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Computer Animation Courses Online

Learn computer animation techniques for creating dynamic visual content. Understand keyframing, motion capture, and animation software like Maya and Blender.

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Explore the Computer Animation Course Catalog

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The University of Tokyo

    Interactive Computer Graphics

    Skills you'll gain: Visualization (Computer Graphics), Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Computer Graphic Techniques, Human Computer Interaction, Animations, User Interface (UI), Design, 3D Assets, Technical Design, Algorithms, Simulations

    4.1
    Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
    ·
    308 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • C

    Coursera Project Network

    Create Training Videos with Powtoon

    Skills you'll gain: Animations, Editing, Writing and Editing, Content Creation, Video Editing, Video Production, Training and Development

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    318 reviews

    Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Blender for Filmmakers: Create Floating 3D Objects

    Skills you'll gain: Animations, Adobe After Effects, Computer Graphics, 3D Modeling, 3D Assets, Animation and Game Design, Motion Graphics, Image Quality, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Post-Production, Video Editing, Virtual Environment

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Learn Non-Scary Adobe After Effects: Masking & Motion Basics

    Skills you'll gain: Adobe After Effects, Motion Graphics, Animations, Video Editing, Post-Production, Graphic Design

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of California, Santa Cruz

    Data-Driven Animation for Science Communication

    Skills you'll gain: Scientific Visualization, Data Literacy, Data Visualization Software, Animations, Data Presentation, Video Editing, Data Storytelling, Adobe After Effects, Graphics Software, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Storyboarding, Adobe Premiere, Peer Review, Motion Graphics, Autodesk Maya, Post-Production, Computer Graphic Techniques, Technical Communication, Style Guides, Professional Development

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    14 reviews

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Beginner After Effects: Logo Animation

    Skills you'll gain: Adobe After Effects, Motion Graphics, Animations, Multimedia, Logo Design, Video Editing, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, 3D Assets, Computer Graphics, Creative Design, Typography, Graphic Design, File Management, Color Theory, Image Quality

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Computer Vision

    Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, Multimodal Prompts, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Deep Learning, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Generative Model Architectures, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Computational Thinking, Generative AI, Applied Machine Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Linear Algebra, Data Processing, Data Transformation, Dimensionality Reduction, Probability Distribution

    Build toward a degree

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    12 reviews

    Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Cel & 2D Animation: Streamline Workflow in Procreate Dreams

    Skills you'll gain: Animations, Motion Graphics, Storyboarding, Adobe After Effects, Computer Graphics, Video Editing, Apple software proficiency, Color Theory, Storytelling

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Career Skills to Become a Professional 3D Animator

    Skills you'll gain: Constructive Feedback, 3D Assets, Cooperation, Autodesk Maya, Contract Negotiation, Entrepreneurship, Animations, Animation and Game Design, Growth Strategies, Invoicing, Collaboration, 3D Modeling, Professional Development, Professionalism, Goal Setting, Stress Management, Rapport Building, Planning, Customer Acquisition Management, LinkedIn

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Blender for Filmmakers: Bring Your Vision to Life

    Skills you'll gain: Animations, Post-Production, Adobe After Effects, Computer Graphics, 3D Modeling, 3D Assets, Video Editing, Image Quality, Motion Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Animation and Game Design, Virtual Environment, Performance Tuning, Photo/Video Production and Technology, Video Production, Image Analysis, Data Import/Export

    Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Preview
    Preview
    E

    EDUCBA

    Unreal Engine: Apply & Demonstrate Skeletal Animation

    Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, 3D Assets, Animations, Data Import/Export

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: New
    New
    Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    S

    Skillshare

    Special Effects

    Skills you'll gain: Adobe After Effects, Animations, Video Production, Post-Production, Video Editing, Motion Graphics, Storyboarding, Ideation, File Management, Content Creation, Timelines, Graphics Software, Creativity, Color Matching

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

1234…535

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular computer animation courses

