Develop your animation skills across programs focused on motion, timing, and storytelling. You’ll experiment with digital tools that bring visual ideas to life.
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 an artistic technique used to create the illusion of motion in static images. This process involves displaying a set of still images that vary slightly from one another and sequencing them. When the images are displayed in fast succession, they appear to be in motion. Animation relies on a phenomenon called “persistence of vision.” The human eye clings to images for a brief moment after they’re gone. This causes the brain to perceive the still images it’s seeing as continuous motion. There are two primary forms of animation: traditional and computer-generated. In traditional animation, each frame is drawn by hand on celluloid or paper. They are then photographed and put in sequence to create the illusion of motion. Currently, computer-generated imagery (CGI) is more commonly used. CGI involves working with computer software to make animated films. Animators create 3D models of the characters and their environment and then use software to animate the models and generate a final sequence of images.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re performing traditional or CGI animation; the basic process remains the same. Animators begin by brainstorming ideas and creating a storyboard that depicts the animation in a basic way. The storyboard includes rudimentary sketches intended to show the main animation events that will take place. Then, keyframes are created, which serve as the foundational frames in animation. They depict the main poses of characters and the placement of objects. In-betweens are then added between each keyframe to ensure that the animation is fluid and smooth. Next, Animators refine the animation and eliminate any errors that might disrupt smooth playback. Sound and color are then added to make the content as lifelike as possible. Although the animation process takes time and expertise, it provides a way for artists to create characters and tell stories that would be difficult, if not impossible, to render through traditional filmmaking.
Before you sign up for an animation course in Washington, DC, you may wonder if there are any prerequisites you should meet. While some courses expect students to have experience working with one or more applications or possess certain skills prior to their studies, these requirements vary depending on the educational provider. The skills you’ll be asked to bring to your studies will depend on the difficulty level of the program you select, as well as its focus. Regardless of whether you’re enrolling in an introductory-level animation class or an advanced motion graphics certificate program, there are several core skills and tools you may wish to explore before your studies begin to streamline the learning process. A great starting point is to review basic design and composition theory and processes. Since all animation strives to convey meaning with art, the more you know about core design concepts like alignment, proportion, rhythm, and balance, the easier it will be to draw from these skills when creating animations. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure you have basic computer skills before enrolling in coursework. Because most contemporary digital video animation requires knowledge of CGI techniques, you must be familiar with basic computer skills such as navigating between multiple open applications, files, or folders. It’s also useful to be familiar with programs that work with layers. You may also wish to install and explore programs like Adobe Animate, which is used for computer animation and multimedia authoring, as well as After Effects, a motion graphics software.
In addition to reviewing basic design concepts and tools, it may also be helpful to consider what you hope to do with your animation skills before you begin training. Since the animation process can take many forms, you will likely need to know more than 2D animation skills to pursue a career in animation. Many non-creative fields also rely on animated content to tell stories and convey information. Animators are hired to create medical designs, engineering content, or marketing materials intended to sell products or convey complicated information in an accessible manner. Knowing whether you want to create medical animations or content for cartoon shows can help you tailor coursework and ensure you acquire the specialized training and skills you’ll ultimately need.
If you’re considering studying animation, you may wonder if it’s a hard skill set to learn. Maybe you’ve seen the real-life effects in Pixar movies and worry that learning to work with CGI to create lifelike 3D animations will be too hard to tackle or that it could require years to master. Similar to any other skill set, the difficulty of learning animation is relative and depends largely on the individual learner’s existing skill set, the time they’re able to commit to training, and their personal learning style. Those from a background in which they’ve worked with computer-aided design may find learning animation easier than those without this training. Animation isn’t generally considered more difficult to acquire than web design or UX/UI design; some students even find it easier to learn in comparison. Another factor that will affect the difficulty of learning animation is what level of expertise you hope to attain through your studies. Those who simply want to learn how to create basic animated assets may opt to work solely with programs like Adobe Photoshop or After Effects. On the other hand, if you’re interested in creating cutting-edge digital animations for movies or TV, you may need to devote months or years to studying more advanced techniques like masking, 3D layered animation, and motion tracking. Those who are willing to take the time to practice their animation skills will be able to see their efforts pay off in real time as they progress through their studies.
