After you decide to learn Adobe After Effects, the next thing is to choose a learning method. You can choose between five different types of classes: in-person instruction, live online classes, on-demand videos, or teaching yourself with free tutorials. You can also choose between individual classes and certification courses designed to prepare you to change to a new career as a Motion Graphics Designer or Animator.
Enroll in In-Person After Effects Classes
An in-person After Effects class looks and feels like going back to school. It follows a traditional structure with an instructor at the front of the class and students at desks or workstations around the room. Students can ask questions and get help with assignments from the instructor, and they can talk amongst themselves during breaks and after class. You will need to travel to a specific location for the class, which some people see as a downside. It requires extra time to commute and you often have to pay for parking or a ride share. In-person classes also tend to be the most expensive option.
Attend Live Online After Effects Classes
An attractive alternative to an in-person class is the live online option. This type of class runs similarly to an in-person course, except some or all of the students attend through a video conferencing platform like Zoom. You still have access to the instructor and you can chat with other students, but you can sign on to the session from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Many people love the convenience of being able to learn new skills like After Effects from home or their office. Live online classes often run in conjunction with in-person sessions and cost the same.Â
Sign up for On-Demand Online After Effects Classes
Another way to learn After Effects is to sign up for on-demand video courses. These classes are often part of a subscription platform like LinkedIn, Coursera, or SkillShare, where you pay by the month or by the year to access the material. Most on-demand platforms offer some kind of free trial period before you need to pay, usually around a week, but LinkedIn has an unusually generous free trial of 30 days. One advantage of on-demand videos is that you can watch them wherever and whenever you want. This also tends to be a less expensive way to take a class, but you don’t have access to a live instructor for questions.
Watch Free After Effects Tutorials
It is possible to learn new skills by watching free tutorials on YouTube or Vimeo, but After Effects is a complicated program with a steep learning curve. If you are highly motivated and really good at teaching yourself new material, you could pick up enough about After Effects to get started, but most people find free tutorials limiting. They are great for getting an idea of what a program does but not so good for mastering that tool and learning the best way to do things. That is where an experienced instructor who has worked in the video production industry really makes a difference.
Explore After Effects Certificates & Certification
There is a difference between certificates and certification. A Certificate is awarded at the end of class and shows that you completed the course. Many training programs issue digital certificates to students who can then attach them to a resume or post the certificate on a LinkedIn profile.
A certification requires taking an exam and achieving a certain score. Adobe offers certification exams for many of its products. This demonstrates to employers and clients who you are trained in After Effects and know how to use it.Â
Certification courses are made up of several classes students take over time that are designed to prepare them for changing careers. In a motion graphics certification course, you will take classes in basic video production and motion graphics and animation. You will also get help in building a demo reel to showcase your new skills. You can upload it to a portfolio website and use it in your job search.