Motion Graphics Classes Near Me

Motion graphics is a dynamic and versatile form of visual storytelling that combines graphic design, animation, and video production elements. This creative discipline is used across various industries, with professionals such as Motion Designers, Film and Video Editors, Visual Effects Artists, and Multimedia Animators incorporating motion graphics into their work. In fact, a 2023 report from Wyzowl showed that 91% of companies use video as a marketing tool, demonstrating the widespread use and demand for motion graphics. Learning motion graphics offers a strategic advantage in today's visually-oriented world, opening up a wealth of opportunities in various fields, from digital marketing to film, and giving individuals the ability to narrate complex stories in an engaging, visually stimulating manner.

Top In-Person & Virtual Motion Graphics Classes

Motion Graphics Courses at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is a top design and coding school in New York City. The school was founded in 1990 and offers immersive classes in web design & development, graphic design, motion graphics, data science, UX, and digital marketing. Emphasizing a practical, hands-on learning approach, it provides students with the necessary skills to jump-start their careers in the dynamic fields of digital design, programming, data science, and online marketing, among others. The institution offers career-support services for students, and all its classes are available in-person or through live online instruction.

Motion Graphics Certificate

• Price: $3,495
• Duration: 2 months
• Locations: NYC, Live Online

The Motion Graphics Certificate at Noble Desktop is a comprehensive course that aims to equip students with the skills to create compelling visual effects and motion graphics using popular software such as Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D. Its curriculum, which covers theory alongside practical applications, promises to guide learners in creating storyboards, animating 2D and 3D models, and mastering various tools to create compelling visual narratives and effects.

Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate

• Price: $4,995
• Duration: 2 months
• Locations: NYC, Live Online

The Noble Desktop Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate provides an insightful and comprehensive lesson on using Premiere Pro and After Effects. Students will gain hands-on experience and develop the skills to create dynamic video content by covering editing, motion graphics, special effects, and compositing. It’s a quick-paced, intensive program that offers an introduction to creative video production for aspiring Filmmakers, Content Creators, Editors, Graphic Designers, and anyone seeking a career in the industry.

Motion Graphics Courses at NextGen Bootcamp

NextGen Bootcamp provides a practical learning experience for high school students and adults looking to acquire tech-based skills, with courses spanning coding, software development, and data science. NextGen Bootcamp crafts an engaging and comprehensive learning environment where students hone their skills under the tutorship of seasoned professionals and gear up to thrive in today's tech-centered job market. The courses are ideal places for students to spend their summer learning valuable skills to assist them in college computer science and design courses or their professional lives.

Video Editing & Animation Certificate NYC

• Price: $2,495
• Duration: 50 hours
• Locations: NYC, Live Online

At NextGen Bootcamp's Video Editing & Animation Certificate NYC, students submerge into a comprehensive program, learning how to create visually stunning videos with Adobe Premiere Pro and motion graphics with After Effects. The course teaches video editing techniques, color correction, chroma-keying, animating 2D graphics, handling audio, and cross-platform integration, giving students the skill set to produce professional-level video content.

Motion Graphics Courses at UCLA Extension

UCLA Extension is an esteemed program dedicated to professional development and personal growth within the University of California, Los Angeles community. The institution offers a wide array of dynamic courses, from business, arts, and engineering to public health. It encourages students to enrich their professional knowledge, explore new interests, and stay ahead of emerging trends in their respective fields.

Motion Graphics I

• Price: $829
• Duration: 12+ weeks
• Locations: Los Angeles, Live Online

At UCLA Extension's Motion Graphics I course, students can explore the basics of motion graphic design using the industry-standard software, Adobe After Effects. The course focuses on necessary technical skills for motion graphics, industry expectations, and principles of animation, ensuring students can effectively learn to create dynamic motion design projects by the end of the program. The only prerequisite for this course is a basic working knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator. While students do not need to be proficient with the software, they should have a general understanding of the interface and its main functions.

Motion Graphics II

• Price: $829
• Duration: 12+ weeks
• Locations: Los Angeles, Live Online

The Motion Graphics II course at UCLA Extension gives students an in-depth understanding of advanced motion graphics and digital effects tools, developing a sophisticated expressive skillset necessary for professional production. The curriculum focuses on compositional concepts and design theory using Adobe After Effects, expanding their capabilities in digital effects, animation techniques, project planning, and execution to prepare them for critical, creative roles in various sectors, including entertainment and advertising.

Motion Graphics Courses at the School of Visual Concepts

The School of Visual Concepts is a leading institution that offers courses and workshops in graphic design, advertising, branding, and marketing, among other areas. Students here have the flexibility to submerge themselves in a wide variety of innovative fields, taking advantage of the focused curriculum to develop professional skills in art direction, copywriting, information design, user experience, web development, and even digital marketing.

