Guided Session
Guided Session
Guided Session
Guided Session
After Effects Kickstart
Master the After Effects interface and upgrade your animation skillset in just 8 weeks
Enroll in this CourseStart date
April 7, 2025
April 7, 2025
Start date
January 10, 2025
April 7, 2025
April 7, 2025
Can't make the date? Don't panic! We have other dates you can choose from.
8 Weeks
Master the After Effects interface and upgrade your animation skillset in just 8 weeks
Certificate on completion
Receive a SOM verified credential when you complete this course to help you with your career.
Beginner
This is a beginners' course, ideal for those new to the subject with little to no prior experience.
Course Overview
Dive into the fundamentals of motion design with our most popular (and recently updated) After Effects course. After Effects Kickstart is your secret weapon to dominate the world of animation. You'll plunge head first into the world’s most popular animation software, crafting dynamic visuals from day one. By the conclusion, you’ll be comfortable creating—and showcasing—your own AE creations.
You Get:
8 Weeks of Video Training, Podcasts, and PDF Guides
Personalized Critique on your work
Access to our 24/7 online Community
Verified Credential upon Completion of the Coursework
Pay in full
$
897
Make the full payment when you register, and you’re off to the races!
Or
3 Payments of
$
299
Make one payment when you register, and then 2 more a month apart.
Or
Teams
Looking to purchase for a team?
Looking to purchase for a team? Get in touch for more information about our special Team Training options and volume discounts.
Learn More
Alumni highlights
Course syllabus.
Orientation Week
Meet your classmates, get comfy with the course format, and then we’re getting to work. Nol will guide you step-by-step through your first animation in After Effects, helping you learn and master the basics.
The First Keyframe
Get totally familiar with the After Effects interface, and learn the fundamentals of keyframing, timing, and animating basic properties. The AE timeline will no longer be a mystery to you.
Typography and Audio
As this After Effects course continues, you’ll learn how to create and animate type, as well as animate and sync up your movements to audio. Ever wanted to create a lyric video? Now’s your chance.
Working with Artwork
This week we’re bringing in Photoshop and Illustrator. You'll learn to plan more complex animation, bring your PS and AI artwork to life, understand and use masks, perform color correction, and gain a basic understanding of effects.
Make Sweet Movement
Now that you know the basics of animating, you’ll learn more advanced animation and After Effects concepts that will take your work from beginner to pro. The graph editor makes an appearance here.
The Motion Design World
Explore the world and opportunities of motion design. You’ll get tips on project organization, streamlining your workflow, and improving your productivity in After Effects.
Shape Layers, Mattes, and More
Dive into the world of Shape Layers. Create artwork in AE using Shape Layers, Strokes, the Pen Tool and more. Use Track and Alpha Mattes, and explore different types of keyframes and motion paths.
Good Parenting Tips
You’ll master the After Effects parenting system, allowing you to create more complex rigs and movement. In addition, you’ll begin learning about the powerful expressions engine.
From A to B
Learn how to approach and execute eye-popping transitions in your work. As your animations get more complex, you’ll need to follow best practices to stay organized.
Putting it all Together
Watch and learn as Nol shows you exactly what it takes to animate a professional piece. Then, you’ll have your own opportunity to animate beautiful artwork.
Extended Critique Period
The final2 weeks of class are Extended Critique. You can use this time to catch up, complete your final project, then turn it in for critique.
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Meet your instructor.
Join over 20,000 alumni around the globe.
I enrolled in the course and my head exploded.
School of Motion's Animation Bootcamp is a game changer. Before that, I learned After Effects through YouTube tutorials, but I noticed that there was something missing from my work (and I didn't know what it was). A friend told me about School of Motion. I enrolled in the course and my head exploded.
You get real critique!
I took Design Bootcamp. My favorite part was the interaction with the Teaching Assistant. That was the best part of the entire program, which is the ability to talk to someone about your work and your ability to get actual critique on your work. I learned so much about designing, specifically for animation.
Reignited my passion for animation
School of Motion courses quickly reignited my passion for animation and helped me launch my career in an exciting new direction.
It completely changed everything for me.
I've been doing motion graphics and video editing for 20+ years. I took this course six years ago and it completely changed everything for me. I'm faster, I'm efficient, and I'm able to teach it to other people. That, and everything looks better!
