14 Best Animation Courses, Training Programs & Classes Online In 2023

Best Animation Courses, Training Programs & Classes

1. Basic Animation In After Effects

This comprehensive course offers a well-rounded introduction to basic animation and motion graphics techniques using Adobe After Effects CC. Aspiring animators and motion graphics artists will find the content useful and engaging, with a variety of hands-on practice files provided throughout. Topics covered include animating cartoon characters, applying preset animations and special effects to any video, and rendering projects for various platforms such as mobile devices, the web, and Blu-ray discs.

Not only does this course equip learners with essential skills for starting a career in motion graphics, but it also assists professionals seeking to promote their businesses or enhance their YouTube channels through creative and unique video content. The course covers a wide range of techniques to help turn your ideas into reality, so whether you're a beginner looking to understand the basics or someone hoping to further their knowledge in the world of animation, this course is an ideal choice.

2. InDesign: Creating Animations

This comprehensive course offers a complete guide to utilizing InDesign's powerful animation features, enabling you to bring logos, ads, and even books to life in fixed layout EPUB format. The course begins with an introduction to controlling basic animations through the Animation and Timing panels and then progresses to customizing animation settings, motion paths, and applying multiple animations to objects. Author Diane Burns also covers common animation effects that might not always use obvious techniques, such as making a line draw itself, a neon sign that flashes, or a bicycle that moves, ensuring you will have the skills needed to create a wide range of engaging animations.

Diving into more complex projects, this course explores animated logos, ads, and books, providing you with the knowledge and skills to take your InDesign creations to the next level. Although the course is "output neutral," a dedicated chapter is devoted to explaining the various output options you have at your disposal, including fixed-layout EPUB and SWF formats. Enhance your InDesign projects with eye-catching animations and interactive elements that will captivate your audience and set your work apart from others.

3. Motion Graphics

This comprehensive course focuses on transforming shapes, icons, and text into captivating motion graphics, perfect for anyone looking to elevate their animation skills. The curriculum delves into advanced techniques, using powerful features from industry-standard tools such as Cinema 4D and Adobe After Effects. Learners will gain insights into professional practices, enabling them to create captivating and dynamic animations.

Guided by mograph artist EJ Hassenfratz, the course exposes participants to tips, tricks, and best practices that help them make the most of their creative capabilities. This valuable learning experience is a must-have for aspiring motion graphics designers seeking to improve their craft and make a mark in the dynamic world of animation and graphic design.

4. Character Animation: Locomotion

This comprehensive course focuses on teaching aspiring animators the techniques to create realistic and engaging character movements, such as walking, running, and skipping. By emphasizing the need for personality in animations, the course instructor, George Maestri, ensures that students understand the importance of conveying unique character traits and emotions through motion. With an inclusive approach, the methods taught can be applied to various animation styles including 2D, 3D, hand-drawn, or digital, making the course suitable for all levels of experience and familiarization with the animation medium.

In addition to mastering the finer details of character locomotion, students will be equipped with the skills to subtly advance the storyline through their animations. As the character's movements reflect its emotions and interactions with the surroundings, a seemingly simple walk or run can reveal numerous hidden layers in the narrative. By learning how to inject personality and emotion into their animations, students will not only elevate their technical prowess but also their storytelling abilities, resulting in captivating and memorable animated works that resonate with audiences.

5. Animation and CGI Motion

This comprehensive course offers a deep dive into the science behind movie animation, taught by the Director of Columbia's Computer Graphics Group. By focusing on the technical aspects of CGI animation, the course aims to give students a glimpse into how studios approach the art of physically-based animation. To ensure that audiences believe in animated characters, it is essential to create realistic animations and predict the motion of materials involved.

Throughout the course, students will learn the fundamental concepts of physical simulation, putting these concepts into practice via programming assignments. Topics covered include integration of ordinary differential equations, formulation of models for physical phenomena, treatment of discontinuities, simulation of liquids and solids, and artistic control of physically-based animations. By covering a wide range of topics such as constrained Lagrangian mechanics, continuum mechanics, rigid body simulation, and fluid simulation, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the animation industry.

6. Basic Animation in Adobe After Effects

This unique course is designed as a training program for the animation studio General-Animation, aimed at providing new candidates with a seamless learning experience to familiarize them with the studio's work methods. With a focus on students from developing countries who may only have access to basic computers, the course utilizes Adobe After Effects 7.0, a version that does not require high-performance hardware but still allows learners to grasp the fundamental principles of working with the program.