Animation and Motion Graphics Workshop

• Price: $425
• Duration: 6 hours
• Locations: Seattle

The Animation and Motion Graphics Workshop class at the School of Visual Concepts engages students in a hands-on learning experience, where they will acquire skills to create engaging, professional motion graphics and animation using Adobe After Effects. The course, geared towards both designers and non-designers alike, provides comprehensive instruction on mechanics of motion, use of space, timing, rhythm, and design and composition principles, paving the way for students to realize their creative visions.

Motion Graphics Courses at C2 Adobe Software Training

C2 Adobe Software Training offers comprehensive knowledge in mastering Adobe's suite of creative tools. Students will learn everything from image editing in Photoshop and vector graphics in Illustrator to creating compelling digital media in After Effects, equipping them with skills sought after in various creative industries.

Creating Motion Graphics with Photoshop

• Price: $995
• Duration: 2 days
• Locations: Milwaukee, Live Online

At the Creating Motion Graphics with Photoshop course provided by C2 Adobe Software Training, students will learn to combine the powerful tools of Adobe Photoshop with techniques in motion graphics, enhancing their digital design skills. The course covers image manipulation, animation techniques, timeline-based animations, video layer editing, and exporting video with transparency, equipping students with the knowledge to create dynamic visual stories.

Motion Graphics Courses at Bay Area Video Coalition

The Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC) is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco that provides a valuable platform for aspiring media professionals. At BAVC, students can broaden their horizons in video production, animation, and digital storytelling, benefitting from state-of-the-art facilities, expert guidance, and a supportive, creative community that fosters learning and innovation.

After Effects: Introduction 

• Price: $495
• Duration: 14 hours
• Locations: Live Online

The After Effects: Introduction course at Bay Area Video Coalition equips students with the essential skill set to handle a professional motion graphics project from start to finish. In an interactive environment, students delve into topics such as conceptualizing ideas, storyboard creation, animation design, and using Adobe After Effects to execute visually compelling motion graphics.

Motion Graphics Courses at Media Training

Media Training offers an enriching avenue for students to learn and refine their skills in a variety of multimedia platforms like broadcasting, journalism, and digital communication. This interactive training emphasizes effective storytelling, ethical media practices, and the development of technical skills, equipping students with comprehensive knowledge that prepares them to navigate the fast-paced world of media successfully.

Motion Graphics for Social

• Price: £379
• Duration: 1-day
• Locations: London, Live Online

The Motion Graphics for Social course at Media Training provides an in-depth look at creating engaging digital content for social media platforms. Students will delve into harnessing the power of Adobe After Effects, mastering its tools and techniques, learning everything from basic animations to creating complex kinetic typography and developing infographics, ultimately enhancing their digital storytelling ability.

Motion Graphics Courses at City Lit

City Lit, based in London, is an adult education institution offering over 5,000 unique short courses, both in-person and online, throughout the year. Catering to an array of interests and abilities, the establishment provides learning opportunities in a broad spectrum of disciplines, such as performing arts, languages, visual arts, music, history, and digital media.

Motion Graphics with Adobe After Effects

• Price: £199.00
• Duration: 24 hours
• Locations: Live Online

Motion Graphics with Adobe After Effects is a course offered by City Lit that teaches students how to create visually stunning and engaging motion graphics animations using Adobe After Effects software. Students will learn essential skills such as creating animated text, using keyframes, and applying effects to enhance their motion graphics projects.

Key Information about Learning Motion Graphics

In learning motion graphics, one explores a range of topics, including 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, digital compositing, and concept design. While the field is certainly accessible to beginners, mastering motion graphics requires artistic ability and technological fluency, making it an engaging yet challenging pursuit. The duration of learning can vary tremendously, generally ranging from several months to years, contingent on a learner's prior knowledge, commitment, and the complexity of skills they wish to acquire. 

Prior to embarking on this learning journey, it would be advantageous to have a foundational understanding of design principles and familiarity with software like Illustrator or Photoshop. To effectively learn motion graphics, learners would also need a robust computer system and must install specialized software applications like After Effects, which can be downloaded from Adobe's website upon purchase or subscription.

Career Paths & Job Outlook for Motion Graphics

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in motion graphics are projected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030 due to the growing demand in the entertainment and advertising industries and the widespread use of digital media. As such, motion graphics professionals are well-positioned to pursue work in creative fields like television production, game design, advertising and marketing, graphic arts, and web development. In addition to becoming a self-employed freelancer or an in-house employee at established companies, some motion graphics graduates may opt for opportunities in education, gaining invaluable experience as a teacher or instructor. 