I recently started my dream job.
I recently started my dream job and I would have 100% never gotten here without taking the School of Motion courses that I did.
I landed a great job.
I'm a full-time motion graphics artist, in no small part because of Animation Bootcamp by School of Motion. I took the bootcamp in 2018 and landed a great job just months after.
I recommend it more than a traditional art school.
I'm just super thankful that School of Motion was right there to give me jam-packed lessons in a short amount of time with mentors and guides to help me along the way and it really laid the foundation of my career. I highly recommend it as an alternative to a traditional art school.
It completely changed everything for me.
I've been doing motion graphics and video editing for 20+ years. I took this course six years ago and it completely changed everything for me. I'm faster, I'm efficient, and I'm able to teach it to other people. That, and everything looks better!
I switched from graphic design to motion graphics.
I've tried courses from other providers, but this was one of the most structured when it comes to learning After Effects and animation. It took me to a point where I switched from being a graphic designer to completely going into motion graphics.
Suddenly, my animation had that "wow factor".
It all came together to create an unbeatable learning experience. Animation Bootcamp took me from good to great. The techniques I learned, the principles I mastered...they all massively improved my work. Suddenly, my animation had that "wow factor". Whether you are just beginning or a seasoned pro, School of Motion has something transformative to offer.
I learned a bucket load.
The course was amazing. The teachers were fantastic, always available. The community that I was able to connect with was insane because everyone was helpful and the feedback was great. I learned a bucket load of stuff about animation.
I learned so much, so quickly.
Wow, this really changed things for me. I learned so much, so quickly. In fact, I learned all the things I didn't know that I didn't know. It was really good fun.
It took me from 0 to 1000.
Animation Bootcamp is one of the best classes I've ever taken. It didn't just take me from like 0 to 10 — or even 0 to 100. It took me from 0 to 1000 in terms of getting the animation skills I needed to boost my career. It got me using motion design in all of my projects.
School of Motion literally changed my life.
I'm a full time freelancer and I'm having to turn down work because I'm so busy! School of Motion literally changed my life.
Great community support, great teachers and great lessons.
C4D Basecamp, like all School of Motion courses it had great community support, great teachers and great lessons and projects. It goes beyond just learning the tools and goes into 3D, designing, and animating.
One of the most rewarding, most amazing courses that I've ever experienced.
Let me just tell you, man, Animation Bootcamp is the best. One of the most rewarding, most amazing courses that I've ever experienced. I just loved the one-on-one coaching that you get and the the community aspect of it.
Animation bootcamp changed my life.
This is not hyperbole... Animation Bootcamp changed my life. I now understood curves and how the graph and speed editors actually worked. I saw the value of shape layers instead of just using solids with masks. It totally changed the way I approached projects moving forward.
It really built my confidence.
I took Cinema 4D Basecamp and it really built my confidence. Now, I'm on my fourth 3D product animation for a professional client. I'm also the Director of Motion Graphics at a design firm. I can't say enough good things about it!
I have the position I have because of Animation Bootcamp.
In all honesty, I now have the position I have in the industry because of Animation Bootcamp and because of everything that I got out of School of Motion. Truly, I could not recommend SoM and this course enough.
The best learning experience I've ever had.
If anyone asks me "What's the best online course on the planet?", I'd say Animation Bootcamp. It's been the best learning experience I've ever had. One thing that really differentiates Animation Bootcamp from other online animation courses is critique...I loved it.
I really got invested and it took me to the next level.
Animation Bootcamp was the beginning of my motion design career. I really got invested and it took me to the next level. A lot of the lessons pushed me in terms of what I was comfortable making in After Effects.
Incredible experience...
I don't have the right words to explain how valuable School of Motion was for me. I went in skeptical because I took courses on other platforms and felt like I got little to nothing out of them. SOM was completely different. The aspect of community was there, the Teaching Assistant was extremely helpful and a sense of accountability was there, and most importantly the content and quality of the actual teaching was there.
I can't thank School of Motion enough!
I'm more confident, more relevant, more equipped, better connected and close to my goals since School of Motion entered my life.
I enrolled in the course and my head exploded.
