Find Courses & Onsite Training (2024)

Animation is a creative process used to create the illusion of motion. To do so, an Animator displays a set of still images in fast succession. A phenomenon called persistence of vision occurs in which the human eye briefly clings to an image after it’s gone. This makes the brain perceive that the still images are in continuous motion. Animators work with other effects as well to evoke movement. Anticipation requires showing slight movement before the main action occurs to generate suspense or anticipation. Squash and stretch is used in animation to create more dynamic, realistic animations. Follow-through in animation involves ensuring an object continues to move very slightly after the cessation of action, which can create a more lifelike sense of inertia. Staging is an animation principle that requires Animators to focus on timing and composition in every image to generate effective animation.

There are two basic types of animation: traditional and computer-generated. Traditional animation requires Animators to draw every frame by hand on paper or celluloid. Each frame is then photographed and placed in sequence to generate the illusion that they are in motion. On the other hand, computer-generated imagery (CGI) is more widely used in 2024. This type of animation involves working with computer software to create animated films. Animators who work with CGI design 3D models of each character and its environment, then work with software to animate these models and create final image sequences. Regardless of which type of animation you work with, the basic animation process remains the same. The Animator begins with a basic idea and a corresponding storyboard. The storyboard contains basic sketches that illustrate the main animation events that will occur. Keyframes are created next. These are the most essential frames in animation; they depict characters’ and objects’ main poses. Next, Animators add in-betweens, which are placed between each keyframe to create fluid, smooth animation. Animators then clean up their animation to ensure it doesn’t contain errors and is running smoothly. Finally, sound and color are added to the content to make it lifelike. While the animation process can be time-consuming and require a range of creative and technical skills, it allows artists to create characters and stories that wouldn’t be possible to render using traditional filmmaking techniques.

Are there Prerequisites to Learning Animation?

Before you enroll in an animation course, you may wonder if there are any skills or tools to study first that will help streamline your learning efforts. While some programs do specify requirements for their students to learn as a prerequisite to study, these prerequisites vary depending on the course focus and instruction level being provided. Regardless of the program you hope to enroll in, a good starting place when learning animation is to first brush up on basic computer skills. Because a significant portion of current digital video animation uses computer-generated imagery (CGI) techniques, you will want to be familiar with core computer skills like how to move between multiple open apps, folders or files on a computer, as well as how to use programs that work with layers. It is also useful to be familiar with the interface in programs like Adobe Animate, which is popular for computer animation and multimedia authoring, as well as After Effects, which is motion graphics software. While some programs teach these skills, others, like advanced-level animation classes, may require them as a prerequisite to enrollment.

Another core skill set to study before embarking on animation coursework is basic design and composition skills, theory, and processes. All successful animations are driven by creative-minded individuals who are using their art to convey meaning. The more you know about basic design concepts, including proportion, balance, alignment, and rhythm, the easier it will be for you to use them when creating animations. Before embarking on animation study, it’s also useful to consider the types of animation you ultimately hope to create with your skills. It’s no longer the case where the animation process requires only 2D animation skills to create cartoons. Currently, animation takes many forms and is used across industries and fields, such as marketing, engineering, and medical design. Creating animations for each type of industry requires different skills and training. This is why those with a sense of what they hope to do with their animation training can tailor their studies around acquiring these skills.

Is it Difficult to Learn Animation?

Before starting to study animation, you may worry that this is a hard skill set to acquire. Perhaps you see cutting-edge CGI in Pixar movies and wonder what training and skill level is required to create such lifelike, 3D images. Just like any other skill, the challenges you’ll face when studying animation depend largely on factors like your personal learning style, the amount of time you can devote to training, and what skills you bring into the learning process. If you come from an educational or professional background in which you have prior experience working with computer-aided design, you may find it easier to break into animation than if you lack this experience. It’s important to remember that learning animation isn’t necessarily more difficult than studying any other digital resign-related skill. Some students even find it easier to learn animation than to become proficient in other UX or UI design skills or even web design.

Another important consideration in the difficulty involved with learning animation is what level of expertise you’re hoping to acquire. If you’re interested in learning the basic skills needed to create animated assets using After Effects or Photoshop, you may only have to devote several weeks to your training. However, if you’re looking to create complicated digital animations for TV or film, it may take you months or even years to fully immerse yourself in advanced techniques and processes. The bottom line is that those who are willing to spend the time and effort needed to hone and practice their animation skills will quickly get to see the results of their labor.

What Will You Learn in an Animation course?

If you’re considering signing up for an animation class, you may wonder what to expect during your studies. While the course content for each animation program depends on the educational provider, course difficulty level, and length of study, you can expect to be exposed to several basic skill sets and tools during your studies. If you enroll in an introductory-level class, you will likely encounter basic design theory training as a starting point. This may include instruction on fundamental animation concepts, such as how to create and animate objects, as well as basic design principles that are necessary to move an object through a scene. If the program you opt for focuses on motion graphics, you will most likely work with industry-standard Adobe CC apps like Premiere Pro or After Effects, which are used to create 3D objects and motion graphics. Some coursework may also include training in Photoshop, which can be used for basic animated creations. Other core topics you’re likely to encounter during animation study are how to remove greenscreens, rotoscope live action, sync animation to audio, and use scripts to automate tasks. Some programs also provide training on techniques for more effective storytelling, such as using camera angles, lighting, frame rates, or frame and pixel aspect ratios. Some more comprehensive programs in animation or motion graphics also provide learners with the opportunity to compile a video demo reel or professional portfolio.

