Best Animation Classes Canada: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Canada Animation Courses by School

Here are some of the top Canada schools offering Animation training, including The Training Company (1 course). We’ve also included 1 school that offer live online courses you can take from anywhere, including Canada.

Noble Desktop

NYC location: 185 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10016 US

Founded in 1990, Noble Desktop offers part-time and full-immersion courses on anything you can think of from design and coding to business. Located in New York City and providing courses both online and in-person, Noble Desktop prides itself on accommodating dynamic courses and bootcamps with hands-on learning, time-tested curriculums, and education from top industry experts.
Noble Desktop’s Top Live Online Animation Courses
- After Effects Bootcamp
  - 18 Hours
  - $975
  In this 18-hour class, participants will learn the important fundamentals of Adobe After Effects so they can start creating incredible motion graphics and visual effects right away. Attendees will learn to animate graphics, text, and photos. Students will learn to import designs (created in Photoshop and Illustrator) into After Effects, animate those designs, work with a timeline, keyframes, basic and custom easing (including the graph editor), and export the final animation as a video or animated GIF. Students will also learn to work with null objects, hold keyframes, start working with 3D objects, use video footage to create a movie title sequence, and more. The class includes a free retake and a step-by-step workbook.
- Motion Graphics Certificate
  - 96 Hours
  - $3,495
  In this certificate program, participants will learn the skills needed to get started in the field of motion graphics and video editing. Students will learn how to work with two industry-standard apps: Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro. Students will also be introduced to the principles of motion graphics as well as the best practices to go from concept to completion. Attendees will learn the skills needed to start a career as a motion designer or video editor and walk away with a video demo reel or portfolio to show prospective employers or clients. The program includes a free retake and several step-by-step workbooks.
- Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate
  - 126 Hours
  - $4,995
  Learn video editing, motion graphics (animation and video effects), and audio editing. Master Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. Then showcase what you've learned by creating video editing and motion graphics demo reels. This course comes with one-on-one mentoring sessions where you'll receive career advice, interview prep, and resume advising from an industry expert.
- Cinema 4D for After Effects Bootcamp
  - 18 Hours
  - $975
  In this Cinema 4D course, participants learn the basics of creating and animating objects in 3D. Topics covered include fundamental animation concepts, moving objects throughout a scene, creating realistic 3D models using lighting, and integration with After Effects. This class is great for graphic artists who wish to expand their skill set and gain an understanding of working in a 3D environment.
The Training Company

Toronto location: 180 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON, M5G 1Z8 Canada

The Training Company offers classroom training, onsite training, one-on-one training, custom courses and training manuals. Students can take courses on Microsoft Office products, Adobe software, or learn business skills. Graduates from most courses will have a reference manual to keep, as well as ongoing after-class support.
The Training Company’s Top Canada Animation Courses
- After Effects
  - 3 Days
  - $1,099
  This 3-day After Effects course will teach students how to create stunning motion graphics and professional visual effects. The class covers a wide range of After effects tools and concepts, including an introduction to understanding motion graphics, working with the After Effects interface, managing media, creating animations. The basics of masks, mattes, and keys, working with text and audio, advanced animation, and more.

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Learn More About Canada Animation Courses

What is Animation?

The process of animation involves the use of still images--drawn, painted, illustrated, or computer-generated--displayed in rapid succession to create the illusion of motion. Before the 1990s, traditional animation, in which animators draw or paint images onto celluloid sheets, was the method of animation. Now, with the advance of technology, traditional animation has largely died out, giving way to digital animation.

Movies, video games, television shows, and web content all utilize animation. A variety of animation styles have become popular across the globe, including cartoon-style animation and hyper-realistic animation. Japan has also established itself as an animation powerhouse with anime, a style originating within Japan that makes notable use of panning and zooming camera effects, action-oriented plots, flat expressions, and the suspension of time.

What Can You Do with Animation Training?

With animation training, you can begin working on animations for movies, television, video games, or online content. Individuals skilled in animation have found work in game development, visual effects, educational animation, and VFX art. When learning animation, you’ll likely gain practice with several industry-standard software, like Blender, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D. If working for an animation or video game studio doesn’t interest you, consider offering your animation services to companies on a freelance basis.