School of Motion's Animation Bootcamp is a game changer. Before that, I learned After Effects through YouTube tutorials, but I noticed that there was something missing from my work (and I didn't know what it was). A friend told me about School of Motion. I enrolled in the course and my head exploded.
You get real critique!
I took Design Bootcamp. My favorite part was the interaction with the Teaching Assistant. That was the best part of the entire program, which is the ability to talk to someone about your work and your ability to get actual critique on your work. I learned so much about designing, specifically for animation.
Reignited my passion for animation
School of Motion courses quickly reignited my passion for animation and helped me launch my career in an exciting new direction.
It completely changed everything for me.
I've been doing motion graphics and video editing for 20+ years. I took this course six years ago and it completely changed everything for me. I'm faster, I'm efficient, and I'm able to teach it to other people. That, and everything looks better!
I recently started my dream job.
I recently started my dream job and I would have 100% never gotten here without taking the School of Motion courses that I did.
I landed a great job.
I'm a full-time motion graphics artist, in no small part because of Animation Bootcamp by School of Motion. I took the bootcamp in 2018 and landed a great job just months after.
I recommend it more than a traditional art school.
I'm just super thankful that School of Motion was right there to give me jam-packed lessons in a short amount of time with mentors and guides to help me along the way and it really laid the foundation of my career. I highly recommend it as an alternative to a traditional art school.
It completely changed everything for me.
I've been doing motion graphics and video editing for 20+ years. I took this course six years ago and it completely changed everything for me. I'm faster, I'm efficient, and I'm able to teach it to other people. That, and everything looks better!
I switched from graphic design to motion graphics.
I've tried courses from other providers, but this was one of the most structured when it comes to learning After Effects and animation. It took me to a point where I switched from being a graphic designer to completely going into motion graphics.
Suddenly, my animation had that "wow factor".
It all came together to create an unbeatable learning experience. Animation Bootcamp took me from good to great. The techniques I learned, the principles I mastered...they all massively improved my work. Suddenly, my animation had that "wow factor". Whether you are just beginning or a seasoned pro, School of Motion has something transformative to offer.
I learned a bucket load.
The course was amazing. The teachers were fantastic, always available. The community that I was able to connect with was insane because everyone was helpful and the feedback was great. I learned a bucket load of stuff about animation.
I learned so much, so quickly.
Wow, this really changed things for me. I learned so much, so quickly. In fact, I learned all the things I didn't know that I didn't know. It was really good fun.
It took me from 0 to 1000.
Animation Bootcamp is one of the best classes I've ever taken. It didn't just take me from like 0 to 10 — or even 0 to 100. It took me from 0 to 1000 in terms of getting the animation skills I needed to boost my career. It got me using motion design in all of my projects.
School of Motion literally changed my life.
I'm a full time freelancer and I'm having to turn down work because I'm so busy! School of Motion literally changed my life.
Great community support, great teachers and great lessons.
C4D Basecamp, like all School of Motion courses it had great community support, great teachers and great lessons and projects. It goes beyond just learning the tools and goes into 3D, designing, and animating.
One of the most rewarding, most amazing courses that I've ever experienced.
Let me just tell you, man, Animation Bootcamp is the best. One of the most rewarding, most amazing courses that I've ever experienced. I just loved the one-on-one coaching that you get and the the community aspect of it.
Animation bootcamp changed my life.
This is not hyperbole... Animation Bootcamp changed my life. I now understood curves and how the graph and speed editors actually worked. I saw the value of shape layers instead of just using solids with masks. It totally changed the way I approached projects moving forward.
It really built my confidence.
I took Cinema 4D Basecamp and it really built my confidence. Now, I'm on my fourth 3D product animation for a professional client. I'm also the Director of Motion Graphics at a design firm. I can't say enough good things about it!
I have the position I have because of Animation Bootcamp.
In all honesty, I now have the position I have in the industry because of Animation Bootcamp and because of everything that I got out of School of Motion. Truly, I could not recommend SoM and this course enough.
The best learning experience I've ever had.
If anyone asks me "What's the best online course on the planet?", I'd say Animation Bootcamp. It's been the best learning experience I've ever had. One thing that really differentiates Animation Bootcamp from other online animation courses is critique...I loved it.
I really got invested and it took me to the next level.
Animation Bootcamp was the beginning of my motion design career. I really got invested and it took me to the next level. A lot of the lessons pushed me in terms of what I was comfortable making in After Effects.
