What are the best animation courses online?

Browse the animation courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. Introduction to Programming and Animation with Alice: Duke University Interactive Computer Graphics: The University of Tokyo Blender for Filmmakers: Create Floating 3D Objects:Skillshare Character Design for Video Games: California Institute of the Arts VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert: EDUCBA Advanced 3D Animation in Unreal Engine: Character Movement: Skillshare 3D Animation in Unreal Engine: Create an Original Character: Skillshare

How to learn animation?

Knowing why you want to learn animation, be it for film, games, or personal projects, will keep you motivated. Regular practice with animation software is crucial. Join online communities like the Animation subreddits or local groups for feedback and support. Work on real projects such as creating short animations. Coursera offers the course Interactive Computer Graphics by University of Tokyo , which can help you get started with animation.

What skills or experience do I need to already have before starting to learn animation?

The skills and experience you may need to have already before studying animation include having a creative mind with the ability to pay attention to the smallest details, some drawing or other artistic ability, and feeling comfortable working on a computer. Having a familiarity with computer graphics software and computer programming may also help you learn animation as well as learning how to create animated 3D movies. If you have some basic graphic design skills, they'll also be helpful. Another set of skills you may want to have to learn animation is the knowledge of color theory so you can understand the use of colors to express and communicate various emotions or feelings.

How do I know if learning about animation is right for me?

Learning animation may be right for you if you feel compelled to express your creativity using computer programs to create illustrations used on various media or platforms. It may be right for you if you want to learn how to design and develop game worlds and gameplay for video games, from concept to presentation. Studying animation is also a good idea if you plan to enter the virtual reality field where interactive animation and character animation and design are important to know. Studying animation may be beneficial for you to learn if you plan to become a 3D artist working on various platforms that require certification, such as Unity.

Can I take free animation courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning animation skills on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many animation courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in animation, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

Top Animation Courses - Learn Animation Online

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Explore the Animation Course Catalog

Status: Preview
Duke University
Introduction to Programming and Animation with Alice
Skills you'll gain: Event-Driven Programming, Animation and Game Design, Game Design, Storyboarding, 3D Assets, Programming Principles, Computer Graphics, Computer Programming, Scripting
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Animated Storytelling: Emotive Animation in Procreate Dreams
Skills you'll gain: Storyboarding, Animations, Motion Graphics, Musical Composition, Storytelling, Performing Arts
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Epic Games
Epic Games Game Design
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Animation and Game Design, Ideation, 3D Modeling, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Software Documentation, Software Design Documents, 3D Assets, User Experience Design, Computer Graphics, Usability, User Interface (UI), User Experience, User Interface (UI) Design, Interactive Design, Virtual Environment, Version Control, Prototyping
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
476 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
The University of Tokyo
Interactive Computer Graphics
Skills you'll gain: Visualization (Computer Graphics), Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Computer Graphic Techniques, Human Computer Interaction, Animations, User Interface (UI), Design, 3D Assets, Technical Design, Algorithms, Simulations
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
307 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
California Institute of the Arts
Character Design for Video Games
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Animations, Game Design, Video Game Development, Design, Technical Design, Conceptual Design, Design Elements And Principles, Creative Design, Storytelling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Beginner After Effects: Logo Animation
Skills you'll gain: Adobe After Effects, Motion Graphics, Animations, Multimedia, Logo Design, Video Editing, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, 3D Assets, Computer Graphics, Creative Design, Typography, Graphic Design, File Management, Color Theory, Image Quality
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Cel & 2D Animation: Streamline Workflow in Procreate Dreams
Skills you'll gain: Animations, Motion Graphics, Storyboarding, Adobe After Effects, Computer Graphics, Video Editing, Apple software proficiency, Color Theory, Storytelling
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
IESE Business School
The Art of Storytelling
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Public Speaking, Oral Expression, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Content Creation, Drive Engagement, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Advanced 3D Animation in Unreal Engine: Character Movement
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Animations, 3D Assets, Motion Graphics, Data Import/Export, Timelines
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
3D Animation in Unreal Engine: Create an Original Character
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Animation and Game Design, 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics, Video Game Development, Virtual Environment, Motion Graphics
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Become a 3D Animator: Build Your Dream Animation Career
Skills you'll gain: Animation and Game Design, Animations, Stress Management, 3D Modeling, Self-Motivation, Storyboarding, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Conceptual Design
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Adapting Your 3D Skills: 3D Animation from Blender to Maya
Skills you'll gain: Autodesk Maya, Animation and Game Design, 3D Modeling, Usability, User Interface (UI)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks