Best Animation Classes in Philadelphia

Animation is the process of hand-drawing or computer-generating still images and transforming them into moving images.

Traditional animation, which requires animators to hand-draw, paint, and then snap photos of images, is rarely used within the entertainment industry. Instead, computer animation has become the primary means of animating. 

Computer animation is less labor-intensive than traditional animation and, thus, less costly. Computer animation requires you to use software to create static images which then become near-replicated many times to create the illusion of movement. Popular software used to animate includes Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate, and Blender. 

Animation has a steep learning curve but can be a rewarding skill to learn. You can learn it as a hobby or as a way of furthering your professional career. The entertainment industry relies on Animators to create films and television shows while businesses hire Animators to develop promotional material. 

Best Animation Classes & Schools in Philadelphia

You can learn animation by enrolling in an animation class or boot camp in Philadelphia. Classes are taught by expert instructors who can guide you by using essential software like Adobe After Effects and Adobe Animation. There are also classes and boot camps available to you online. This flexible learning option is best for those with busy schedules or anyone looking to learn from the comfort of their home or office. 

ONLC Training Center offers several Adobe Animate classes at their Philadelphia location. In the class, Adobe Animate Essential Skills, students will receive a thorough review of Adobe Animate’s interface. By the end of the course, you’ll understand foundational level Animate skills that will prepare you for the intermediate-level course. 

NYC Career Centers hosts a live online After Effects in a Day course. This six-hour class will provide you with hands-on experience using Adobe After Effects. You’ll spend the day learning how to create animated GIFs, logos, transitions, and more. There are no prerequisites for enrolling in this course, but knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is recommended. 

Noble Desktop offers a Motion Graphics Certificate that can be completed over the course of two or four months. In this course, you’ll learn motion graphics and visual effects with Adobe After Effects, how to render 3D animations using Cinema 4D Lite, and begin editing videos using Adobe Premiere Pro. Before enrolling, you must have a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator. After completing the certificate, you’ll have the chance to refresh the materials for free within one year. 

Certstaffix Training offers live online and on-site training in Adobe Animate CC (2025). Over the course of three days, an instructor will guide you by using Adobe Animate. You’ll learn the basics and more as you work your way toward a certificate of completion. This course may be retaken for free for up to six months. 

Enroll in Lumenbrite’s online After Effects Training Bootcamp for a comprehensive overview of Adobe After Effects. You’ll become comfortable with the After Effects interface and animating techniques as you work through the basics of the software. Basic computer skills on Mac or Windows are required to enroll in the boot camp. 

Philadelphia Industries That Use Animation

Animation is used in a wide range of industries. The entertainment industry relies on animation to create animated films and television series. Animation is used more broadly as a means of advertising and informing consumers. It’s an eye-catching way to draw attention and present information in a fun manner. Here are several industries in Philadelphia that use animation as a means of advertising. 

Tech 

Philadelphia has a growing tech industry. The city boasts a highly skilled workforce, an excellent quality of life, and an innovative ecosystem. This has all contributed to an influx of successful startups and the relocation of industry leaders. 

Tech companies use animation as a means of advertising their products. It may also be used in promotional content when a company is unveiling something new. Additionally, some tech companies integrate animation into their goods and services. 

Financial Services

Philadelphia is home to world-class financial services companies like Lincoln Financial and Vanguard. Bank of America, TD Bank, and JPMorgan Chase have also established operations in the city. Philadelphia has proven to have an ambitious financial industry that utilizes cutting-edge technologies. 

Banks and financial services companies use animation in promotional material. Animation can help draw the attention of customers who might be outside of their typical audience and can be used as a means of mending any gaps in knowledge that customers may have about financial services. 

Healthcare

The healthcare sector accounts for over 20% of employment in Philadelphia. There are a number of hospitals, physicians’ offices, and home healthcare services that employ residents and take care of the city’s healthcare needs. 

The healthcare industry is reliant on content marketing to communicate with and advertise to patients. Like other industries, animation can be used within healthcare marketing to convey information about services and to inform consumers of their healthcare options. Animation is also a means of making healthcare information easily digestible to the general public. 

Animation Jobs & Salaries in Philadelphia

Knowledge of animation can be useful for several careers in the Philadelphia area. This includes jobs in the entertainment industry and within the field of marketing. Below are some jobs and their salaries in the Philadelphia area that you may consider pursuing if you have animation skills. 

3D Modeler

3D Modelers typically work in the entertainment industry creating 3D models of environments, props, and characters. Animators then use the pieces they create. Their skill set is different from that of an Animator, but because they work so closely, it’s useful for a 3D Modeler to have some understanding of animation. 

The average salary of a 3D Modeler in Philadelphia is $60,000. 

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers use computers, tablets, and other forms of technology to create visual concepts and representations. They’re hired by companies to create logos, marketing material, and other branded content that can be used to advertise. The skills of Graphic Designers translate well to animation and many Graphic Designers are working in the entertainment industry. 

Graphic Designers in Philadelphia make an average annual salary of $53,000. 

Animator 

Animators transform still images into moving ones. Most Animators these days specialize in computer-generated animation, stop-motion animation, or 2D and 3D modeling. They work in the entertainment industry, helping create films and animated series, and within the marketing and creative departments of companies. 

Animators in Philadelphia make an average salary of $66,000 per year. Salary is dependent on the industry they’re working in and years of experience.