How to Become an Animator At Home

Some learners prefer to study animation independently rather than enroll in an in-person class. Many self-teaching resources are available that can help learners study animation from the comfort of their own homes. Whereas in-person training requires commuting to regularly scheduled meetings at a designated training facility, home study occurs entirely in the remote learning environment. This article will explore some popular at-home training resources for aspiring Animators, such as free resources, on-demand courses, and live online classes, so you can decide which study option or options are best for you.

What Animator Training Method is Right for Me?

If you’re interested in learning animation and want to do so from home, you may not be certain which resources are available or how to determine which ones are right for you. Those interested in pursuing at-home study options can choose between live classes like certificate programs or bootcamp or self-guided resources like on-demand classes and free online tutorials. Live online training provides an engaging and interactive way to explore animation. These classes allow learners to connect in real-time with an expert instructor who has industry experience creating engaging animations and to learn alongside a cohort of other students. 

Those seeking live instruction can opt for introductory-level bootcamps that focus on a particular animation tool or skill, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Cinema 4D, or choose more intensive programs like certificates that cover a range of popular animation applications and tools. Certificate programs are particularly useful for aspiring Animators because they often provide professional development incentives and live instruction. Those interested in dictating their learning speed and determining their timeframe for completing their studies may prefer to work with online resources like YouTube videos or online tutorials. Many top educators also offer on-demand classes; these classes provide students with the flexibility of completing their animation training as their schedule permits.

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, 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. 

Can I Learn to be an Animator from Home?

Learning animation from the comfort of your home has never been easier, thanks to the plethora of training options available from top educators nationwide. Students can opt for training materials that involve live instruction, such as bootcamps or certificates that take place on Zoom, or choose self-paced materials like YouTube videos, free tutorials, or on-demand coursework. Some students prefer to work with a single mode of training, such as pursuing a certificate in motion graphics, whereas others utilize several options, like on-demand classes and tutorials, to ensure they optimize their studies. 

What are the Advantages of Learning from Home?

Home-based animation training has many advantages for learners. Rather than having to waste time battling rush-hour traffic to attend classes or spend extra money on parking and gas, students can complete all their studies from the comfort of their home space. Those who don’t live near a major city where training centers are located or who lack reliable transportation options may find online study a more viable alternative than in-person training. Live online animation classes provide learners with the same supportive learning environment as in-person study, including access to a live instructor, in-the-moment feedback and support, and hands-on, project-based training. Participants are encouraged to ask questions as they arise and receive immediate clarification as they master various animation tools and techniques.

Those who want to study animation through asynchronous content like on-demand classes or videos have the additional benefit of establishing their own learning pace. They can devote an entire weekend to learning Adobe After Effects or spread out their studies for half an hour each day over weeks. Since this type of content is pre-recorded, it’s up to the learner to determine their learning pace. Students can pause lessons, rewind them to facilitate note-taking or rewatch entire classes to ensure they’re fully grasping the skills being taught. Another benefit of working with asynchronous content is that it’s typically a much more cost-effective training option than live programs; some content is even posted online for free. This makes this type of animation training a low-stakes way to explore this popular field.

What are the Disadvantages of Learning from Home?

Even though home study has a range of advantages, there are several drawbacks to consider before opting for this type of training. Those interested in learning animation from home must be self-motivated learners who are able to commit to their studies without formal deadlines or oversight from an instructor. This type of content leaves it up to the student how long they wish to devote to a project or lesson. Students interested in learning animation will need to regularly practice the techniques and tools they are learning to ensure they can optimize them in their animations. Another consideration of at-home study is that no computer lab is provided for students. This means that those who want to learn animation on their own will need to have a reliable internet connection and all the applications and software necessary for study already installed on their computing device. Home learners must also find a quiet space within their home environment to devote to their studies. This may be challenging in home environments that are shared with roommates or family members.

What Resources are Available to Help Me Become an Animator at Home?

If you’re ready to learn animation from home and are trying to decide between various training options, you may be unsure which resources will be most useful for your training to help you achieve your educational goals. The following sections will explore several popular types of animation training content, including free online resources, on-demand classes, and live programs so learners at all levels can find the best at-home training format for them.

Free Online Resources & Trials

Free online animation resources are a great way to get started learning about animation at home without having to commit to a formal course. Many top providers around the globe post content like YouTube videos and online tutorials so students can acquire a basic understanding of this in-demand field. Noble Desktop offers a free Intro to After Effects course that provides learners with ninety minutes of instruction on how to work with core concepts like motion tracking, layers, blending, color space, and video compositing. Noble’s Learn Hub is also a great resource that provides articles on popular animation concepts and tools. Students can read about what career paths you can pursue with animation skills, how difficult it is to become an Animator, and what topics you can learn once you have studied animation. 

Free software trials are another excellent way for some learners to get their feet wet in the world of animation. Adobe provides users with free trials of all of its programs, which can be a great way to experiment with a given tool before purchasing a license or subscription. Additionally, free alternative animation applications are available to aspiring Animators, including Blender and Frame.io. However, when working with these tools, learners should be aware that they will have limited functionalities. Free apps like Blender include fewer beginner-friendly training options since they are geared toward more advanced users. 