If you’re interested in enrolling in an animation course in Washington, DC, you may not be certain what to expect. The type of training you’ll receive when you embark on animation studies varies depending on the educator you select, the length of the program, its focus, and its level of difficulty. Beginner-level animation classes are available for those who are new to creating animated assets or even new to design in general. More comprehensive learning options like bootcamps and certificate programs are also offered in motion graphics for individuals interested in acquiring a broader range of skills, including video editing, visual effects, and 3D animation. Some programs focus exclusively on a specific Adobe CC application like After Effects or Premiere Pro, whereas other courses teach participants how to work with several applications. Coursework also may include instruction in core animation skills like rotoscoping live action, removing greenscreen, syncing animation to audio, and automating tasks with scripts. Visual storytelling techniques are also often taught in animation programs, including camera angles, frame and pixel aspect ratios, and lighting and frame rates. Many certificate programs also offer students the chance to create a professional portfolio or demo reel that they can share with future clients or employers to showcase the depth of their animation skill set.
Washington, D.C., is home to 713,000 residents. The nation’s capital attracts people from around the globe who flock to the city to take in its historic landmarks, vibrant cultural scene, top-tier culinary options, and world-famous museums. The city also hosts many thriving industries, including retail, hospitality, and government. The following paragraphs will briefly explore several key D.C. industries and the role animation plays in each.
In the U.S., the government is the largest employer. In D.C. alone, 141,000 people—or 8% of the population—are employed in government-related jobs. The government and the enterprise industry generated more than $44 billion in 2022. Various government agencies and organizations in D.C. use animated content to provide citizens with quick access to essential information. Animated videos not only educate the public about current laws or policies that may affect them but also do so in an engaging and understandable way. Because some government services are difficult to understand and use, animation provides a powerful medium to get these messages across to a general audience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many communities were unsure of what to do and what information was reliable. This created a corresponding need for clear, urgent communication. To remedy this problem, many agencies began using animation. The WHO used whiteboard animation to explain the spread of the disease, as well as how people could protect themselves against it.
Another key Washington, D.C., industry is transportation. Each day, the city’s main train station, Union Station, serves 70,000 people. Every year, 4.6 million Amtrak passengers pass through the city. The greater D.C. area is home to three major airports that bring people to the city from around the globe. D.C.’s Metro averages a million trips on any given weekday, and the Metrobus sees traffic that averages 400,000 riders in a week. Washington, D.C., residents rely on public transportation options to get to and from work, avoid gridlock rush-hour traffic, and travel around the city with ease. Animated video content is becoming an increasingly popular mode for those who work in transportation and logistics to educate consumers and partners about their services or new routing information. Since many D.C. visitors come from other places around the globe, communicating vital information about travel delays and other logistics in a way that’s accessible to non-native English speakers is also crucial. Animation is an effective way to convey important travel-related information without requiring audience members to be fluent in English.
If you have animation training, many exciting career options are currently available in Washington, D.C. Pay rates vary depending on the employer, the type of animated content you create, and your years of experience in the field.
A 2D Animator will create character animations, motion cycles, and visual storytelling elements for various forms of digital media, from film and television to marketing materials and video games. They may work on titles for video game development or create animated interstitials for the web and television. Companies like PixelDust Studios, an independent animation studio and video production company, absolutely rely on 2D Animators. Professionals at this company may work with some top clients as well, such as Apple and the Smithsonian Institute. Indeed reports that 2D Animators in Washington, D.C. can earn roughly $70,000 each year, but this will depend on specifics like the company and your experience.
