designed to cater to your business or organization’s needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com.
Virginia’s professional community is, without a doubt, an impressive one. The state is home to some of the largest companies in the world, and with its proximity to the nation’s capital, its connections to the government and public service sectors are undeniable. Needless to say, those looking to gain new skills in tech, data, business, or design are well-positioned to do so.
Virginia students can take classes at the modern facilities located at 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20024. This is right off L’Enfant Plaza. It’s a professional yet welcoming environment that allows students to jump right into their studies. If you’re coming from Virginia, you’ll have no trouble getting here. While the trip will depend on where you’re coming from within the state, those in the Northern Virginia (NOVA) region can hop on the Virginia Railway Express to Union Station and take the Metro for a short ride to L’Enfant Plaza. Driving is still an option, with various parking garages available to make the trip easier. Otherwise, there are bus routes connecting from NOVA to D.C. With so many options, attending classes and workshops in D.C. is convenient and simple.
Animation skills support digital storytelling, training materials, and creative content used across Virginia’s media and communications fields. With this, students at Noble Desktop have an opportunity to learn motion techniques and visual principles from instructors who demonstrate how animations are built in professional environments. The school's instructors offer decades of experience and insight into the field that enables you to make a real difference in the Old Dominion.
A seasoned educator and training leader, Brian brings ample experience to the classroom, particularly in designing and delivering learning programs in project management and emerging technologies, like AI. He has created adaptive learning models that blend instructor-led lessons, live experiences, and self-paced study, making professional development flexible and accessible to everyone. Brian has also focused heavily on integrating AI into training, which helps organizations and professionals by applying AI to real-world situations that can fix challenges, assist leadership, execute projects seamlessly, and make more informed decisions. Beyond teaching, he has led curriculum development, managed large-scale training initiatives, and implemented collaboration tools that have led to higher retention rates and increased engagement from students.
Clarissa has over 25 years of experience as a corporate trainer, Project Manager, and Business Consultant. She has designed and delivered highly effective training sessions for federal agencies, private corporations, and international organizations, making her a well-versed and experienced trainer and educator. She is currently the President and CEO of Projections Training Solutions, which has trained over 10,000 professionals worldwide, including clients like the Department of Defense, NASA, Microsoft, and FEMA. Not to mention, her work has taken her to places like China, Japan, South Korea, Africa, Singapore, and the Caribbean. Her programs span subjects like leadership, project management, business analysis, and emerging technologies. At Graduate School USA, Clarissa is a trusted and well-respected instructor who teaches and helps develop several programs.
As a retired combat veteran who served as both an Air Force enlisted member and a Navy officer, Alan brings more than 30 years of experience across federal and commercial sectors. His background consists of work in budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, global logistics, supply chain management, and IT acquisitions. He has worked extensively with federal, state, and local governments, such as the Executive Office of the President and various departments (such as the State, Defense, Health and Human Services, and Education Departments, to name a few). Alan’s consulting work includes strategic planning and business development with the D.C. government, federal agencies, Lockheed Martin, and more. Overall, he’s a well-equipped educator due to his experience and expertise, but he also holds a teaching certification from Harvard’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. His expansive background makes him a perfect fit to teach subjects like finance, accounting, and project management.
With more than fifty-five years of experience in federal and non-profit financial management, Johnny is a retired senior Federal Manager and Vietnam combat veteran. His degrees are from Herbert H. Lehman College and St. John's University. He has been working as an adjunct faculty member at the Graduate School USA since 2011, teaching Appropriations Law, as well as a range of federal budget-related courses, including finance and accounting. His career also includes leadership roles, such as the Chief of Budget Execution for the IRS Office of Chief Counsel and the Budget Officer for the Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General. His impressive career experience and education allow him to share his wisdom with others, fostering a supportive and structured learning experience.
Charles Byrd is an experienced Employee and Labor Relations Consultant with a strong background in federal human resources management and legal counseling. He obtained his B.A. in Business Administration and Political Science from Loyola University and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law before diving further into his career. Over the years, he has advised agencies on complex HR and labor matters, managed HR programs, and represented organizations in legal proceedings. In addition to this, Charles has developed and delivered specialized training in subjects like project management and human resources. He has been recognized for his professional excellence as well as his teaching abilities and leadership skills, acquiring awards and accolades throughout his decades-long career.
Natalya has been a part-time instructor at Graduate School USA for over 15 years, where she teaches project management, leadership, and human resources courses. She has developed original curricula, including Change Management Workshops and specialized project management programs. In addition, Natalya has served as an action learning coach and facilitator in government leadership initiatives. She runs her own consulting business, offering coaching and training for public and private entities. Moreover, she created the Define and Achieve Your Goals Process and is a certified Birkman Method Consultant. Her M.S. degree in Project Management from George Washington University’s School of Business provides her with the credibility and skills that have allowed her to excel in this field for so long. Between her experience and knowledge in the field, she’s well-equipped to provide insight into the project management field.