Animation is very important in this modern world of video games, films, advertising, marketing, etc. and the market needs the best animators. More and more animators choose online animation courses to perfect their skills in 2D or 3D animation. They choose these online courses primarily because of the cost, they are less expensive but also because they can take specific classes based on their needs without enrolling in a full-animation degree or because of the flexible program.
When choosing online animation courses be sure that the instructors work in animation industry and are up-to-date with the latest techniques and trends. Some interesting online animation courses that caught my attention I will introduce you further.
Image source: http://wonkyfilms.com/animation/
Online animation courses
Animation Mentor
Animation Mentor is the most known online animation school, founded by three character animators Bobby Beck, Carlos Baena, and Shawn Kelly in 2005, that still work in film industry. Animation Mentor is specialized in 3D animation and offers courses for both beginners and advanced animators. Some examples are: character animation courses, Creature Animation: Locomotion workshop, Game Animation Fundamentals, Cartoony Animation for 3D Animators, and more. These courses must be paid and prices start at $699.
Image source: http://blog.animationmentor.com/let-our-new-characters-tell-your-story/
2D Animation 101
2D Animation 101 is a Cartoon Animation Training school for anyone who wants to learn how to bring their characters and stories to life. Their trainers have background in film-making and they will help you learn how to actually produce a feature film, how to compose amazing shots, how to do casting, voice recording, animating, post production, music and sound effects, how to write a good story. They cover different techniques for specific areas in the production of 2d animation films. They have a variety of animation courses on different animation and editing software. Prices start as low as $9.
Image source: https://courses.2danimation101.com/
Animation A Team
Animation A Team is another online animation school, founded by Rob Hemmings, an experienced animator, who has worked on movies like The Dark Knight, Harry Potter films, and more. They offer courses for beginners, intermediate and experienced animators, varying from five days to eight months. Some interesting courses are 8 month online 3D creature animation course, 6 month online stop motion course, 1 month online smoothing and refining techniques course, etc. Also these courses must be paid.
Image source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaWvaRFzBHs
Larry’s Toon Institute
Larry’s Toon Institute is a free online animation site run by the animator Larry Lauria. She offers several free online animation courses about character construction, timing, anticipation, posing, character walk, and more. You will also find hints and tips that will help you to improve your skills.
Image source: http://www.awn.com/tooninstitute/lessonplan/overlapping.htm
AnimSchool
AnimSchool is another online animation school founded by Dave Gallagher in 2010. It is a professional animator and rigger at Blue Sky Studios and all instructors are also animators who are still working in this field, at studios like Dreamworks, Pixar, Disney, and more. They have programs for 3D Animation, 3D Character, modeling and rigging.
Image source: https://animschool.com/Catalog/ProgramDescription.aspx?ID=2
I Animate
I Animate is a popular online animation school started by the animator Jason Ryan. The I Animate team is formed by animators that work in the animation industry. They offers workshops about game animation, feature animation, creature animation, rigging, motion capture, modeling, and more. Plus, they post weekly demos with Jason Ryan, Jason Ryan animation training, recorded lectures, etc.
Image source: https://vimeo.com/127961028
Udemy
Udemy is an online learning and teaching platform used by many adults and students that want to improve their skills. They have more than 40,000 courses including animation field. Some examples of courses are: Cinematography for 2D Animation Essentials, Body Language in Character Animation, 2D Animation Essentials in Anime Studio Pro 11, The Ultimate 2D Game Character Design & Animation Course, and more. Courses are either at no charge or for a tuition fee.
Image source: https://www.udemy.com/3dmotive-the-animation-workflow-in-maya/
Animation Apprentice
In 2012 Alex Williams founded Animation Apprentice, an online animation school that teaches the art of character and creature animation. He has worked in this field for 25 years and was an animator, designer on more than 20 films for studios like Disney, DreamWorks, Fox, and more.
Image source: http://animationapprentice.blogspot.ro/
Bibliography
You can take a look at the following sites to learn more about these online animation courses. They also were a source of inspiration for me in writing this post.
http://bestonlineanimationschools.com/
http://www.animationateam.com/
http://animschool.com/Default.aspx
http://www.freeonlinecoursesforall.com/2013/11/11/10-free-online-animation-courses/
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