Animator Certifications

If you’re considering a career as an Animator, you may wonder what sort of credentials you’ll need to secure a job. Two popular designations some individuals strive for are certificates or certifications. Certificates typically require completing a program in animation, whereas certifications are exams you must sign up for and pass. Although not all employers require that applicants obtain a certificate or certification in animation to apply for job openings, earning one of these credentials can be an excellent way to distinguish yourself from other prospective applicants and demonstrate that you have the training and experience needed to work on a range of creative projects. Read on to find out more about the various certifications and certificates available in animation to find out if any are right for you.

What is an Animator? 

Animators bring characters, objects, and scenes to life by placing images in a sequence that suggests movement. They may use hand-drawn or computer-generated images or a combination of both. Animators are often involved in the full scope of a project, from developing new concepts to designing characters and backgrounds and outlining the animation sequence in storyboards. They begin an animation sequence by creating keyframes and the main points of movement, and then develop the in-between frames that ensure smooth motion. 

Animators usually report to a Creative Director or Animation Director and might also work closely with writers, other artists, and technical staff. On larger projects, Animators may be part of a team assigned specific roles, such as Character Animation, Background Animation, or Special Effects Animator. Animation is often used in movies, television shows, video games, websites, and other media. In the games industry, animators are known as Computer Graphics (CG) or 3D Animators and may collaborate with programmers and artists. In the animation industry, Animators work from a brief provided by the Director or Animation Director and a storyboard developed by the Storyboard Artist. A Special Effects Supervisor, known as an SFX Supervisor, is usually in charge of the special effects team on a film or television production.

The working environment for Animators can vary greatly, depending on their place of employment and current project. Some Animators work in studios as part of a larger team and collaborate closely with other artists and designers. The team-based environment can be fast-paced, with many brainstorming sessions and group meetings. Freelance Animators work more independently and manage their own schedules and client communications. Being an Animator requires a mix of creativity, technical skills, and attention to detail. Animators need to keep up with the latest animation software and techniques, and they must be able to adapt their style to fit different projects. 

Do I Need a Degree to Become an Animator?

Although a degree isn’t necessary to pursue a career in animation, most people enter this field with a college degree in art or visual design. These programs provide students with the opportunity to spend several years fully immersed in their studies. Participants not only receive training in basic animation concepts, but they also learn how to work with the technology and software needed to succeed professionally, including Adobe After Effects or Cinema 4D. 

Some of the most popular undergraduate and degree paths held by those interested in working in animation are:

• Associate’s degree in computer animation
• Bachelor’s degree in animation
• Bachelor’s degree in computer animation
• Bachelor’s degree in fine arts
• Bachelor’s degree in visual design
• Master’s degree in fine arts.

College and graduate study can be a great way to prepare for a career in animation, but it’s not required for all jobs in this field. Those who don’t have formal college training in animation can still apply for many animation careers. They will need to demonstrate to employers that they can work with core animation apps and software like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, as well as apply various animation techniques and theories. These skills can be learned through bootcamps or certificates from providers like Noble Desktop. Additionally, those hoping to land an animation job but don’t have a degree will need strong job application material that will convince a hiring manager they’re as qualified for the role as someone with this degree. This means a very strong demo reel, cover letter, resume, and LinkedIn profile. Job experience is also an asset for those applying without degrees. Some individuals may wish to gain industry experience in animation, either through volunteer work or freelance jobs, before they apply for full-time animation roles.

Do Certifications Matter for Animators?

Before you pursue a certificate or certification in animation, you may wonder how useful obtaining either of these credentials would be for your ultimate career goals. Since both options require a financial commitment, it’s a good idea to explore whether they are essential in this career path before investing time and money. The bottom line is that the decision whether to pursue animation certification or a certificate depends on the position you’re applying for, the employer’s preferences, and the skill set you possess as an applicant. 

There are no universally established training requirements that all Animators must possess to apply for positions. Some employers may prefer that the candidates demonstrate their skills by earning a certification like the Adobe Certified Professional in Multiplatform Animation Using Adobe Animate. Other employers may want to see that their prospective employee has an educational background in one or more animation tools. This may come through college training or by enrolling in a certificate program in a subject like motion graphics. However, like other creative fields, the majority of employers looking for Animators are more interested in their applicants demonstrating their skills through their work samples rather than having to earn a certificate or certification. Usually, a strong professional portfolio that includes a range of animation projects is the main consideration employers weigh when selecting employees. The bottom line is that completing a certificate program or earning a certification is a great way to show that you’re a competitive candidate and have devoted the time necessary to studying in-demand animation tools and software. However, not all jobs in this field will require these credentials.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

The words “certification” and “certificate” sound similar but differ in important ways. Those who are new to animation may find it confusing that there are so many ways to become certified in the field of animation or with a specific tool like Adobe After Effects. The good news is that each of these training options has its own advantages and applications.

