Adobe
After Effects for Graphic Designers Introduction
Animate your graphic design work in After Effects. Learn keyframes, shape layers and export techniques over 2 days.
Format
Live instructor-led
Hands-on, question-led sessions
Location
London NW10 or online
9 Station Terrace, NW10 5RT
Level
Introduction level
Small groups, hands-on, expert-led
Upcoming dates
Wed 5 – Thu 6 August 2026
Classroom
£645£695
Thu 3 – Fri 4 September 2026
Live Online
£645£695
Thu 1 – Fri 2 October 2026
Classroom
£645£695
Wed 4 – Thu 5 November 2026
Live Online
£695
Thu 3 – Fri 4 December 2026
Classroom
£695
Booking for a team? Want a different date?
Get team trainingInvoice payment available · Prices subject to VAT
Who this course is for
This course is for graphic designers with little to no After Effects experience who want to expand their skillset into motion graphics and animated typography for digital, social and web-based projects.
Prerequisites
No prior experience needed.
What you'll 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.
Course outline
What you’ll cover
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
Included
- Live expert-led instruction
- Practical exercises and workflow examples
- Live Q and A and troubleshooting with the trainer
- Follow-up support guidance
Frequently asked questions
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.
Reviews
Gorgeous premises and lovely, knowledgeable team. I really enjoyed my course (Adobe Firefly) - the tutor was friendly and professional and happy to answer any questions and tailor the course (I was the only student so had my own private session). The class room and the whole building is really well done, modern, clean and professional space that reflects the overall approach. They have fast and modern machines available to use or you can use your own devices. Highly recommended.
Quadrotech — June 2026
Fantastic and super valuable training! Fantastic and super valuable training! Tony shaped the training fully to our needs, adapted, accelerated and deep diving when needed. I learned so much these past days with tangible examples Tony provided.
Adobe — June 2026
The trainer, Lee, was excellent. He rattled through the key elements of Premiere Pro while keeping the course interactive and engaging. The small sessions made it easy to get 1:1 support or clarifications. The pleasant and well equipped office is well situated in Kensal Rise, so easy to find and get to. I learnt a alot - and now feel up to date with latest Premiere Pro options and AI integrations.
UNICEF — June 2026
Hi Brook, Sorry for the delay - I was on AL yesterday! The training was great, thank you. Tony was very thorough with everything and I definitely left with some new knowledge and skills. I'll leave a review later today. Thanks for sending the materials across. Have a lovely rest of your day!
Live Union — June 2026
I wish all training courses were run this well!
RPS Design — June 2026
The Design and Development areas of Clarks shoes has been using Transmedia as a training partner for eight years now, mainly in the 'creative' Adobe applications - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere. In that time we have built an excellent working relationship with the management and admin teams and several of their core trainers. This has had a major influence in raising the skill levels and quality of our artwork across our design teams- recently extending across the Atlantic, delivering training to our US based designers. Staying with Transmedia has given us continuity and enabled the trainers to really come to understand what Clarks require and thus able to deliver real value for money. The staff are always friendly and a pleasure to deal with - whilst being efficient and professional throughout. Nothing is ever too much trouble. I really can't recommend Transmedia highly enough.
Clarks International — June 2026
The course was excellent - exactly to my company's needs. All questions were answered and concepts explained very clearly.
Hannah Griffiths — June 2026
First class - The trainer was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions.
MOD — June 2026
The course itself was really informative and trainer was excellent. Poor communication and organisation between transmedia and QA meant my course was cancelled twice. I hope you improve this relationship. To be honest I would prefer to book direct through you next time, avoiding QA.
Deborah M — June 2026
The session on the 25th was brilliant, thank you. The SE's found it very useful and loved Tony's tips and tricks to help us update our prototypes quickly.
Salesforce — May 2026
I thought the course and the location were perfect
MOD — May 2026
Wonderful trainer Lisa - fun, friendly, informative and comprehensive course! Thank you very much indeed.
Structural Soils Ltd — May 2026
I have taken part in several Transmedia courses and will likely take part in a few more. From start booking to training Transmedia are brilliant to work with. Happy to answer all questions ahead of booking to help make sure you're on the right course (thank you Jo). The training itself is very thorough and the instructor, (Lee in my case) was happy to stop and go through any parts that were a struggle during the course.
Reach plc — May 2026
Very much appreciated and enjoyed the introductory course. It was very in-depth and Tony did a fantastic job of covering each individual section of Figma in great detail; no stone was left unturned. Tony is clearly passionate about what he does, which made the course that much more enjoyable and valuable. Looking forward to the advanced course next month - eager to continue learning more from him.
Wren Kitchens — May 2026
Very thorough course and enthusiastic trainer who was very helpful and responsive to individual needs.
NVIDIA — May 2026
I really enjoyed my course. Tony is a really good trainer and tailored the day according to my level and needs.
Delegate — May 2026
Great tutor well worth the money will definitely keeping in contact and very recommended
Workplace Options — May 2026
The trainer's knowledge was very strong and he was able to answer all my questions. Admin staff were very friendly and helpful.
VCCP — May 2026
Great course! Instructor went at a good pace and broke down complex functions into simple steps.
Adam W — May 2026
Very helpful, informative training. Relaxed atmosphere and felt very comfortable asking questions.
The White Company — May 2026
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