Animation & VFX Certificate

Build motion graphics and VFX skills in After Effects. 8 weeks. Live instruction. Personalized 1-on-1 mentorship. Graduate with a demo reel that shows real range.

Adobe After Effects
8 Weeks
Live Online
TBD
SOC 27-1014

Motion Design & VFX From the Ground Up

Motion graphics and VFX are in demand across film, TV, advertising, gaming, and digital content. This program teaches you to build them in After Effects — the industry standard for motion design and compositing.

  • After Effects fundamentals: keyframes, composition, Graph Editor
  • Motion graphics: animated titles, lower thirds, transitions, loops
  • Visual effects: masking, rotoscoping, tracking, and keying
  • Character animation and rigging principles
  • 3D space in After Effects: cameras, lights, and depth
  • Compositing live footage with motion graphics and VFX
  • Cinema 4D Lite and 3D integration basics
  • AI-assisted motion design and generation tools

Program Details

Duration8 weeks
SoftwareAdobe After Effects (included)
Schedule2 group sessions/week + 1-on-1 mentorship (Weeks 7–8)
Format100% live online (Zoom)
TuitionTBD
SOC Code27-1014
Enroll Now — Utah Residents Join the Waitlist — Other States

Payment plans available. See FAQ

8-Week Schedule

WeekTopicKey Skills
1After Effects Fundamentals & Animation PrinciplesInterface, compositions, keyframes, Graph Editor, easing, anticipation, overshoot, timing
2Motion Graphics & Typography in MotionShape layers, kinetic type, text animators, logo reveals, lower thirds, animated titles
3VFX Fundamentals: Masks, Tracking & KeyingMask paths, track mattes, point/planar tracking, stabilization, green screen, Keylight
4Compositing & 3D SpaceColor matching, light wrap, integration techniques, 3D layers, cameras, lights, depth of field
5Character Animation & Advanced MotionPuppet tool, DUIK rigging, expressions basics, looping animations, animated infographics
6AI Motion Tools & Advanced FinishingAI-assisted generation, Runway, Firefly video, multi-pass compositing, render settings, delivery
7Portfolio Sprint + 1-on-1 Mentorship NEWCapstone piece development, peer review, career prep — plus two individual 30-min mentorship sessions tailored to your goals
8Demo Reel & Portfolio Review + 1-on-1 Mentorship NEWReel assembly, breakdown document, portfolio polish — plus two individual 30-min sessions for personalized feedback and reel refinement

Personalized 1-on-1 Mentorship

In Weeks 7–8, every student receives dedicated 1-on-1 time with their instructor — two 30-minute sessions per week focused on your individual portfolio, career goals, and areas where you want to grow. This is your time to get personalized feedback that group settings can't provide.

What You Can Do With This Certificate

Job Titles

  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • VFX Artist
  • Compositor
  • Animator
  • Broadcast Designer
  • Freelance Motion Designer
$99,060

National median annual salary for Special Effects Artists & Animators (BLS, SOC 27-1014, May 2024). Los Angeles commands some of the highest rates in the country.

Industries Hiring

  • Film & television production
  • Advertising agencies
  • Game studios
  • Streaming platforms
  • Broadcast news
  • Social media brands

Ready to Build Your Demo Reel?

Utah residents can enroll now. Outside Utah? Join the waitlist and be first when we expand.

Enroll Now — Utah Join the Waitlist — Other States