Platforms like YouTube and Twitch also provide a space for creative individuals to process videos and share content. Although these tutorials aren’t designed to teach specific apps or programs, they provide a good way to understand the process involved with creating digital animations.

While free online resources can be a great way to learn basic animation concepts or tools, this type of training has some limitations. Since new animation tools and software updates are regularly released, free online content can quickly become dated. Those interested in studying through free online resources should research the provider to ensure the content they’re selecting reflects the most current software engineering best practices. Additionally, since this material is relatively short, it often provides only basic-level training. Those seeking to learn animation for a current work project or to pursue an entirely new career path will likely need more structured coursework at some point to help them fully master the complexity of this field.

On-Demand Classes

Some learners who wish to study from home enroll in on-demand animation courses. Providers like Udemy and The Academy of Animated Art provide asynchronous coursework on topics like character animation, pixel art, VFX visual effects, and 2D animation for beginners. Self-paced classes are a good option for those who need to fit their animation studies in with other professional or personal commitments. Since these classes are pre-recorded and placed online, students can decide when they want to complete their training and how long they’d like to spend doing so. This flexibility allows them to pause or rewind lessons as needed. Course length varies significantly with on-demand animation training; some programs require just a few hours to complete and teach a specific animation skill, whereas other courses are more robust and can take months to graduate. Price points vary depending on course duration. Some providers offer free options, whereas others provide subscription-based services or for-fee individual courses.

Along with the benefits of asynchronous coursework come several drawbacks to weigh. While some learners appreciate being able to set their own learning pace and study schedule, others may find it difficult to motivate themselves without strict deadlines for completing homework or projects. Other students miss the support they gain in live study from their peers. Since no instructor or other students are present in on-demand training, this can make it difficult for some learners to fully master advanced animation skills or concepts that may take trial and error to perfect. On-demand coursework is usually best suited for self-motivated learners who can work independently and are able to budget the time necessary to practice the animation skills they’re studying.

Live Online Classes and Bootcamps

If you want to learn animation at home but do so in the live online environment, there are many excellent live online animation classes available for learners at all levels, including bootcamps and certificate programs.

Live Online Bootcamps

Animation bootcamps offer learners many benefits. Not only do participants have the opportunity to study animation from home in an accelerated environment using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom, but these courses are also career-focused. This combination ensures you’ll be a more well-rounded job candidate armed with the real-world training and professional skills needed to succeed in a range of animation roles. Most animation bootcamps require just several weeks or months to complete, which is just a fraction of the time of four-year college study. Most bootcamps provide learners with the option of selecting part-time or full-time study, which allows them to pace their animation training around their existing schedule. The career support services included with many of these programs are an additional incentive for participants. Bootcamp tuition often includes access to job fairs, job boards, or networking events, or provides students with job interview training or individual mentoring to ensure they’ll be ready to land a job upon graduation.

Noble offers several bootcamps for aspiring Animators. Students can learn in-demand tools by enrolling in Cinema 4D in After Effects Bootcamp or Premiere Pro Bootcamp to receive hands-on training from an instructor with industry experience working with these programs.

Live Online Certificates Programs

Another popular way to gain live animation instruction from home is to enroll in an animation certificate program. These comprehensive learning options provide instruction that’s intended to take participants from beginner-level animation skills into more advanced concepts over several weeks or months, depending on whether the participant opts for part-time or full-time training. Certificates typically cover a range of in-demand motion graphics tools and applications Animators will use on a daily basis, including Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Cinema 4D. In addition to learning basic animation concepts and best practices, participants learn how to create 2D and 3D animated objects and compile a professional demo reel that can be shared with prospective employers. Certificates also provide learners with professional development perks like 1-on-1 mentoring sessions or LinkedIn profile critiques to ensure they will be workforce-ready upon graduation.

While live online training is the most engaging way to learn animation from home, this study format has some potential drawbacks learners should consider. First, all students will need a strong internet connection to attend live classes from home and have all the necessary software installed and ready to use on their computing devices. Also, the cost of live study is usually higher than on-demand content since it includes access to an instructor in real time. This extra investment is well worth it for most learners, who will benefit from being able to ask questions and receive personalized feedback on the animations they create.

How to Find Animator Work at Home

Animators don’t only work in studios; some have the flexibility to work remotely for their employer, whereas others opt for careers as Freelancers in which they get to serve as their own boss. Those interested in securing animation projects for home work through freelance gigs will need to be self-motivated individuals who can wear many hats that combine animation skills with business training. Professionals who are just getting started working in this capacity will need to establish themself as an Animator to attract initial clients. Common ways to search for animation job postings are using tools like Indeed.com or Glassdoor.com. Platforms such as these provide a way for aspiring Freelance Animators to browse hundreds of job posts and directly apply for those that match their skill set. These resources are a good starting point in the job search for entry-level animation positions.