The course emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness, teaching students how to achieve impressive results at minimal costs. In this easy-to-understand and engaging program, animated characters guide students through the process of creating cartoons using Adobe After Effects. The course adheres to a philosophy of utilizing animation as a powerful tool for change, focusing on online education, scientific achievements, progressive technologies, and unity among people worldwide. By providing an accessible and affordable method, this course empowers students from diverse backgrounds to unleash their creative potential and make a difference in the world through the art of animation.

7. Animation Foundations: Drawing Cartoon Characters

Master the art of drawing cartoon characters through an extensive course that covers the basics of character drawing and the principles that underlie effective characters, such as silhouette, exaggeration, squash and stretch, asymmetry, texture, line weight, and more. This comprehensive course caters to those interested in classical cel animation, digital animation, comic books, or even just drawing for fun. Participants can follow along with their favorite illustration program, a Wacom tablet, or even just paper and pen, ensuring creativity and flexibility in their learning journey.

Designed by animation industry expert Dermot O' Connor, this course delves into the fundamentals of drawing individual body parts, such as eyes, mouths, hands, and hair, as well as various types of animals, creatures, and objects. Additionally, the course features Dermot taking a drawing from start to finish, creating a memorable character ready for handoff to animators. This innovative and engaging learning experience equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design captivating and memorable characters in the field of animation.

8. Animation Foundations: Fundamentals

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of animation, providing valuable knowledge for animators, motion graphics artists, and visual effects designers of all skill levels. Through the expert guidance of author George Maestri, students will learn the building blocks of animating both 2D and 3D worlds, gaining an understanding of the X, Y, and Z planes, keyframes, animation paths, hierarchies, pivots, and rotation. This comprehensive course is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge to create dynamic and engaging animations.

In addition to covering the core concepts of animation, the course delves into tried-and-true techniques that will elevate your animations and bring them to life. These techniques include easing, squash and stretch, exaggeration, staging, and the crucial element of timing. By developing a strong foundation in these principles and techniques, students will be empowered to create captivating and memorable animations that will captivate audiences and enhance their skills as animators and designers.

9. 21 Foundations of Animation

In this comprehensive animation course, Dermot O'Connor teaches aspiring animators the fundamental principles required for creating top-quality work in not only traditional hand-drawn animations but also the ever-evolving digital realm. Learners will be introduced to the art of crafting solid, strong, and dynamic poses by employing the classical drawing rules used by the pioneers of animation's golden age. With a focus on planning effective scenes by making use of thumbnails, students will gain better control over their work and significantly reduce production time.

O'Connor dives into the importance of taking an adequate pose or expression and pushing it to the next level, enabling students to create truly exceptional and memorable animations. In addition to these techniques, 18 more principles are deeply explored, offering a comprehensive understanding of the industry's best practices. In the final stage of the course, O'Connor showcases how all 21 foundations work together in harmony within a single scene, highlighting the immense significance of mastering each technique for the purpose of creating high-quality animations.

10. Animation Foundations: Storyboarding

This comprehensive course focuses on providing a solid foundation in storyboard animation, teaching learners various techniques to create visually interesting and engaging stories. By exploring effective approaches in illustrating action, angles, shot composition, character, and drama, students will be well-equipped to craft storyboards that effectively communicate animated narratives. Aimed at both beginners and experienced artists, this course utilizes a software-agnostic methodology that seamlessly blends theoretical concepts with practical application, allowing for greater versatility and adaptability in the learners' animation skill set.

In addition to mastering the basics of storyboard animation, such as understanding film grammar, planning shots, maintaining continuity between scenes, and depicting action and drama, students will also have the opportunity to observe these principles in action through a fascinating animatic demonstration. To further enhance the learning experience, this course offers free downloadable exercise files that enable learners to practice their newly acquired skills and techniques independently. This allows for a more hands-on approach to solidifying the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in the field of animation, ultimately setting students on the path to becoming successful storyboard artists.

11. Motion Graphic Design: Animation

This comprehensive course delves into the key animation principles and demonstrates how they can be applied to develop vibrant animations and motion graphic projects using Adobe After Effects. These fundamental principles have been meticulously crafted over the years by top animators, and are broken down into achievable steps to help you create convincing animated projects. With a focus on the understanding of basic physics, this course enables you to bring life to your designs by adding emotion and depth using elements such as exaggerated movements and corresponding reactions.

Throughout the course, these principles are put into context by having you work on and develop a real-world project, showcasing the full utility and possibilities of dynamic animation. Further, you'll be introduced to essential After Effects features like the Graph Editor to give you more control over your animations by allowing you to create smooth transitions and fine-tune your project's nuances. Overall, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to create captivating animated projects with a solid foundation in animation principles and Adobe After Effects.