What Will I Learn in an Animation Class?

An introductory-level animation class will typically begin by teaching students the basic principles of animation, including timing, spacing, and exaggeration. You may also receive lessons in drawing and design principles, such as color theory. After covering the fundamentals, instructors often move to the concept of storyboarding so students understand the work that goes into planning animations. Related to storyboarding is character design.

The software you use in an animation class will depend on the class you enroll in. Some classes have students use a suite of software while others focus on only one. You’ll often see courses that include lessons in Adobe Animate, Blender, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe After Effects. When learning about your options, you may decide to enroll in a class focused on 2D or 3D animation as well.

How Hard is it to Learn Animation?

The less experience you have with animation and related skills, the more challenging you’re likely to find learning animation. Students with a previous background in art, particularly drawing, tend to find the fundamentals easier to learn than students with no prior experience with animation, drawing, or general art‌. Another challenge that some students face when learning animation is learning how to use animation software. For beginners, some software has an especially steep learning curve. If you find it difficult to use animation software, seek out expert instruction and take the time to practice as much as you can; soon enough, you’ll find learning animation comes easier to you.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Animation?

Learning animation takes several weeks to several years, depending on how advanced you want to become. Basic animation skills take a few weeks to a few months to pick up. Once you can comfortably use animation software, you’ll likely have been learning for several months. You can learn intermediate-level animation skills in around six months to one year, including polishing character designs and movements. After several years, you’re likely to have developed advanced-level skills and understand more difficult techniques like 3D modeling. The process of learning animation takes time and is ongoing, especially as technology in the field of animation continues to advance alongside developments in popular animation styles.

Should I Learn Animation In Person or Online?

Before enrolling in an animation class, consider whether you want to learn in person, live online, or asynchronously. If you can commute to a scheduled class and want to learn face-to-face, seek out in-person animation classes in your area. This style of class follows a traditional teaching structure and allows ample opportunity for you to ask your instructor questions and receive feedback. Live online classes also offer the benefits that come with a live instructor, but you’ll attend class remotely. This learning style offers flexibility when it comes to scheduling because you don’t have to commute to class.

Asynchronous classes offer students the most flexibility. In an asynchronous class, you’re expected to work through class content by yourself at your preferred pace. Some asynchronous classes provide students with a deadline, while others offer open, unlimited access to course content. Many students enjoy the flexible learning schedule offered in an asynchronous class, but a major drawback is the lack of instructors to answer questions and provide feedback.

Can I Learn Animation Free Online?

Not ready to commit to an animation class? Look for free online resources that can help you learn the basics of animation. Training centers, schools, and expert animators upload content for aspiring animators online to websites like YouTube. These videos teach students the basics of animation and may offer additional resources where students can learn more. You can also search online for animation-related forums where you can ask fellow learners and experts questions you have about animation principles, design, or even commonly used animation software. After learning the basics free online, consider enrolling in more extensive animation training, like an animation program or bootcamp.

What Should I Learn Alongside Animation?

If you plan on learning animation, consider also learning art fundamentals. Drawing, color theory, and composition can help you develop a solid art foundation, which will benefit your animating skills. Knowing art fundamentals will help you with character design, visual storytelling, and creativity. Practicing art can also help you develop better problem-solving skills, which you might put to use during the animation process.

Industries that Use Animation

Want to apply your animation skills to your career? Consider looking for an animation-related career in one of these.

Entertainment

Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have become major hubs for film and television in Canada. Canada offers tax incentives that have helped regions draw in domestic and international productions, like “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Vikings,” and "Orphan Black.” Animation plays a huge role in the entertainment industry, from animated films to animated television shows. Explore the animated media produced in Canada to discover where you can utilize your animation skills.

Advertising and Marketing

The advertising and marketing industry in Canada has, like many others, turned toward digital marketing, including the use of social media, SEO, and content creation to improve brand reputation and increase sales. This industry makes use of animation to garner the attention of the public, including social media users, and increase brand visibility. If you have animation skills and an interest in marketing, consider a role in this industry where you can combine the two.