Incredible experience...
I don't have the right words to explain how valuable School of Motion was for me. I went in skeptical because I took courses on other platforms and felt like I got little to nothing out of them. SOM was completely different. The aspect of community was there, the Teaching Assistant was extremely helpful and a sense of accountability was there, and most importantly the content and quality of the actual teaching was there.
I can't thank School of Motion enough!
I'm more confident, more relevant, more equipped, better connected and close to my goals since School of Motion entered my life.
I enrolled in the course and my head exploded.
School of Motion's Animation Bootcamp is a game changer. Before that, I learned After Effects through YouTube tutorials, but I noticed that there was something missing from my work (and I didn't know what it was). A friend told me about School of Motion. I enrolled in the course and my head exploded.
You get real critique!
I took Design Bootcamp. My favorite part was the interaction with the Teaching Assistant. That was the best part of the entire program, which is the ability to talk to someone about your work and your ability to get actual critique on your work. I learned so much about designing, specifically for animation.
Reignited my passion for animation
School of Motion courses quickly reignited my passion for animation and helped me launch my career in an exciting new direction.
It completely changed everything for me.
I've been doing motion graphics and video editing for 20+ years. I took this course six years ago and it completely changed everything for me. I'm faster, I'm efficient, and I'm able to teach it to other people. That, and everything looks better!
I recently started my dream job.
I recently started my dream job and I would have 100% never gotten here without taking the School of Motion courses that I did.
I landed a great job.
I'm a full-time motion graphics artist, in no small part because of Animation Bootcamp by School of Motion. I took the bootcamp in 2018 and landed a great job just months after.
I recommend it more than a traditional art school.
I'm just super thankful that School of Motion was right there to give me jam-packed lessons in a short amount of time with mentors and guides to help me along the way and it really laid the foundation of my career. I highly recommend it as an alternative to a traditional art school.
It completely changed everything for me.
I've been doing motion graphics and video editing for 20+ years. I took this course six years ago and it completely changed everything for me. I'm faster, I'm efficient, and I'm able to teach it to other people. That, and everything looks better!
I switched from graphic design to motion graphics.
I've tried courses from other providers, but this was one of the most structured when it comes to learning After Effects and animation. It took me to a point where I switched from being a graphic designer to completely going into motion graphics.
Suddenly, my animation had that "wow factor".
It all came together to create an unbeatable learning experience. Animation Bootcamp took me from good to great. The techniques I learned, the principles I mastered...they all massively improved my work. Suddenly, my animation had that "wow factor". Whether you are just beginning or a seasoned pro, School of Motion has something transformative to offer.
I learned a bucket load.
The course was amazing. The teachers were fantastic, always available. The community that I was able to connect with was insane because everyone was helpful and the feedback was great. I learned a bucket load of stuff about animation.
I learned so much, so quickly.
Wow, this really changed things for me. I learned so much, so quickly. In fact, I learned all the things I didn't know that I didn't know. It was really good fun.
It took me from 0 to 1000.
Animation Bootcamp is one of the best classes I've ever taken. It didn't just take me from like 0 to 10 — or even 0 to 100. It took me from 0 to 1000 in terms of getting the animation skills I needed to boost my career. It got me using motion design in all of my projects.
School of Motion literally changed my life.
I'm a full time freelancer and I'm having to turn down work because I'm so busy! School of Motion literally changed my life.
Great community support, great teachers and great lessons.
C4D Basecamp, like all School of Motion courses it had great community support, great teachers and great lessons and projects. It goes beyond just learning the tools and goes into 3D, designing, and animating.
One of the most rewarding, most amazing courses that I've ever experienced.
Let me just tell you, man, Animation Bootcamp is the best. One of the most rewarding, most amazing courses that I've ever experienced. I just loved the one-on-one coaching that you get and the the community aspect of it.
Animation bootcamp changed my life.
This is not hyperbole... Animation Bootcamp changed my life. I now understood curves and how the graph and speed editors actually worked. I saw the value of shape layers instead of just using solids with masks. It totally changed the way I approached projects moving forward.
It really built my confidence.