3D Animators are tasked with creating the more realistic and stylized characters and objects within a project. They often work on major films, television shows, and video games, but can also work in promotional videos and simulations that help others learn new concepts in their field. For instance, many Pilots in training learn from flight simulators just as military personnel might. Likewise, healthcare companies, like George Washington University Hospital, may hire Animators to create training simulators for doctors, surgeons, and nurses. Glassdoor shares that the typical range for a 3D Animator in D.C. is between $84,000 and $140,000. However, they do indicate that entry-level 3D Animators can start anywhere between $48,000 and $88,000, so experience does play a role in salary expectations.
A Motion Graphic Designer creates animated graphics, titles, logos, and other visual effects that are perfect for the marketing world. These elements are often added to advertisements, webpages, broadcasting materials, and other digital elements. Motion Graphics Designers are hired at companies like Rock Creek Productions, which has several locations across the U.S. but is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. They work with prominent organizations in the region, like the Smithsonian, as well as the National Gallery of Art. They even hold a General Services Administration contract with the federal government. ZipRecruiter indicates that the average pay for a Motion Graphics Designer in D.C. is close to $87,000.
This role is charged with creating visual effects that make videos pop -- think of explosions, weather effects, particles like ash and dust, or even magical effects like glowing force fields and spells from a magic wand. VFX Artists work extensively in the entertainment industry on video games, movies, and television shows, but will also work on commercials and other marketing materials from time to time. Video game companies like Something Wicked Games will hire VFX Artists to work on large-scale role-playing games. Likewise, National Geographic Games, an interactive learning experience, relies on VFX Artists to make the experience fun and immersive. Indeed suggests that VFX Artists can earn between $45,000 and $72,000 depending on their level of experience.
Students in Washington, D.C. can still take Noble Desktop classes from the comfort of their home with live online training. There’s an After Effects in a Day course that gets you started in the world of animation. This six-hour program covers After Effects skills like how to incorporate sound into compositions and animate photos, text, or videos. Students become familiar with how to import Illustrator files like logos and use Photoshop for animation. Before enrolling, it’s helpful for students to have prior experience using Photoshop and Illustrator. It’s also useful for students to have design skills. Tuition is $425.
There’s also the After Effects Bootcamp. This 18-hour course offers project-based learning and goes in-depth into After Effects techniques and tools. You’ll learn to animate titles and logos, as well as work with properties like position and scale to make sure everything is aligned and flowing smoothly on the screen. This provides a blend of animation for entertainment, marketing, and even medical animation, so you are receiving a thorough education in a diverse range of skills.
Lastly, if you prefer a more comprehensive course, consider taking the 96-hour Motion Graphics Certificate. Here, you’ll learn the ins and outs of animation, motion graphics, and visual effects. This includes working with tools like Premiere Pro and After Effects, as well as working on real-world projects that give you insight into the field. To take your training even further, consider taking the 108-hour Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate, so you can have a thorough overview of both animation and video editing, which is perfect for those pursuing work in fields like entertainment, media, marketing, and more.
Would those at your workplace benefit from learning how to create animations? If so, let Noble Desktop help. Noble offers corporate and onsite training in animation and motion graphics for those who are new to design, as well as for individuals with prior animation experience who are looking to take their skills to the next level. Noble can come directly to your workplace to provide training or offer sessions live online. Instructors with real-world training in motion graphics teach essential skills such as how to work with animation and special effects, edit video content, and use tools like Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite. Flexible training options ensure your employees can gain hands-on training around their other professional and personal commitments, including full-time work. Noble offers weeknight and weekend training options, so coursework is available to all learners. Additionally, customized coursework can also be arranged to ensure those at your workplace get the most out of their studies. If you’re interested in training multiple employees, you can purchase bulk seats for regular enrollment classes at a discount. If you’re ready to learn more about the options for corporate training Noble offers for your employees, feel free to contact Noble today.
