Learning After Effects

Individuals with After Effects skills have a wider range of career opportunities available to them than video editors alone, and can take on complex projects in the fields of motion graphics and animation, going beyond basic video editing. Freelancers who offer After Effects services relating to motion graphics and animation can attract more clients, and charge higher rates. As a powerful post-production tool, After Effects is used in film, television, and video production for creating professional-quality visual effects and motion graphics. For those interested in learning After Effects, but who are not sure where to start, there are a number of available training resources, including free tutorials, as well as live classes available in-person or online through the American Graphics Institute.

While it is moderately difficult to learn After Effects there are several ways to make it easier. The most important element to reduce the difficulty in learning After Effects is to dedicate time with the the right training program. With courses and workshops, you can become skilled at creating motion graphics, animations, and special effects provided you are willing to dedicate the time required to learn. Those just starting to learn After Effects will discover that it has a complex user interface and steep learning curve. These obstacles are overcome by attending live training courses such as those offered at the American Graphic Institute (AGI). A live introductory After Effects course teaches new users how to navigate the interface and create high-quality projects, while a full-week bootcamp provides an intensive course for mastering all aspects of After Effects in a single week. Training courses and consistent, dedicated time to learning makes it much less difficult to learn After Effects, and puts the powerful effects and animation tool within reach of most everyone.

It takes at least two full days of training to learn the basics of After Effects, and at least two or more days of dedicated training to gain a firm grasp of advanced skills. For those wanting to create simple animations or motion graphics, a two day introductory course is sufficient, while anyone wanting to work on advanced projects with multiple layers of composition and video will need additional advanced training of several more days. Even following training, continuing to spend time practicing and advancing skills is necessary to master After Effects techniques. Training resources like the in-person and online After Effects courses offered by the American Graphics Institute expedite the learning process.

There are a variety of online training options available for learning After Effects, the popular motion graphics and visual effects software application. Online training resources provide the chance to learn from instructors with experience in the broadcast, film, and digital media industries. After Effects courses offered by the American Graphics Institute allow students the flexibility of learning from anywhere, and attending either a daytime or evening course. There are options for learning After Effects online that meet various learning styles, schedules, and budgets.

An After Effects certificate helps demonstrate proficiency and time dedicated to learning this powerful special effects, compositing and animation software. Whether to attract new clients, or stand-out among potential employers, certification can be helpful. Certificates are offered by numerous reputable skill development organizations, including the American Graphics Institute. The courses that provide an After Effects certificate vary in length, cost, and content covered. An After Effects certificate is available for foundational skills, advanced techniques, bootcamps, and multi-week certificate programs. In order to choose the right type of certificate, you should consider your goals for the certificate, the time available to complete a program, and the cost. After Effects certifications are exams offered by testing companies that test skills learned. There is no specific certification exam for After Effects, although there is an exam for motion graphics offered by a third-party testing company. There is no requirement for this exam to work in the motion graphics or effects industry, and the exam is generally not requested or required by employers.

The cost of learning After Effects includes more than the cost of a course, as there are subscription fees and technology costs that contribute to the total expenses of learning After Effects. If attending a course in AGI’s classrooms, the app is provided at no cost. If attending online, you can use the no cost trial version of After Effects for the course and for five days. After the trial period, Adobe offers several subscription plans for After Effects, including a monthly and annual plan, along with an all-access plan that includes the ability to use related apps such as Premiere Pro and Photoshop. After Effects requires a computer or laptop with high processing power in order to work efficiently. Although prices for this technology vary, most computers that effectively run After Effects cost $1,000 or more. Those learning After Effects will also want to invest in training, such as online or in-person courses offered by the American Graphics Institute to help learn this complex application more quickly with the guidance of an experienced professional. Fees for small-group, live After Effects courses start at $795 for a multi-day class. There are options available both in-person or online courses.