I took Cinema 4D Basecamp and it really built my confidence. Now, I'm on my fourth 3D product animation for a professional client. I'm also the Director of Motion Graphics at a design firm. I can't say enough good things about it!
I have the position I have because of Animation Bootcamp.
In all honesty, I now have the position I have in the industry because of Animation Bootcamp and because of everything that I got out of School of Motion. Truly, I could not recommend SoM and this course enough.
The best learning experience I've ever had.
If anyone asks me "What's the best online course on the planet?", I'd say Animation Bootcamp. It's been the best learning experience I've ever had. One thing that really differentiates Animation Bootcamp from other online animation courses is critique...I loved it.
I really got invested and it took me to the next level.
Animation Bootcamp was the beginning of my motion design career. I really got invested and it took me to the next level. A lot of the lessons pushed me in terms of what I was comfortable making in After Effects.
Incredible experience...
I don't have the right words to explain how valuable School of Motion was for me. I went in skeptical because I took courses on other platforms and felt like I got little to nothing out of them. SOM was completely different. The aspect of community was there, the Teaching Assistant was extremely helpful and a sense of accountability was there, and most importantly the content and quality of the actual teaching was there.
I can't thank School of Motion enough!
I'm more confident, more relevant, more equipped, better connected and close to my goals since School of Motion entered my life.
Just a few of your career prospects.
Character Animator
Graphic Design
Motion Designer
So, what makes us different?
Personalized Attention and Feedback
Enroll in a School of Motion course and receive personalized feedback directly from leading, industry-recognized designers and animators. Our classes stand out because you’re not just completing projects; you're getting tailored guidance from the best in the business, ensuring your work isn’t just finished—it’s polished.
Real-World Ready Skills
Each School of Motion course is crafted to mirror actual industry workflows, ensuring the skills you acquire are immediately applicable in professional environments. Dive into your daily creative projects with knowledge that seamlessly translates from the virtual classroom to real-world tasks.
Community and Connections
Dive into the vibrant School of Motion community, where you can interact, showcase your projects, and connect with both peers and top industry professionals. This platform isn't just about learning; it's a place to build relationships that enrich your skills and open up new career opportunities.
So, what makes us different?
Flexible Learning Structure
School of Motion stands out with its lifetime access to course materials, unlike many other platforms that limit your time. Learn at your own pace, revisit lessons as needed, and never feel the rush—your learning journey is entirely in your hands.
In-Depth Resource Access
Dive deep into your creative potential with School of Motion. Our self-guided courses not only provide comprehensive resources but also include exclusive project files and proprietary tools that you won’t find in other platforms’ offerings. Unlock the full spectrum of design and animation techniques at your own pace.
Progressive Skill Building
Each course at School of Motion is carefully designed to build your skills progressively, starting from the fundamentals and advancing to more complex concepts. This structured approach ensures you develop a solid foundation, setting you up for success as you tackle increasingly challenging techniques.
So, what makes us different?
Short-Term Intensive Learning
Dive into focused, high-impact learning with our workshops. These project-based workshops focus on a real-world project from a top artist, and are tailored to hone specific skills and techniques that are not only current but also in high demand. Perfect for professionals looking to quickly elevate their expertise.
In-Depth Resource Access
Workshops don’t just teach you how a project was made, it also lets you peek behind the curtain with exclusive project files and proprietary assets directly from the artist who created them. It’s like having your own world-class mentor.
Industry Tools and Techniques
Our workshops focus on the latest industry-standard tools and techniques, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve with the newest trends and practices. Gear up to master cutting-edge skills that keep you competitive.
So, what makes us different?
Open-Door Learning
Our free courses offer a welcoming introduction to motion design, giving you a taste of our teaching style and the quality of our courses. It's the perfect way for potential students to explore what School of Motion has to offer before diving into our paid options.
Broad Overview
Our free courses span a wide array of topics, offering a comprehensive overview that helps beginners identify their passion within motion design. Discover your niche and decide which areas you’d like to explore in depth.
Community Engagement
Discover the vibrant School of Motion community with our free courses. Learn how you can be a part of our ecosystem, connect with peers, and gain insights from a diverse range of talented artists. We’ve got your back on your creative journey.
FAQ
How do I know if this course is right for me?
What is the required software?
What are the prerequisites?
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How much time do I need to commit?
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Can I access my course content after the course ends?