Adobe After Effects Beginners (Level 1)

Hands-On Training Taught by Experts

Live, Online, Instructor-Led

Skills you can use immediately

14 hours of classroom training | Additional assignments outside of class
Professional Textbook
Download materials with practice data files
One month of technical support
One year for a free re-take (for attended students of public classes only)
Certificate of Completion

Adobe After Effects Classes In Adobe After Effects Beginners classes (Level 1), you will learn to create content for commercial video and motion picture production, designs for the web, and graphics for use in presentations. Today’s marketing needs dynamic visual effects and motion graphics to help build engaging visual content. Learn how to become a visual effects professional and impress your audience with breathtaking motion graphics.

The Adobe After Effects for Beginners Class is hands-on and intensive, but designed to help make difficult topics easier to understand. Your instructor, an Adobe Certified Expert, will work with you closely to make sure that you avoid common mistakes when creating, designing and exporting 2D/3D compositions and vector animation projects.

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Upon successful completion of the Adobe After Effects for Beginners class, students will be able to:

Explore the Adobe After Effects environment and workflow
Work with a composition and apply special effects
Create transparencies and 2D animations
Color correct video and replace/remove unwanted elements
Integrate Adobe After Effects with other applications
Output video files

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are stand-alone Adobe and visual design classes for?

Stand-alone classes are designed for working professionals who want to build, refresh, or expand specific digital design skills without committing to a longer certificate or bootcamp program. These classes are ideal for adults with some college or professional experience who want practical, immediately applicable skills.

How are stand-alone classes delivered?

All stand-alone classes are delivered online with live, instructor-led sessions. You’ll learn in real time, ask questions, and participate in hands-on activities alongside other professionals.

What software do I need before class starts?

You are responsible for installing the required Adobe software before your first session. Most classes require the latest version of the relevant Adobe application (such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign). Information about software access, student discounts, or free trials is provided before class.

How long is a stand-alone class?

Class length varies by topic and level. Some stand-alone classes are single-session workshops, while others run as short multi-session courses. The total time commitment is listed on each class page.

What if the class doesn’t have a scheduled date?

Some stand-alone classes are offered by request only. If a class does not have a set schedule, you can request more information or express interest, and a member of the DWC team will follow up with availability options.

Will this class help me at work right away?

Yes. Stand-alone Adobe and visual design classes focus on practical workflows, best practices, and real-world use cases so you can apply what you learn immediately in your current role.

Do I need prior design experience to take a beginner-level class?

No prior design experience is required for beginner-level classes. Basic computer skills—such as using a mouse, keyboard, and managing files—are expected. Each class page lists any recommended or required prerequisites.

Are these classes hands-on or lecture-based?

Classes are hands-on and practice-focused. Instructors guide you through exercises and workflows used in real-world visual design and creative projects, with time built in for questions and feedback.

Do I earn a certificate after completing a stand-alone class?

Stand-alone classes do not result in a full certificate but do provide valuable skill development. Many classes can be applied toward a certificate program if you choose to continue your training.

Is there homework or work outside of class?

Some classes include optional or recommended practice exercises to reinforce what you learn. Any project-based work is designed to fit into a working professional’s schedule.

Can my employer pay for this class?

Yes. Many professionals attend stand-alone classes using employer professional development funds or workforce training benefits. DWC can provide documentation or invoices upon request.

Prerequisites

Basic digital literacy including file management is required.
Adobe Illustrator Level 1 or equivalent knowledge is required.
Introduction to Design Fundamentals is recommended, but not required.
It is required you install the latest Adobe Illustrator & Adobe Bridge software before starting class. Learn about Adobe CC student rates through DWC here or download a trial from Adobe.com

Talk to a student advisor to ensure you have the right pre-requisites for each class or program

14 hours of classroom training | Additional assignments outside of class
Professional Textbook
Download materials with practice data files
One month of technical support
One year for a free re-take (for attended students of public classes only)
Certificate of Completion

Why Training at DWC?

Since 2006, Digital Workshop Center has customized training for a wide variety of skill level, training goals, group size & more.

Benefits of DWC training include:

Custom private and group training options
Tailored lessons and labs for real-world skiils application
Support and mentoring every step of the way

Talk to our Admissions Team about your training needs & group size, and they can provide a pricing quote.