12. 2D Animation: Animate Monsters & Aliens

In this unique and engaging course, students will explore a variety of 2D animation techniques to bring monstrous and supernatural beings to life. The instructor, Dermot O'Connor, offers expert guidance on how to create dynamic, captivating animations for creatures such as werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and aliens. Essential principles of animation are combined with specific methodologies to achieve an eerie, unnatural movement, making the student's creations truly spine-chilling.

Throughout the course, learners will be exposed to a range of instructional examples featuring well-known monsters, while Dermot shares valuable insights on handling muscular animation, producing jerky movements to evoke a sense of unease, and creating eerily smooth motions for maximum atmospheric effect. By focusing on the unique characteristics of each creature and applying these specialized animation techniques, students will be well-equipped to craft their own captivating and spooky animated characters.

13. Intro to Motion Graphics: Logo and Icon Animation in After Effects

This comprehensive course provides an introduction to the essentials of motion graphics and offers a perfect opportunity for learners to grasp the fundamentals of After Effects animation. The primary focus of the course is on logo animation, a critical skill for motion designers that serves as a cornerstone to building a brand or company image. Throughout the course, learners will engage in a step-by-step process to animate a logo, beginning with the creation of a storyboard and concluding with the final render.

The curriculum covers a diverse range of topics necessary for motion graphics designers, including the utilization of various tools within After Effects, the concept of track matt as a vital component of animation, and an exploration of animation principles. Additionally, the course delves into graph editors and their role in bringing life to logo animation, as well as the rationale behind movement and problem-solving techniques. Although this course is designed for beginners, a basic understanding of Adobe design tools will be beneficial for those looking to master the content more quickly. This course is an ideal choice for anyone who wishes to venture into motion design, enhance their graphic design and illustration skills, or simply wants to animate their personal or business logos. Enroll now and take the first step towards bringing your logo to life!

14. Animating in 2D: Hair and Clothing

This course focuses on mastering the art of animating hair, fur, clothing, flags, and other secondary animation items to bring life and realism to 2D characters. By learning the essential techniques from a professional animator, students will grasp the difference between primary and secondary animation, and understand how smooth secondary motion elevates the visual engagement and authenticity of animated characters.

Under the guidance of Dermot O'Connor, students will delve into time-tested methods, gaining valuable insights and the practical skills necessary to enhance their animations. This comprehensive source of knowledge will be an invaluable tool for animators of all levels, enabling them to create captivating and dynamic animations that leave a memorable impression on viewers.

Compare Animation Online Courses

How to choose best Animation online course

Choosing the best animation course can be a challenging task, but with the right guidance, you can find the one that meets your needs and sets you on the path to becoming a skilled animator. When searching for a course, it's essential to keep in mind the following criteria:

• Content quality: Look for courses that offer a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the various aspects of animation. This should include basic principles, character creation, motion graphics, and storytelling. Make sure that the course materials and resources are up-to-date and relevant to the current animation industry.
• Expertise level: Ensure that the course caters to your current skill set, allowing you to build on your existing knowledge and progress at a comfortable pace. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced animator, the course should help you advance your expertise in animation software and tools, character animation, motion graphics design, and CGI animation, amongst other essential skills.
• Course structure: A well-designed course should offer a structured learning experience with clear objectives, modules, and assignments. It should also provide examples, demonstrations, and opportunities for hands-on practice to help you apply what you learn effectively. Look for courses that focus on key learner intents, such as drawing cartoon characters, understanding animation fundamentals, storyboarding, and designing animations for logos, icons, monsters, and aliens.
• Instructor credentials: Pay close attention to the background and experience of the course instructors. Choose courses taught by industry professionals who have a clear understanding of the animation field and can share valuable real-world insights with you.
• Peer reviews: One of the best ways to assess the quality of an animation course is by examining the experiences and opinions of previous students. Look for reviews and testimonials from learners who have taken the course, focusing on aspects such as content relevance, teaching methods, and improvements in skills and knowledge post-completion.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find the right animation course that will help you develop the skills and expertise you need to succeed in the exciting world of animation.

Conclusion

The best animation courses compiled in this article are designed to cater to all aspiring animators, from beginners to professionals. Whether it's mastering the basic principles of animation, improving skills in various software and tools, learning how to create and animate characters or understanding the foundations of storytelling, there is something for everyone. By utilizing these comprehensive and well-structured courses, you can develop your skills in motion graphics design, CGI animation, drawing characters for animation, storyboarding for projects, and much more.

Now is the perfect time to explore and harness your passion for animation. Choose the course that suits your current skill level and desired learning outcomes, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself. The world of animation is vast and exciting, and there's always more to learn and create with every new project. Keep developing your skills and let your imagination soar as you create captivating animations that truly come to life. Invest in yourself today, and watch your journey in animation flourish and thrive!