Animation certificates involve completing a program that spans several weeks or even months. These classes are available from top providers around the country online or in person. Some certificate programs, like Noble Desktop’s Motion Graphics Certificate, cover a range of tools, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition, whereas other classes focus entirely on one specific application, such as After Effects. Those who successfully complete coursework earn a certificate that indicates they’ve attained a certain level of proficiency with animation tools. In addition to providing hands-on training, these courses also often include additional incentives, such as career counseling, individual mentoring, or assistance with a professional portfolio. Certificates are usually open to learners at all levels, including beginners, whereas certifications are typically reserved for those who have achieved a high level of animation training. 

Unlike certificates, certifications are exams that are offered by a third party like Adobe. Those interested in demonstrating that they’ve attained a level of mastery with a specific tool, such as Adobe Animate, can pay a fee and sit for the test. Those looking to earn certification in Adobe Animate are tested on topics like project setup and interface, organizing documents, creating and modifying multimedia elements, and publishing digital media. It’s suggested that test-takers acquire at least 150 hours of training with this application prior to sitting for the exam to pass it. It’s up to each learner how they wish to prepare for the test; some opt to rely on their work training or study independently, whereas others enroll in a bootcamp or certificate program to gain the necessary training to pass. Students can either sit for this exam at one of the thousands of designated testing centers around the globe or take it remotely from their home or office space. Those who pass the test earn an industry-recognized certification that can be included on their resume and LinkedIn profile. 

How to Get Certified as an Animator

If you’d like to become certified in animation, your path forward will likely depend on the experience you already have in this field. Those who have already worked in animation or who have prior educational experience in this field likely have experience with one or more applications or software. For these individuals, choosing a certification exam may be the best option since these exams are intended to test learners on the skills they already have. On the other hand, for those who are new to animation or who don’t have work experience in this field, a certificate program is likely a better alternative. These classes are available to learners at all levels and ensure that graduates have the training and skills needed to succeed professionally in a range of animation-related career paths.

Top Certifications & Certificates for an Animator

Are you interested in earning a certificate or certification in Animation? If so, many excellent training options are available. Those who are interested in an animation certificate can enroll in Noble Deskop’s Motion Graphics Certificate. This comprehensive program is open to learners at all levels who want to explore visual effects and motion graphics tools. Instruction is provided on how Adobe After Effects is used to create visual effects and how to create animations using Cinema 4D Lite. Those enrolled work with Premiere Pro for video editing and learn how to add animated layers to Illustrator or Photoshop files. Participants can opt for full-time or part-time study. In addition to in-class training, all participants receive five 1-on-1 mentoring sessions in which they have the opportunity to receive individualized guidance and support on class materials or prepare for the job search. 

Noble also has an After Effects Bootcamp that provides hands-on training in the small classroom environment in how to use this application to create engaging video content. This class provides training in animation basics, including file integration and text effects, so participants will be able to create their own unique visual content from scratch. A supplemental 1-on-1 mentoring session is included with tuition. 

For those who already have a background in video editing and motion graphics and are interested in taking their skills even further, Noble’s AI for Video & Motion Graphics is an excellent option. In this interactive workshop, participants have the chance to learn how AI can be used on various motion graphics and video editing projects. Students begin by exploring the current state of generative AI and its practical applications. Coursework then progresses into how to use AI to develop workflows, generate concepts, and create assets from audio, video, image, or text prompts. By the end of this program, students will know how to create scripts, mood boards, and storyboards and be familiar with how to use AI to generate and refine the audio and visual components of their creations. This class is intended for anyone interested in incorporating AI into their creative workflow.

All Noble classes are available live online and in person in New York City. They each include a free course retake for up to one year. These courses provide learners with a great opportunity to prepare to pass a certification exam while learning from an expert instructor.

Other educators also offer animation-specific coursework for learners at all levels. The Training Connection’s After Effects Bootcamp provides those enrolled with the training needed to create visual effects and motion graphics. UCLA Extension’s Motion Graphics I is also available for those who want more comprehensive training in a range of visual effects, storytelling, and 3D animation techniques. Learners can also receive advanced-level instruction by enrolling in Creative Talent Network’s Animation Masterclass. This Los Angeles-based program provides instruction in a range of essential animation techniques, including set design, motion effects, character design, layout, and coloring.

Additionally, those interested in certification in a specific animation tool can sign up to take an exam like the Adobe Certified Associate in After Effects or the Adobe Certified Professional in Multiplatform Animation Using Adobe Animate. Information on each of these exams and how to sign up is available on Adobe’s website.