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Designers! Learn After Effects to craft dynamic motion graphics. Elevate your design projects with expert techniques in video and animation.

2 day course     10am - 5pm     Live Online or Classroom-based

What you will learn

  • Understanding After Effects fundamentals, enabling graphic designers to move confidently from static layouts into professional motion workflows.
  • How to build motion-ready compositions efficiently, improving timeline organisation, layout precision and everyday productivity on real design projects.
  • Applying keyframe animation principles, helping designers create smooth purposeful movement without over-animating brand-critical visual elements.
  • How to design scalable animations with shape layers, producing flexible graphics suitable for social media campaigns presentations and web content.
  • Understanding Illustrator and Photoshop integration, empowering faster reuse of existing design assets within motion graphics pipelines.
  • Applying masks mattes and text animation techniques, enabling engaging reveals transitions and typographic motion for client-ready deliverables.
  • How to export optimised motion graphics confidently, improving playback quality and reliability across video social and presentation platforms.
  • After Effects Intermediate

    Amazing course - very thorough and detailed. I learnt a lot of valuable skills that I have applied to my content thanks to this course!

    Babcock Land Defence Limited
    November 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Really informative, a great course for beginners to After Effects.

    Galderma UK Ltd
    November 2026
  • After Effects Intermediate

    Lee's After Effects lesson was super fun and helpful. He talked through processes clearly and had a lot of patience for everyone on my team. Thank you :)

    Jersey Heritage
    October 2026
  • After Effects Intermediate

    Having a great tutor is invaluable. We went through everything in amazing detail. He loved when we asked questions and all got stuck in. Highly recommend. Thank you :)

    October 2026
  • After Effects Intermediate

    The team was great, really friendly and welcoming and we had a brilliant 2 days with Tom! It's really helped to open our eyes regarding workflow. Everything we learned was invaluable.

    Angling Direct
    October 2026
  • After Effects Intermediate

    We found it really informative and as it was catered to projects that we work on, it was extremely helpful. We ran out of time at the end, but we would most certainly like to do another one.

    Thames Valley Police
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Lee made it really easy to follow his instructions, going at a good pace for me to keep up and was able to answer any questions. I feel much more confident after completing the two days. Thanks!

    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Lee was a great tutor who went through everything in great detail to make sure we knew what was going on. Really happy with how much I learnt, can't wait for the Intermediate After Effects session.

    Ogilvy
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Patient and clear instructor. Excellent course syllalbus. I gained a LOT of new knowledge.

    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Very good course, easy to follow and covered a lot of important points.

    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Really helped me get to grips with After Effects. Covered lots over the two days, with one to one help when needed :)

    Ella M
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Thank you for the course. I personally found it very useful.

    Highlight
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Had a great experience doing the After Effects training course with Lee. Our trainer was brilliant and had a great wealth of knowledge. Hope to do another course soon.

    NHBC
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    I had to rush off and miss the end of class but it was fantastic.

    Pippa R
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    The venue was immaculate and Lee's tutoring was very comfortable and informative! We really enjoyed it and can't wait to start using what we learnt.

    William Bowerman
    October 2026
  • After Effects Intermediate

    Amazing course - very thorough and detailed. I learnt a lot of valuable skills that I have applied to my content thanks to this course!

    Babcock Land Defence Limited
    November 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Really informative, a great course for beginners to After Effects.

    Galderma UK Ltd
    November 2026
  • After Effects Intermediate

    Lee's After Effects lesson was super fun and helpful. He talked through processes clearly and had a lot of patience for everyone on my team. Thank you :)

    Jersey Heritage
    October 2026
  • After Effects Intermediate

    Having a great tutor is invaluable. We went through everything in amazing detail. He loved when we asked questions and all got stuck in. Highly recommend. Thank you :)

    October 2026
  • After Effects Intermediate

    The team was great, really friendly and welcoming and we had a brilliant 2 days with Tom! It's really helped to open our eyes regarding workflow. Everything we learned was invaluable.

    Angling Direct
    October 2026
  • After Effects Intermediate

    We found it really informative and as it was catered to projects that we work on, it was extremely helpful. We ran out of time at the end, but we would most certainly like to do another one.

    Thames Valley Police
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Lee made it really easy to follow his instructions, going at a good pace for me to keep up and was able to answer any questions. I feel much more confident after completing the two days. Thanks!

    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Lee was a great tutor who went through everything in great detail to make sure we knew what was going on. Really happy with how much I learnt, can't wait for the Intermediate After Effects session.

    Ogilvy
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Patient and clear instructor. Excellent course syllalbus. I gained a LOT of new knowledge.

    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Very good course, easy to follow and covered a lot of important points.

    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Really helped me get to grips with After Effects. Covered lots over the two days, with one to one help when needed :)

    Ella M
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Thank you for the course. I personally found it very useful.

    Highlight
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    Had a great experience doing the After Effects training course with Lee. Our trainer was brilliant and had a great wealth of knowledge. Hope to do another course soon.

    NHBC
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    I had to rush off and miss the end of class but it was fantastic.

    Pippa R
    October 2026
  • After Effects Introduction

    The venue was immaculate and Lee's tutoring was very comfortable and informative! We really enjoyed it and can't wait to start using what we learnt.

    William Bowerman
    October 2026

This After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course includes

  • bullet point icon Authorised Certificate
  • bullet point icon Lifetime support after your course
  • bullet point icon Course materials
  • bullet point icon Live Instructor-led training
  • bullet point icon Refreshments all day
  • bullet point icon Latest Mac or PC ready to go
  • bullet point icon Authorised Trainers
  • bullet point icon Hands-on exercises

Course Dates

   

Date Location Price (ex VAT)  
Thu 21 - Fri 22 Jan 2027 Live Online £695
Wed 17 - Thu 18 Feb 2027 London £695
Tue 2 - Wed 3 Mar 2027 Live Online £695
Thu 1 - Fri 2 Apr 2027 London £695
Mon 10 - Tue 11 May 2027 Live Online £695
Wed 23 - Thu 24 Jun 2027 London £695
Mon 5 - Tue 6 Jul 2027 Live Online £695
Tue 17 - Wed 18 Aug 2027 London £695
Tue 7 - Wed 8 Sep 2027 Live Online £695
Thu 28 - Fri 29 Oct 2027 London £695
Show more dates

Video success stories

Adobe Carlo
Roze and Erin
Josie and Vanessa
Adobe Quintijn
Exeter University Gloria
Danielle
Adobe Max
James from Digital Catapult
Amari doing Illustrator
Julia from Letters by Julia
Sage Francesca
Adobe Sven and Stephane
Adobe Lemeeka
Elena
Adobe Rishi
NHM Emma
Sage Filming with a Smartphone
Zahra from The Hoffman Agency
Adobe Claudia
Ellie from Sportd Industry Group
Annetta from The University of Westminster

Course Outline for After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction

After Effects Foundations for Graphic Design Motion Work

  • Establishing how After Effects fits within modern graphic design and motion workflows
  • Navigating projects compositions and panels with confidence
  • Setting composition dimensions frame rates and duration for digital outputs
  • Understanding layers timelines and transform logic for motion design
  • Using Properties and Essential panels to streamline common tasks

Building and Managing Motion-Ready Compositions

  • Creating compositions using presets for social web and presentation formats
  • Organising assets logically to support complex timelines
  • Managing layer order visibility timing and hierarchy
  • Trimming timing and previewing motion efficiently
  • Using snapping guides and alignment tools for layout precision

Keyframe Animation Principles for Designers

  • Applying keyframes to position scale rotation and opacity
  • Controlling timing and easing to create natural movement
  • Editing velocity curves for smoother animation results
  • Synchronising multiple animated properties coherently
  • Refining motion without over-animating graphic elements

Shape Layer Design and Procedural Animation

  • Creating and styling vector shapes directly inside After Effects
  • Animating strokes fills paths and transforms independently
  • Using repeaters offsets and procedural controls for scalable motion
  • Building layered shape systems rather than single-use animations
  • Experimenting with variation while maintaining brand consistency

Integrating Illustrator Artwork into Motion Projects

  • Importing layered Illustrator files with correct structure
  • Understanding document size versus layer size implications
  • Converting vector artwork into editable shape layers
  • Optimising Illustrator files for animation performance
  • Editing vector shapes natively after import

Working with Photoshop Assets in Motion Graphics

  • Importing layered Photoshop files correctly for animation
  • Managing alpha channels masks and transparency
  • Working with blend modes and layer styles safely
  • Using pre-compositions to keep timelines readable
  • Applying parenting and null objects for controlled motion systems

Masks Mattes and Visual Transitions

  • Creating masks for reveals cut-outs and animated focus
  • Animating Bezier masks with precision
  • Using track mattes with shapes and text
  • Applying adjustment layers for non-destructive effects
  • Controlling time properties including basic time remapping

Animating Scenes and Multi-Layer Graphics

  • Structuring complex scenes using groups and sub-groups
  • Animating layered illustrations efficiently
  • Copying and adapting animation timing across elements
  • Editing multiple keyframes simultaneously
  • Reversing and offsetting motion for visual rhythm

Text Animation for Graphic Design Motion

  • Creating and styling text layers appropriately
  • Applying text animators for reveal emphasis and rhythm
  • Customising text selectors and ranges
  • Reversing and combining text animations creatively
  • Saving reusable text animation presets

Trim Paths and Line-Based Motion Design

  • Drawing animated lines and outlines
  • Applying trim paths to single and multiple shapes
  • Timing path animations for clarity and impact

Exporting Motion Graphics for Real-World Use

  • Exporting animations for video social and presentation contexts
  • Preparing compositions for H.264 delivery
  • Creating lightweight animated GIFs when appropriate
  • Avoiding common export quality and playback issues
Show more

FAQs about the After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course

Is this After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course suitable for me?

This course is aimed at graphic designers who are new to After Effects or have been using After Effects for a while but have never had formal training or who would like to learn best practice in After Effects. If you are have any questions about whether the course could meet your needs, please speak to our customer service team. They will be delighted to advise you.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion of my After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course?

Yes, you'll receive a certificate of completion from Transmedia, demonstrating your knowledge and attendance on our After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course. Our certificates note our Authorised Training Centre status.

How is the content taught throughout the After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course?

Our After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course is extremely interactive. You will be using After Effects throughout the day, working through examples and live projects under the guidance of our trainer, who will be supporting you through each step.

What is the recommended number of people for the class when I attend the After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course?

For private classes in After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction, we recommend a maximum of 8 to 10 people from the same company in the class. Please ask our customer service team to help you find the right balance of people per class and the number of days training you need.

Should I attend the After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course in person or live online?

For in-person courses at our London training centre, you will receive a warm personal welcome, your choice of the latest Mac or PC and morning and afternoon refreshments. If you prefer to attend remotely, rest assured that you will be taught live by the same experts that deliver our in-person courses, covering the same training content, using the same exercises and materials. A second monitor is recommended but not essential.

What support is available after I attend the After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course?

We offer ongoing support to our After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction course attendees through email and by arrangement, phone calls. You are welcome to ask any questions on topics covered during training. Our trainer will always do their best to explain principles and help you with any issues you encounter.

After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction — Team and Bespoke Training

Booking a private training session allows you to focus on your exact needs on dates that work best for you or your team.

  • Sessions can be run online or in person, on your site or at our London training centre.
  • We manage training for many of the UK’s largest companies, taking care of all the admin, working with you to ensure the perfect course.
  • Our expert trainers will first understand your requirements and then tailor each session to your exact specification.
  • We offer a free consultation service to work out every detail of your course.

Private One-to-One Training

One-to-one tuition tailored to your exact requirements. Your choice of duration, dates and content.

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Team Training for Companies

Group bookings provide you with the most cost-effective way to train your team.


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