As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is a hub for government, public service, and major organizations, which means there’s ample opportunity for professional development. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge in the field of tech, data, business, or design, you can explore training options available to both individuals and federal professionals. Classes are right in the heart of the city, offering knowledgeable instructors with decades of combined training and a wide range of specializations. From their real-world experience in the field, these instructors provide valuable insights that help students get comfortable while learning the material. Not to mention, the skills they develop in the classroom are practical and transferable, meaning students can put their newfound knowledge right to work.
Training with Noble Desktop’s team is easy with the modern facilities located at 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20024. It’s mere steps away from L’Enfant Plaza and offers an array of benefits, like a professional yet welcoming environment and a modern workspace. Getting there from anywhere in D.C. is straightforward, whether by Metro, bus, or car. L’Enfant Plaza is served by multiple Metro lines, and there are several bus routes that stop nearby. Those driving can also access parking garages that are easily within walking distance.
Animation brings complex ideas and messages to life through movement, storytelling, and visual clarity. With this, Noble Desktop's instructors show students how to use professional tools and workflows to build engaging animated content for presentations, campaigns, and digital media. Learning at this school also offers a wide range of professional development opportunities, with classes led by expert instructors who can help you acquire skills that get you ready for the real world.
Brian is an educator and training leader passionate about helping professionals grow in fields like project management and AI. He designs adaptive learning programs that combine instructor-led sessions, live online experiences, and self-paced study, making training practical and within reach for anyone. Brian’s work also centers heavily around AI integration, particularly in training situations to show organizations how easy it can be applied to the workplace, showing ways to tackle real-world problems, enhance leadership, streamline projects, and support better decision-making. Beyond teaching, he has also developed curricula and led training on a massive scale. Brian’s blend of talents and interests makes him well-positioned to train others and help them navigate the complexities of the subject matter.
With more than 25 years of experience, Clarissa is a seasoned corporate trainer, Project Manager, and Business Consultant and has helped professionals and organizations alike achieve tangible results around the world. Her work has taken her to amazing places around the world, from China to Africa, training over 10,000 participants in leadership, project management, business analysis, and emerging technologies. Clarissa has worked with teams at NASA, Microsoft, Citibank, and FEMA, just to name a few, and is known for designing interactive yet practical sessions where her listeners can apply their skills immediately. At Graduate School USA, she played a pivotal role and contributed to numerous programs, including the Managing for Results course. She’s a quality instructor, focusing on subjects like project management, AI, and even Adobe, and has a heavy commitment to professionalism, innovation, and student success.
Michele’s professional record in Human Resources, organizational development, and leadership training has been acquired over 25 years in the field. She is a Business Strategist and HR innovator who has helped public, private, federal, and higher education organizations on their path to success. In particular, Michele excels in organizational assessment, project and performance management, workforce development, change management, conflict resolution, and AI initiatives. She prides herself on guiding individuals to leverage their strengths while fulfilling their professional lives. Her consulting work includes leading the DC Courts HR Division’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and Workforce Development Program, “Fulfilling Our Future.” She’s also held senior executive positions at Howard University, the Air Line Pilots Association, and Executive Transitions International. She’s currently working as an adjunct faculty at Graduate School USA and Anne Arundel Community College.
Alan Zucker brings real-world expertise from both the federal government and Fortune 100 companies to the classroom. With more than 25 years of professional work in project management, he makes for an ideal instructor. He has managed the project execution organization of 175 professionals, led high-visibility strategic initiatives, and delivered thousands of successful projects. His education began at George Washington University, where he earned his Bachelor’s, before progressing to earn a Master's in Economics from the University of Maryland. Moreover, he holds a wide variety of certifications, such as the Project Management Professional Certification (PMP), PMI-ACP, Disciplined Agile Coach, SAFe Program Consultant, Certified Scrum Professional, and Agile Leadership Academy Trainer. Alan is an active member of the project management community, having served as a keynote speaker, frequent industry commentator, and author of nearly 150 articles on project management.
