Are After Effects Classes Worth It?

With its extensive menu of features and capabilities, After Effects is the go-to motion graphics and visual effects application across industries for creating stunning animations, special effects, and motion graphics. Knowing After Effects is essential for launching a career in animation, motion graphics, or video editing and a plus on resumes in numerous other fields. As valuable as expertise in After Effects is, you may be wondering if investing in an After Effects class is worth it for you. The short answer is that if you want to master After Effects to expand your career horizons, then enrolling in a course is a worthwhile endeavor for you.

A rare few may be able to create a comprehensive After Effects syllabus from scratch or even prepare to pass the Adobe Certified Professional in After Effects exam independently. However, the vast majority will appreciate the guidance of a live instructor in the structured learning environment of an After Effects class when mastering the application for their current or future career. This article provides additional insights about the pros and cons of enrolling in an After Effects class to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your learning style, needs, and goals.

Consider the Costs

If you’re questioning whether After Effects classes are worth it, it may be because the price tag of some options has given you some sticker shock. Comprehensive bootcamps and certification-prep programs can set you back hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so it’s wise to research your course options before making such a significant investment. 

If you’re sure you want to achieve a professional level of expertise in After Effects, then this investment will more than pay off, thanks to the professional growth you’ll be able to achieve with what you learn in a high-quality class. Especially if you are planning to earn an Adobe Certified Professional certification in After Effects, you are unlikely to regret enrolling in a certification-prep course or bootcamp to prepare to pass that exam. However, if you’re uncertain about the usefulness of After Effects in your current job or if you’re still undecided about pursuing a motion graphics or animation career, your best course of action is likely to explore free introductory seminars on After Effects until you have a clearer idea of your goals. Once you’re ready to commit to learning After Effects, then the next step will be to compare the advantages and disadvantages of specific bootcamps and certification-prep programs to determine the best option for you.

Advantages of an After Effects Class

While attending an After Effects class is a considerable commitment of time and money, many will attest to their effectiveness in helping them launch their dream career or expand their current professional horizons. Read on to explore some advantages of attending an After Effects class.

General Benefits

A live After Effects class offers students several advantages over learning the application on their own. A live instructor supports class participants as an experienced guide, ready to troubleshoot issues and answer questions in real-time. Additionally, a well-structured curriculum and set schedule offer learners accountability and structure, whether they choose to attend an in-person or live online class. All these features can help students learn After Effects faster and more thoroughly, with the additional benefit of helping students retain the knowledge they learn through such an interactive experience.

Access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Learning Resources

Another compelling reason to consider enrolling in an After Effects class is the access many courses provide to Adobe Creative Cloud throughout the duration of the class. A subscription to Creative Cloud, which includes After Effects and other powerful tools, can be a significant expense. Classes that provide students with temporary access to Creative Cloud as part of their curricula allow them to learn and practice without the immediate need to commit to the software’s steep cost.

Alongside access to Creative Cloud, these classes also sometimes provide supplementary learning resources to any lecture or discussion during classtime. These may include workbooks, recorded lectures and seminars, and materials to help students study for their Adobe Certified Professional in After Effects exam when the course is a certification-prep program. While the tuition of an After Effects class can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars, the inclusion of these resources and software access can make the investment worthwhile, especially when learning After Effects for professional development. The support and tools provided by these courses can ease the learning curve and ensure students get the most out of their educational experience.

Learning Principles, Workflows, and Best Practices 

A significant advantage of attending an After Effects class is the ability to learn industry-standard motion graphics and video editing principles, workflows, and best practices to apply when working in After Effects. Unlike the often fragmented and unreliable information found through self-study, a well-structured class offers a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience.

Expert instructors share foundational principles that underpin professional motion graphics and animation work, ensuring students understand the “why” behind each technique. Furthermore, classes introduce efficient workflows that are crucial for managing complex projects and meeting tight deadlines, something that beginners might struggle to develop on their own. By learning best practices, students not only enhance their technical skills but also cultivate the habits necessary for producing high-quality, professional work consistently. This structured, in-depth education accelerates the learning process and builds a robust skill set, positioning students for success in their motion graphics or animation careers.

