Learn Adobe After Effects CC for Beginners

Learn Adobe After Effects basics through practical examples and real situations. Create visual effects and motion graphics with confidence and no prior knowledge required.
Learn Adobe After Effects CC for Beginners

Quick Facts

  • Duration: 184 minutes
  • Level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: Basic video editing knowledge
  • Instructor: Jordy Vandeput, Filmmaker and YouTuber with 2M+ subscribers

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Is This Course Right For You?

Ideal For

  • Video editing enthusiasts familiar with basic video editing wanting to learn VFX and motion design
  • Creative professionals looking to add motion graphics and visual effects to their skillset
  • Advanced After Effects users
  • Those seeking highly technical deep-dives
  • People with no video editing experience

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Master the After Effects interface and core functionalities
  • Create professional motion graphics and animations
  • Implement visual effects and compositing techniques
  • Understand tracking and masking principles

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How You'll Learn

Teaching Style Distribution

  • Video Lectures: 60%
  • Hands-on Practice: 25%
  • Interactive Elements: 5%
  • Projects/Assignments: 10%

Primary Learning Methods

  • Method1: Practical demonstrations, Step-by-step tutorials showing real-world applications, e.g. Creating visual effects for landscapes and animations
  • Method2: Project-based learning, Hands-on projects that build on concepts taught, e.g. Creating logo animations and visual effects

Best Suited Learning Styles

  • Visual learners
  • Hands-on practitioners
  • Project-oriented individuals

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Content Depth Analysis

Major Topics

1. Interface and Fundamentals (15% of course)

  • Depth Level: Comprehensive
  • Key Components:
    • Workspace overview
    • Timeline management
    • Basic tools
  • Main Takeaways: Navigate After Effects confidently, Understand core workflows

2. Visual Effects and Compositing (30% of course)

  • Depth Level: Intermediate
  • Key Components:
    • Masking
    • Tracking
    • Blending
  • Main Takeaways: Create professional visual effects, Combine multiple elements seamlessly

3. Motion Graphics (25% of course)

  • Depth Level: Intermediate
  • Key Components:
    • Text animation
    • Shape layers
    • Expressions
  • Main Takeaways: Design dynamic motion graphics, Create professional animations

Coverage Overview

Comprehensive Coverage

  • Interface basics
  • Essential tools
  • Core workflows

Foundational Coverage

  • Motion tracking
  • Effects
  • Animation principles

Limited Coverage

  • Advanced expressions
  • 3D integration
  • Script writing

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Skill Development Path

Required Starting Point

Must Have:

  • Basic computer skills
  • Video editing fundamentals

Helpful to Have:

  • Adobe Premiere Pro experience
  • Basic design knowledge

Development Stages

1. Foundation Phase

Skills Developed:
  • Interface navigation
  • Basic tool usage
  • Layer management
Practical Outcomes:
  • Create simple compositions
  • Apply basic effects

2. Intermediate Phase

Skills Developed:
  • Visual effects
  • Motion tracking
  • Animation
Practical Outcomes:
  • Produce professional effects
  • Create dynamic motion graphics

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Success Factors

Keys to Success

  • Regular practice with provided exercises
  • Following along with demonstrations
  • Completing the assigned projects
  • Experimenting with learned techniques

Preparation Steps

Before Starting:

  • Install Adobe After Effects CC
  • Download course materials
  • Set up a workspace
  • Adobe After Effects documentation
  • Course project files
  • Online After Effects communities

Next Courses:

  • Advanced After Effects techniques
  • Motion graphics specialization
  • Visual effects masterclass

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About the author

Course Insights

by Gareth B. Davies

Course Insights by Gareth B. Davies

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