  • Interactive Computer Graphics: The University of Tokyo
  • Create Training Videos with Powtoon: Coursera Project Network
  • Blender for Filmmakers: Create Floating 3D Objects: Skillshare
  • Learn Non-Scary Adobe After Effects: Masking & Motion Basics: Skillshare
  • Data-Driven Animation for Science Communication: University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Beginner After Effects: Logo Animation: Skillshare
  • Computer Vision: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Cel & 2D Animation: Streamline Workflow in Procreate Dreams: Skillshare
  • Career Skills to Become a Professional 3D Animator: Skillshare
  • Blender for Filmmakers: Bring Your Vision to Life: Skillshare

Frequently Asked Questions about Computer Animation

Computer animation is the process of creating visual content using computer software and tools. It involves designing and manipulating digital objects or characters to simulate motion and create lifelike or stylized animated sequences. Computer animation finds applications in various industries, including entertainment, gaming, advertising, education, and virtual reality, bringing imaginative worlds and characters to life through the use of technology. ‎

To excel in computer animation, you need to develop the following skills:

  • Artistic Skills: A good understanding of traditional art principles, such as drawing, composition, color theory, and character design.
  • Animation Principles: Knowledge of animation principles, including timing, spacing, anticipation, follow-through, and exaggeration, to create believable and appealing movement.
  • Computer Software: Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects to create and manipulate digital assets.
  • 3D Modeling and Texturing: Ability to create 3D models of characters, objects, or environments and apply textures or materials to enhance their visual appearance.
  • Rigging: Understanding of the rigging process to create a digital skeleton and control the movement of 3D characters or objects.
  • Keyframe Animation: Skill in animating characters or objects by setting keyframes to define their poses and movements over time.
  • Motion Capture: Familiarity with motion capture techniques and tools to capture real-world movements and apply them to digital characters or objects.
  • Visual Effects: Knowledge of visual effects techniques to add elements such as particles, simulations, or dynamics to enhance the realism or visual impact of animations.
  • Storytelling and Narrative: Ability to convey stories and emotions through animation, understanding pacing, camera angles, and scene composition.
  • Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with other animators, artists, and professionals in the animation pipeline.‎

With computer animation skills, you can pursue various job opportunities, including:

  • 3D Animator
  • Character Animator
  • Visual Effects Artist
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • Game Animator
  • 3D Modeler
  • Texture Artist
  • Rigging Artist
  • Storyboard Artist
  • Multimedia Designer

These roles involve creating animated sequences, characters, and visual effects for industries such as film, television, gaming, advertising, and digital media.‎

Computer animation is well-suited for individuals who possess the following qualities:

  • Creativity: A strong imaginative and artistic inclination to bring characters and worlds to life through animation.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in crafting nuanced movements, facial expressions, and visual details to create realistic or stylized animations.
  • Patience and Perseverance: Willingness to invest time and effort in refining animations and continuously improving skills.
  • Collaboration and Communication: Ability to work effectively in teams, take feedback, and contribute to a collaborative creative process.
  • Technological Aptitude: Comfort with using animation software and keeping up with technological advancements in the field.
  • Storytelling Skills: An understanding of storytelling principles and the ability to convey emotions and narratives through animated sequences.
  • Adaptability: Readiness to adapt to evolving industry trends, techniques, and software tools.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Dedication, discipline, and a passion for the craft of animation.‎

Several topics are related to computer animation that you can study to enhance your skills and knowledge, including:

  • Animation Principles and Techniques
  • 3D Modeling and Sculpting
  • Rigging and Character Setup
  • Texturing and Shading
  • Lighting and Rendering
  • Visual Effects and Dynamics
  • Motion Capture Techniques
  • Storyboarding and Storytelling for Animation
  • Motion Graphics and Typography
  • Digital Art and Design Fundamentals

Exploring these topics through online courses, tutorials, workshops, and practical projects will provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and techniques used in computer animation, enabling you to create compelling and visually engaging animated content.‎

Online Computer Animation courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Computer Animation skills. Choose from a wide range of Computer Animation courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Computer Animation, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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