Personalized Feedback and Critique

One of the most impactful benefits of attending a live After Effects class is the personalized feedback and critique provided by expert instructors. This type of tailored instruction is invaluable for learners at all levels. Experienced After Effects teachers can offer insights that are specifically relevant to each student’s work, identifying strengths to build upon and areas that need improvement. This personalized approach ensures that students receive guidance that aligns with their individual goals and learning pace. 

Unlike generic online tutorials or courses, live classes allow for immediate feedback on projects, which can accelerate the learning process and lead to a deeper understanding of complex concepts. This individualized attention helps learners refine their techniques, avoid common pitfalls, and ultimately produce more polished, professional-quality work.

Networking Opportunities

One of the specific benefits of attending a live online or in-person After Effects class is the invaluable networking opportunities it can provide. Enrolling in a well-structured course places you in a community of like-minded individuals, ranging from beginners to seasoned professionals, who share a common interest in mastering After Effects. This environment fosters collaboration, allowing you to exchange ideas, receive peer feedback, and potentially work together on future projects. Additionally, instructors who are industry experts often have extensive networks and can offer introductions to potential employers, provide career advice, and share insights about industry trends. Building these connections can significantly elevate your professional growth and open doors to new opportunities within the motion graphics, animation, and video editing fields. 

Effective Support in Preparing for Certification

Enrolling in an After Effects class, especially one designed as a certification-prep program, provides extensive support in preparing to pass the Adobe Certified Professional in After Effects Exam. These specialized courses feature comprehensive curricula designed to lead students to expertise in After Effects, covering all exam objectives and ensuring students receive the instruction and experience needed to excel at test time. Experienced instructors guide participants through essential topics, including key tools, techniques, and best practices that are likely to appear on the exam. 

Additionally, certification-prep programs often include practice exams, study guides, and targeted exercises that help students gauge their readiness and identify areas needing improvement. The structured environment of the class, coupled with expert-led guidance and an abundance of preparatory resources, creates a comprehensive support system that significantly increases the likelihood of passing the certification exam. This level of preparation is invaluable for individuals aiming to validate their skills and gain a competitive edge in the motion graphics, animation, or video editing industry.

Considerations When Looking at After Effects Classes

After Effects classes have plenty to recommend them, but that doesn’t mean every course is an excellent option for every learner. Here are some factors to consider when assessing whether a class, bootcamp, or certification-prep program is the right fit for you. 

Time Commitment

Before selecting an After Effects class, it’s crucial to assess how much time you can dedicate to your education. Finding a class that aligns with your personal schedule is crucial for a successful learning experience. Live online and in-person classes both offer structured schedules that can be very beneficial in keeping students focused and accountable in their After Effects training. Self-paced classes allow you to create your own learning schedule, though those busy enough to require this may find it difficult to keep themselves accountable without a live instructor in these courses. Whichever class format you choose, remember to factor in homework—and the commute if you choose to attend an in-person course—in your time management plan.

Flexibility and Learning Pace

If you have time for an After Effects class but an irregular schedule, you may find that an asynchronous course is the best fit for you. Asynchronous classes, also known as on-demand courses, are hosted online without a live instructor. Any lectures are prerecorded, and students can do the coursework at whatever time best suits their needs. Self-paced is another term used to describe asynchronous classes in reference to the benefit they provide for those who prefer to set their own learning pace. However, others may find the fast-paced, structured learning style offered by in-person and live online classes more to their taste.

Identifying Your Learning Needs

It’s essential to be aware of your personal learning goals before shopping for an After Effects class, as you don’t want to enroll in more or less of a course than you need. If you’re simply curious about the tool and still exploring whether learning it is right for you, a short introductory After Effects class may be the most appropriate option for you. Or, if you’re already certain you need to learn After Effects quickly and thoroughly, you may wish to enroll in an After Effects Bootcamp. For those aiming for certification, a certification-prep program may be the best for you, offering targeted training to help you achieve your desired credentials.

If you’re at the beginning of your journey to launch a career in a field like motion graphics or video production, you may wish to enroll in a career-focused certificate program like Noble Desktop’s Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate. These programs teach all you need to know about After Effects as well as the other tools and skills you need to prepare for your dream career while also providing support through the process of building an impressive portfolio that will help you land your first job in your chosen field.