Best Animation Classes & Schools in Houston

If you live in the greater Houston area and are interested in studying animation or motion graphics, many great educational opportunities are available. You can search for animation classes in Houston to find coursework that’s in line with your educational level and professional goals. High school-aged students interested in getting a head start in animation can enroll in NextGen Bootcamp’s Video Editing & Animation Certificate. This live online program teaches students how to work with Adobe Premiere Pro, the industry-standard tool for video editing. Participants also work with Adobe After Effects for motion graphics. Instruction is provided on the program’s interface, as well as more advanced techniques for motion tracking, masking, and 3D layer animation. By the end of this comprehensive program, students will know how to import and change footage speed, organize media into a timeline, and perform color correction on video content. All learners leave this class with several polished video projects. Tuition is $2,495 for this 42-hour program.

For instruction that’s specific to video editing and motion graphics, Noble Desktop’s Motion Graphics & Video Editing Portfolio Developmentcourse is offered. This intensive program provides participants with instruction on motion graphics basics and the best practices to carry their concepts from idea to completion. This portfolio-based program offers students the opportunity to create a range of projects that can be included in their demo reel. One-on-one support is provided by the instructor for each learner. All assignments are critiqued by the teacher as well as the students in the cohort. This provides a springboard from which participants can revise based on the group’s feedback. This class is intended for those interested in pursuing a career as a Motion Graphics Artist or Video Editor. This program costs $1,495 and takes 24 hours to complete. A free course retake for up to one year is included in tuition. As a prerequisite, those who wish to enroll should have basic knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

Instruction is also available in Houston for those interested in learning to work with a specific Adobe CC application for animation or video editing. Lumenbrite’s After Effects Training: Bootcamptakes students from beginner-level to advanced Adobe After Effects training in five days. Participants work with keying effects, advanced text effects, video blending, track mattes, and mask tracking. They also explore precomposing and nesting techniques. Other advanced skills include working with basic expression tools, editing masks, and footage keying in Mocha AE. All learners receive an Adobe-recognized course certificate upon graduation. Tuition is $1,995 for this in-person course, which is taught in Houston. Learners can also study After Effects in Adobe After Effects 201 - After Effects Advanced. This three-day, intermediate-level course provides students with real-world training in how to create motion graphics and video effects. Coursework covers expressions, infographic techniques, 3D kinetic typography, and special effects. Students also work with workflow management, color corrections, camera control, and particle generation. This program costs $1,299 and is available in person in Houston.

Houston Industries That Use Animation

Houston, Texas is home to 2.3 million people. This vibrant, diverse city is known for its relatively low cost of living compared to other comparable cities, as well as its top-tier public education system and world-class healthcare options. One prominent Houston industry is biotechnology and life sciences. The city is home to Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, which comprises 61 research and healthcare institutions. The city also has over 1,100 biotech and life science companies and a workforce of 395,000 to fill jobs in biotech and healthcare-related professions. Within the biotechnology sector, animation skills can come in handy to clearly and effectively convey otherwise complex biotechnology information, processes, or products and explain them to an audience in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. Animation provides a great way to simplify jargon and terminology pertaining to gene cells, DNA, or proteins. Rather than relying on long text chunks to impart this information, animation can visually depict the DNA extraction and sequencing process. It can also use analogies, symbols, or metaphors to help make scientific information more accessible to a general audience.

Houston is also a hub for digital technology. The city is home to NASA’s human space program and has long been celebrated as a hub for engineering. Sub-sectors like database management, software development, and programming continue to grow in the city. The region also continues to see significant growth in tech talent when compared to the rest of the US, which provides a talented workforce for industries like cleantech. Currently, approximately 231,000 people are employed in the city’s tech sector. The city has more than 9,000 tech firms and received over $2 billion in venture capital funding in 2021. Those who work in Houston’s cleantech industry use animated content in several ways. Animations can raise awareness of a product or brand, showcase sustainable practices, and create an overall positive impact on viewers. They also are a powerful tool for educating audiences of all ages, in particular those who don’t come from a tech-heavy background, on topics like renewable energy or environmental responsibility.

Animation Jobs & Salaries

Pursuing a career in Houston where you can put your animation skills to use is an excellent job path for creative-minded individuals. Depending on your area of specialization and level of industry experience, pay rates vary for animation-related career paths. Motion Graphics Designers in Houston earn about $84,000 annually, which is about $4,000 higher than the national average of $88,000 yearly. Video Editors in the US earn an average yearly salary of $66,000. Those who are employed in Houston make slightly below this average and can expect to earn closer to $61,000 a year. 3D Animators who live in the city can expect to make about

The national average pay for 3D Animators is currently $79,000 a year, which is the same as the national average pay rate for this profession.

Corporate and On-site Animation Training

If the employees at your workplace would benefit from learning more about animation, Noble Desktop offers corporate and onsite training in animation and motion graphics options for learners at all levels. Whether your employees are new to animating or have experience with this skill set and wish to take their training to the next level, Noble can provide instruction in core skills, such as video editing, special effects, and animation, as well as how to work with core applications like Adobe After Effects or Adobe Premiere Pro. Noble’s flexible training options allow those at your workplace to complete their studies as their schedule permits. Weeknight and weekend classes are available, and you can even work with Noble to customize training options. If you’re interested in training multiple employees in animation, you can purchase bulk seats to open enrollment classes at a discount. If you’d like to learn more about the exciting training options available from Noble Desktop, don’t hesitate to contact Noble today.