Animation

The Ultimate Guide to Online Animation Courses: Free and Paid Options Reviewed

Animation is a fascinating blend of art and technology, bringing stories to life through the magic of motion. Whether you’re a budding animator or a seasoned professional looking to hone your skills, the internet offers a plethora of courses to suit every need. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore some of the best free and paid online animation courses available today.

Free Online Animation Courses

1. Khan Academy: Pixar in a Box

Overview:
Khan Academy, in collaboration with Pixar, offers “Pixar in a Box,” a series of free courses that delve into the art of storytelling, character modeling, animation, and more.

Pros:

• High-quality content created by industry professionals.
• Covers a wide range of topics from storytelling to rendering.
• Suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.

Cons:

• Limited depth compared to paid courses.
• Requires self-discipline and motivation.

Best For:
Beginners and intermediate learners who want to understand the basics of animation and storytelling from one of the industry’s leading studios.

2. Coursera: Animation and CGI Motion

Overview:
Offered by the University of London and Goldsmiths, this Coursera course introduces learners to the principles of animation and CGI motion.

Pros:

• Free to audit.
• Taught by experienced instructors.
• Covers fundamental principles and techniques.

Cons:

• Certification and graded assignments require payment.
• Some advanced topics are not covered in depth.

Best For:
Students seeking a foundational understanding of animation principles and techniques without financial commitment.

3. YouTube Channels: Alan Becker, Stylized Station, Blender

Overview:
YouTube is home to numerous animation channels like Alan Becker, Stylized Station, and Blender, offering tutorials ranging from basic animation principles to advanced techniques. Blender’s official channel and community-contributed tutorials provide extensive resources for learning 3D animation using Blender, a free and open-source 3D creation suite.

Pros:

• Completely free.
• Wide variety of tutorials available.
• Learn at your own pace.
• Blender’s resources are ideal for 3D animation enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Quality varies between channels.
• Lack of structured learning path.

Best For:
Self-motivated learners who prefer video tutorials and want to learn specific techniques or styles, especially in 3D animation using Blender.

Paid Online Animation Courses

1. Animation Mentor

Overview:
Animation Mentor is an online animation school that offers professional-level courses taught by experienced animators from top studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and ILM.

Pros:

• High-quality, industry-standard training.
• Personal feedback from professional animators.
• Comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of animation.

Cons:

• Expensive tuition fees.
• Requires a significant time commitment.

Best For:
Serious students and professionals looking to advance their careers with top-notch training and industry connections.

2. School of Motion

Overview:
School of Motion offers a range of courses focusing on different aspects of animation, including character animation, motion graphics, and more.

Pros:

• Structured curriculum with hands-on projects.
• Access to a community of fellow students and professionals.
• High-quality, detailed lessons.

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to some other platforms.
• Intensive workload.

Best For:
Aspiring animators and motion graphics artists looking for comprehensive training and community support.

3. LinkedIn Learning: 2D Animation Courses

Overview:
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) provides numerous courses on 2D animation, covering software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and more.

Pros:

• Wide variety of courses and topics.
• Monthly subscription gives access to entire library.
• Learn at your own pace.

Cons:

• Monthly fees can add up over time.
• Some courses may be outdated.

Best For:
Professionals looking to upgrade their skills and hobbyists interested in specific software or techniques.

4. Skillshare

Overview:
Skillshare offers a wide array of animation courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, taught by industry professionals. The platform covers various animation styles and software, including Adobe Animate, After Effects, and Blender.

Pros:

• Affordable subscription model with access to all courses.
• Wide variety of courses and topics.
• Community interaction and project-based learning.

Cons:

• Some courses may lack depth.
• Quality can vary between instructors.

Best For:
Learners who prefer a subscription model to access multiple courses and want a variety of animation styles and techniques.

Conclusion

Choosing the right animation course depends on your goals, budget, and learning style. Free courses like “Pixar in a Box,” Coursera’s offerings, and YouTube channels are great for beginners, while paid options like Animation Mentor, School of Motion, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare provide comprehensive training for those serious about a career in animation. For those in between, platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare offer flexibility and a variety of courses to suit different needs.

No matter where you start, the most important thing is to keep practicing and stay passionate about your craft. Happy animating!