Is it Worth Enrolling in an After Effects Class?

Who will find it worthwhile?

An After Effects class can be highly beneficial for individuals at various stages of their motion graphics, animation, or video editing careers. Beginners looking to enter the industry can accelerate their educational journey by enrolling in a bootcamp. Intermediate users seeking to enhance their skills and workflows can benefit from expert instruction and personalized feedback, while experienced professionals may find that certification-prep programs provide them with the final push needed to obtain industry-recognized credentials. After Effects certification-prep programs are also beneficial to beginners planning to launch a career where an Adobe Certified Professional in After Effects certification is either a requirement or can give them a leg up when launching a new career. Aspiring Animators, Motion Graphics Designers, and Video Editors will all benefit from formal After Effects training to build their confidence and enable them to build the portfolio they need to demonstrate their skills to future employers.

Who might find it worthwhile?

While an After Effects class is undoubtedly beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in motion graphics or animation, it may also be worthwhile for individuals in related fields. Graphic Designers, Web Designers, Multimedia Artists, and video production professionals can all benefit from learning the powerful tools and techniques featured in the curriculum of After Effects classes. Additionally, marketing professionals and content creators who want to add dynamic animations and visual effects to their projects can also find value in an After Effects course.

Who probably doesn’t need an After Effects class?

Casual creators and hobbyist digital artists are unlikely to need an After Effects class to achieve the level of expertise they need to meet their learning goals. It’s possible that those learning After Effects for a significant personal project may benefit from paid After Effects training if they have the resources to invest. However, most individuals planning to use After Effects casually can learn what they need from free online resources like YouTube videos and tutorials on professional training schools’ websites.

Learn After Effects Skills with Noble Desktop

NYC design and coding school Noble Desktop provides a wide menu of After Effects classes that cater to learners with a variety of different needs and goals. Each of these is available live online to students worldwide or in-person in Manhattan. Read on to explore a few of Noble’s After Effects course options.

Noble Desktop offers an 18-hour After Effects Bootcamp suitable for beginners as well as long-time users of the application who would like to fill some gaps in their knowledge. Experienced instructors will lead you through a proven curriculum featuring lectures, discussions, and hands-on exercises that will ensure you master and retain the skills you learn in the program. Tuition covers several perks, including Noble’s proprietary workbook, a free retake option, one bonus one-on-one mentorship session, and a verified digital certificate of completion. The After Effects bootcamp covers all of the essentials of the application, from the basics to more advanced animation techniques like greenscreen removal and motion tracking. By the time you complete the bootcamp, you’ll be an adept After Effects user, able to transform images and text into animations, join clips with transitions, integrate video footage in your projects, and confidently create motion graphics and animation projects using the application’s many features.

For those whose goals include earning an Adobe Certified Professional in After Effects certification, Noble Desktop’s After Effects Certification Program provides all the training and support you need to pass the exam. Whether your current or future career is in animation, motion graphics, video production, or even design, this certification can expand your professional horizons. The After Effects Certification Program is a packaged bundle of Noble’s After Effects Bootcamp and their After Effects Advanced course, plus several other resources to help you prepare for your exam. These include six hours of one-on-one tutoring and a free retake option for the program if desired. The program’s tuition also covers the exam fee, a free exam retake, and a verified certificate of completion.

If you’re seeking an After Effects class in order to piece together an education to prepare for a career in video editing, motion graphics, or animation, you may wish to check out one of Noble’s career-focused certificate programs. These all-in-one comprehensive trainings are cost-effective alternatives to college degrees and will have you job-ready in a fraction of the time a university education requires. While Noble Desktop offers several certificate programs featuring classes in After Effects, their Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate program is an exceptionally comprehensive option, offering modules on all the tools you need to work in either field or even animation. Tuition covers training in After Effects, Premiere Pro, Adobe Audition, Cinema 4D in After Effects, and Photoshop, as well as guidance through building a professional portfolio and eight one-on-one mentorship sessions you can use as career support. All students receive the option to retake the program within one year and a verified certificate of completion upon graduation.