Freelance Opportunities

Because home-based animation jobs are secured on a per-project basis, Animators interested in this career path must always be on the lookout for new professional opportunities. This requires having a strong resume, an attention-grabbing demo reel that showcases their best animation projects, and an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, all of which are ready to send when a new job appears. Until a steady client base is established, most freelancers must regularly promote themselves and their work to ensure a steady flow of projects. Those with a strong animation background will find many high-paying professional options awaiting them across industries and professions. As Freelance Animators gain experience and client recommendations, they enjoy the creative freedom to decide which projects to pass on and which to tackle. This allows them to tailor their work around what they enjoy doing most, as well as what they’re best at, and avoid projects that don’t feel like they’re a good match. 

Finding Remote Jobs as an Animator

Those interested in securing remote animation jobs can choose from many of the same career paths they would if they were employed in-house, including those that focus on video game design, digital advertising, medical animation, multimedia animation, or motion graphics design. Because animation is used across industries, this skill-set is currently in-demand in a range of exciting and creative fields.

Succeeding with the freelance job hunt requires several important components. The first is knowledge of essential animation tools, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Cinema 4D. This sort of training can be achieved in many ways. Some individuals opt for in-person study at college or through bootcamps or certificate programs. Others prefer the flexibility of learning through self-teaching resources like on-demand classes and YouTube videos. The bottom line for most employers is that the job applicant presents a strong demo reel, a resume that showcases their skills and prior training, and a strong cover letter that contextualizes why they’re a good match for this specific job. Since remote positions can come and go very quickly, it’s essential for the Freelancer to regularly consult job posts on platforms like Glassdoor or sign up for alerts since these opportunities can come and go very fast. This is why most individuals seeking freelance work keep a current resume that’s ready to tweak and send when a new opportunity arises.

Finally, preparing for the job interview is essential to finding a remote animation job. Some employers may require face-to-face interviews, whereas others will conduct these using a teleconferencing platform. Once you’ve reached this late stage of the job application process, you will need to brush up on several skills to make a good impression. Reviewing mock interview questions you’re likely to encounter during the interview is always a good idea since it can prepare you for several types of interview situations. Be prepared to speak about topics like your animation style, your creative process, any prior experience you have collaborating, and how you approach revisions. Researching the employer and their corporate culture and values is also essential. 

How Will Remote Work as an Animator Differ from On-site Work?

If you’re trying to decide between in-house or freelance animation jobs, there are several key importance to remember. In-house roles provide a set amount of stability for the employee. Projects are regularly provided, which ensures work will not run out. Onsite Animators usually 

work a standard full-time day, though they may have to work longer as deadlines for specific projects approach. These full-time positions usually include benefits, paid time off, and the promise of regular work. However, they do not allow the employee to pick and choose which work they would like to complete.

Freelance Animators, on the other hand, serve as their own bosses. These individuals enjoy many perks that come along with this role. They can select which animation projects they wish to work on at any time and which they would prefer to pass on. This affords them more creative freedom than those who work in-house and must complete their assigned work. These professionals may opt for one large project, such as a feature-length movie, that takes several months (or even longer) to complete or select several shorter projects that require only weeks. Freelance Animators have the flexibility of choosing when and where they’d like to work. Whether they wish to work on their laptop storyboarding a project at a local coffee shop or do so from the comfort of their own home, the bottom line for Freelancers is that they complete the project they were hired to work on and do so in the timeframe their client has specified. However, with this flexibility comes certain concessions, such as not receiving benefits or paid time off. It’s essentially up to the Freelance Animator to continue finding work and budgeting for variables like healthcare or days off.

Learn the Skills to Become an Animator at Noble Desktop 

If you want to learn animation, Noble Desktop has several exciting educational opportunities available for individuals at all proficiency levels. In Noble’s Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate, participants receive comprehensive hands-on training intended to prepare them to pursue a career in motion graphics or video editing. Instruction is provided on core Adobe apps like Cinema 4D Lite, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Audition. All participants in this program create a professional demo reel that can be shared with prospective employers. This certificate program includes eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. Financing options are available.

If you’d like to take your motion graphics skills to the next level, you can do so in Noble’s Motion Graphics Certificate. This intensive program teaches students how to create visual effects and motion graphics using Adobe After Effects. Participants study how to make 3D animations using Cinema 4D Lite. They also explore how to edit videos with Adobe Premiere Pro. This certificate program teaches students how to develop a project from concept into design and ultimately to fully animated graphics. Graduates of this program leave with a demo reel of motion graphics projects that can be shared with future employers to highlight their skills. Five 1-on-1 mentoring sessions are provided as part of this program.

For those who want to focus their training on a specific Adobe application, Noble offers After Effects Bootcamp. This hands-on program takes students from the basics of animation, such as navigating the workplace, up through advanced techniques, including green screen removal and motion tracking. An expert instructor with real-world animation experience teaches this project-based course. Tuition includes a bonus 1-on-1 mentoring session that can be used to drill down on difficult bootcamp concepts or for professional development purposes.

All Noble courses include a free course retake for up to one year. Instruction is provided in person in New York City and live online.