In terms of entry-level salaries, it's reported that Motion Graphic Designers in the US make approximately $61,000, though this can range from $51,000 to $74,000 depending on the industry and location. Furthermore, job titles like Motion Graphics Artist, Visual Designer, or Creative Director may have higher salaries due to their level of experience in the field. Some individuals in this field may choose to enter a specialty area like marketing or video game design, which can boost their earning potential and career opportunities. 

What Can You Do With Motion Graphics?

With motion graphics, one can create a wide range of digital and visual content. For instance, animated logos, explainer videos, promotional or introductory videos, interactive infographics, television advertisements, and social media content can all be created using motion graphics. One can create and manipulate visual effects on static images or video clips using software tools like After Effects. For instance, employing keyframes allows the designer to specify changes in an object’s position, rotation, scale, and opacity over time, thus making the object appear to move or transform. 

Cinema 4D, another powerful motion graphics tool, offers 3D modeling capabilities. With it, designers can create realistic animations and simulations, such as bouncing balls, colliding objects, or flowing water, using its physics engine. Similarly, Adobe Animate can be used to create frame-by-frame 2D animations. It offers features such as layers, symbols, tweens, and motion paths which can be used to break complex animations into manageable parts, repeat animation sequences, create smooth transitions, and guide the motion of objects along a specific path. The skills required to create such outputs generally include graphic design, animation, visual effects (VFX), 3D modeling, 2D animation, sound design, scripting, and proficiency using the aforementioned software tools. 

Specific examples of motion graphics outputs could be an animated logo for a brand where the illustrator can depict the logo evolving from one form to another, or a social media promotional video showcasing the features of a new product, employing 3D models and realistic simulations of the product in use for greater impact.

Top Motion Graphics Tools For Beginners

1. Adobe After Effects: This is a digital visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing application developed by Adobe Systems. It's used in the post-production process of filmmaking and television production. It allows users to animate, edit and compose media in 2D or 3D space.
2. Cinema 4D: This is a 3D modeling, animation, and rendering application developed by Maxon. It's ideal for 3D motion graphics because it's powerful and easy to learn.
3. Blender: An open-source 3D creation suite that supports all aspects of 3D production, including modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking. Its versatility makes it a great tool for beginners exploring numerous motion graphic techniques.
4. Adobe Premiere Pro: It's a timeline-based video editing software developed by Adobe. Premiere Pro allows users to edit video footage, add audio and effects, and export their projects in various formats.
5. Adobe Illustrator: It's a vector graphics editor developed and marketed by Adobe Systems. Designers use Illustrator to create and edit vector graphic images, which can be scaled without losing quality, making it essential to create motion graphics assets.
6. Maya: This is primarily used for creating 3D animations and special effects for movies and television. Its powerful toolset allows users to create breathtaking environments, animations, and effects with photorealistic rendering.
7. Sketch: A digital design toolkit built to help you put out your best work, from early ideas to final assets. It's typically used for user interface and user experience design of websites and mobile apps.
8. Trapcode Suite: Trapcode Suite brings the power of 3D particle systems into After Effects. It creates space, smoke, fire, and many more dynamic effects.
9. Mocha AE: A planar tracking and rotoscoping plug-in for After Effects. It creates visual effects, post-production, and video editing.
10. ZBrush: A digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2D modeling, texturing, and painting. It's used in producing movies, video games, and advertising.

Motion Graphics Comparison to Other Tools & Fields

Motion graphics is closely related to several other fields and programming languages. For example, graphic design is a subject that shares many similarities with motion graphics; both involve the creation of visually compelling content. However, graphic design is often static, while motion graphics involve moving elements. Furthermore, people who work with motion graphics often utilize After Effects and programming languages such as JavaScript, which is used for scripting in the software. 

Other related fields include animation and video editing; all of these involve creating dynamic visual content, but they differ in the types of content produced - animation often involves character movement, and video editing focuses mainly on manipulating existing video footage. At the same time, motion graphics are typically used for creating animated logos, explainer videos, and promotional materials.

Motion Graphics Advantages

Learning motion graphics allows for the easy conveyance of complex information or ideas in fun, engaging, and easily digestible ways, potentially increasing audience engagement and information retention. Unlike traditional video production, motion graphics offer endless creative possibilities and visual styles, as there are no real-world limitations or constraints. This means that motion graphics can be used to depict almost any idea or concept in a creative and engaging manner. 

Additionally, because most visual elements are created from scratch, it's easy to customize the look and feel of a motion graphic video to reflect the brand's style guide. Motion graphics also reduce production costs and time since fewer resources are needed for creating visuals compared to live-action video production. 

Motion graphics provide viewers with a more immersive experience than traditional videos, as they can produce attention-grabbing visuals that can draw viewers in and evoke emotion. This means they can be used to communicate information in a clear and concise manner, making them ideal for use in educational materials. The benefits of mastering motion graphics are vast, and these should be considered when deciding whether to pursue a new career in this industry.