Tashea is a Human Resources Executive and Federal Consultant, holding over 23 years of experience across multiple federal agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury, State, and Health and Human Services. Known for her ability to strategize and take the lead, Tahsea has transformed HR policies to align with mission strategies and outcomes, influencing government-wide procedures such as onboarding and pay equity. Tashea is a staunch advocate for ethical leadership, inclusivity, and organizational success. In addition, she prides herself on her authenticity and purpose-driven spirit, which translates into her work as an educator as well. In addition to teaching subjects like AI. She’s an author and entrepreneur, and is always looking for ways to help organizations and individuals alike.
With a strong foundation in federal human resources management and legal counseling, Charles is a highly knowledgeable Employee and Labor Relations Consultant in Washington, D.C. He began his education at Loyola University, earning his B.A. in Business Administration and Political Science, before graduating from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Throughout his career, Charles has guided agencies through complex HR and labor-related challenges, managed HR programs, and represented organizations in legal proceedings. He has also designed and delivered specialized training in human resources, project management, and marketing. Charles’ professional background has led to numerous accolades and awards, showcasing his impact in the field.
Dr. David E. McCullin, better known as Dr. Mac, specializes in strategic communication, homeland security, data analytics, and accurate decision-making. Prior to his work at Graduate School USA, Dr. Mac obtained his Bachelor’s in Engineering, his Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Doctorate in Management of Complex Adaptive Systems. He served 24 years in the U.S. Army, including 13 in Special Operations. He later worked at the Department of Homeland Security as an Intelligence and Infrastructure Security Analyst for nearly a decade. Through his education and solid professional career, he has been able to teach students a variety of important skills and has also developed innovative learning tools and games that help improve decision-making and analytical thinking skills.
As a part-time instructor at Graduate School USA for over 15 years, Natalya’s expertise cannot go unnoticed. She’s an educator and has developed curricula for the school, including the Change Management Workshops and several project management courses. Not to mention, she’s also served as a learning coach, facilitator, and instructor for government leadership programs and has developed the Define and Achieve Your Goals Process. Natalya earned her Master’s in Project Management and her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, making her a well-qualified and effective educator, project manager, coach, and consultant.
Alan is a retired combat veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Navy with over 30 years of experience in federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, supply chain management, and IT acquisitions. He holds an MBA from George Washington University and a Teaching Certification from Harvard’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. Throughout his career across federal, state, and local government agencies, Alan has worked for numerous departments, such as the Department of State and Defense, as well as the Office of the Mayor of D.C. Alan is also an accomplished consultant and business strategist, having aided in the development of organizational projects at Lockheed Martin and PwC, to name a few. His background and lengthy career make him an ideal instructor for those looking to learn more about finance, accounting, and project management.
As a skilled instructor and business leader, Derk Mattocks possesses the skills and career experience to bolster his credibility. He gained his B.S. in Organization Management from Nyack College and his Master’s in Leadership and Military Installation Management, as well as an MBA in Financial Management and Analysis from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed Certified Advanced Professional Business Coach and trained mediator, with the certification to facilitate the “Five Practices of Leadership” workshops. Derk has also served as a Senior Advisor and Instructor for the U.S. Army. Overall, he has the credentials to serve as an accomplished and well-versed instructor, often covering topics related to project management and marketing.
Melanie is a federal acquisition and contracting expert with over 30 years of professional experience in Washington, D.C., spanning both government and education sectors. She has served as the Vice President of Acquisition Policy at SAIC and as the Managing Editor of the Federal Contracts Report at Bloomberg BNA. She’s currently an instructor at Graduate School USA, often teaching classes related to the marketing realm. She’s a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and a Fellow of the National Contract Management Association, positioning her as a person with incredible leadership skills and knowledge of her field. She earned her MBA from Georgetown University and is known as a clear, trusted instructor who consistently challenges students to take their skills to the next level.