Education

Canada has formed a reputation for an education system with high standards, from K-13 education to higher education. Home to world-class universities, publicly funded schools, and a hotspot for international students, Canada’s education industry has committed itself to fostering and attracting skilled and knowledgeable students. Within the world of education, animation finds its role in improving student engagement. Animation captures students’ attention and encourages participation. It can also help students better digest complex or confusing concepts.

Animation Job Titles and Salaries

Want to start a career in animation today? Here are several animation-related jobs and their salaries to consider.

Animator: Animators work on films, television shows, video games, and websites producing animations. They need both technical skills and creativity to succeed. In Canada, the average salary for an Animator is CAD 76,500 depending on the area of animation they work in.
Game Developer: Game Developers use their skills and knowledge of animation to create playable games from a game concept. They code visual elements, program features, and test the game to make sure it’s ready for the market. The average annual salary for a Game Developer in Canada is CAD 121,000, commensurate with experience.
Character Designer: Character Designers use their knowledge of character design and animation to create designs for films, movies, games, and other media. They usually use notes provided to them by a director or other creative working on the project, so they need to understand design principles and have a creative mind. The average salary for a Character Designer in Canada is CAD 110,000.

Animation Classes Near Me

After considering the type of animation class you want to enroll in and your goals for learning how to animate, check out the following animation classes available to you in person and online.

Noble Desktop offers a live online After Effects Bootcamp for beginners. In this program, you’ll spend 18 hours learning how to create video content with Adobe After Effects, including the basics of animation. Working on real-world projects will help you gain practical experience animating photos, graphics, and texts. Students who would like additional guidance can take advantage of a 1-on-1 training session offered by Noble.

Noble Desktop also offers a live online Motion Graphics Certificate program. You can expect to learn how to create motion graphics and visual effects in your choice of part-time or full-time class. An instructor will guide you and your classmates through hands-on projects using Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D Lite.

Working video game creators will teach students enrolled in the Toronto Film School’s Video Game Design & Animation Diploma program how to design, script, model, and animate characters. This six-term program will prepare students for prospective careers as Game Designers, Concept Artists, Level Designers, and even Game Animators.

The Vancouver Film School offers a 12-month 3D Animation & Visual Effects Program. Students will spend the program learning about 3D animation while specializing in animation, modeling, or VFX. During the program, students will also work on a master demo reel and have access to the school’s Alumni Directory and Job Board.

Animation Corporate Training

Does your team need animation training? Noble Desktop can provide your organization with team training in animation that meets your employees’ learning objectives and scheduling needs. When enrolling in corporate training, you have the option of selecting live online or onsite training options. Teams interested in corporate training can also purchase group vouchers in bulk at a discount from Noble Desktop. When purchasing group vouchers, you can select the courses available to your team to choose from. They’ll then schedule their training at a time that fits their schedules.

Reach out to corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn more about Noble Desktop’s corporate training services and receive help in determining which options best fit your team’s needs and goals.

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Top Canada Animation Courses

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Key Insights

Animation Topics

After Effects

Cinema 4D

Adobe Animate

Motion Graphics

Canada Animation Courses by School

Noble Desktop’s Top Live Online Animation Courses

The Training Company’s Top Canada Animation Courses

After Effects

Canada Animation Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Learn Animation for a New Career

Animator

Learn More About Canada Animation Courses

What is Animation?

What Can You Do with Animation Training?

What Will I Learn in an Animation Class?

How Hard is it to Learn Animation?

How Long Does it Take to Learn Animation?

Should I Learn Animation In Person or Online?

Can I Learn Animation Free Online?

What Should I Learn Alongside Animation?

Industries that Use Animation

Entertainment

Advertising and Marketing

Education

Animation Job Titles and Salaries

Animation Classes Near Me

Animation Corporate Training

Other Areas Within Canada

1 Animation Course Available in Ottawa

1 Animation Course Available in Calgary

1 Animation Course Available in Montreal

1 Animation Course Available in Vancouver

1 Animation Course Available in Toronto

Canada Animation
Corporate & Onsite Training