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Rhonda R.

I have really appreciated working with Ally to get things lined up and enrolled into the digital blueprint program, The process was easier than i thought it would be and there is support at every turn. I love how taylored this introductory first class is, I feel confident that i will finnish with what i need to know to move forward in a good way.

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Great experience on my way to my frist certificate program

Adrianne S.

I took the Introduction to UX Design course. I learned so much and gained proficiency in Adobe Illustrator a program that has plagued me throughout my career. I would definitely recommend DWC to anyone looking to break into UX design or even get a refresher in Adobe or figma.

Ken H.

I have not started any classes yet. I do like the manner of follow-up, support and assistance they have provided in the onboarding process to start classes. I look forward to learning more about Digital Marketing

Jessica R.

I did the UX Design course with Digital Workshop Center from Oct 2023 to Feb 2024. It was a fun and engaging experience. I learned a lot and I look forward to using the experience I’ve learned to future jobs. I took the course from Italy and even though the hours were night/early morning for me, it worked because I have small children. Also my instructor was understanding of the time difference for me. I enjoyed this class and would recommend it to anyone considering it. Especially military spouses or veterans using the VA Benefits.

Andi H.

I took part in the Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, and UX Design certificate programs. The programs are pass/fail weighted mostly in participation. Which takes a lot of pressure off students so they can focus on learning, creating, and fine-tuning their new skills. Or, that’s how I felt. The online class environment was also really helpful in that regard. The instructors were all supportive and seemed genuinely invested in our success. They also offer career coaching sessions which can be really helpful. It’s been my experience that these classes are mainly targeted for beginners. Regardless, there's always things to be learned as each instructor and student has their own approach to creativity and problem solving. Mainly these courses helped me to better conceptualize my ideas and professional goals which was the most beneficial. All in all - all good things!

Grace

Great experience learning data science. Live sessions were intense but meaningful. No second was wasted. Mentally you have to prepare for how challenging the Data Science cert is

Brian H.

I definitely recommend their Photoshop classes. Kevin H. Is a great instructor. Knowledgeable and takes whatever time he needs to according to every single students needs. Veterans should def take this if they plan to use Photoshop for anything at all that might make you some money.

Matthew F.

I just finished the Video Design course with DWC and feel safe to recommend any course they offer because each instructor I had was at the top of their field and very very professional. The assignments involved real-world working projects that could be used in your portfolio and the informaiton provided was exactly what was needed to learn or enhance your skills. Every staff member that I worked with were extremely professional, helpful, and friendly. DWC is highly recommended.

Luis C. Z.

Excellent resources, generous opportunity, and high quality instruction.

Dart L.

The best experience I have ever had leasing office space, hands down. Everything was quite efficient and all my questions were answered. Less than 24 hours elapsed from a personal tour to executed lease. Thank you! Now I can't wait to take a class or two to continue to grow some of my tech skills.

Kim B.

Betsy was a wonderful teacher capable of answering all my questions within the limits of Level 1 Access, I look forward to the next level class and would request this instructor again.

Robert H.

Easy to contact and enroll in courses. I found they have a course that I need to further my career, contacted them and enrolled in said course in less than two weeks.

Jamilah R.

I've had a positive experience with DWC so far. Liz has been very helpful in providing me all the of the necessary documents to get enrolled. I'm looking forward to learning a lot from my courses this semester.

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Due to my wife's ongoing medical needs that keep growing, I had to go back to work to be able to pay the bills. I needed a skill I can do at home. I love flying drones, but I was not so good at making videos. I now believe I will go to the front of the class if I apply myself and learn how to create great eye-catching videos. I am very grateful for getting a veteran scholarship and I am eager to get started.

Alisha J.

I'm happy to say I just completed 2 certifications with DWC: Digital Marketing and Advanced Graphic Design. I needed to update my existing design skills to become more competitive in the job market. These classes certainly delivered!
Shout out to Jake VanNewkirk and Alan Peters who were a couple of my favorite instructors. The staff at DWC, specifically Liz and Ally, were incredibly helpful in coordinating with my workforce center rep to get me through debt-free with a WIOA grant and the Women in Tech scholarship!
So grateful for this incredibly valuable opportunity!

Juliette R.

I've taken a few courses with DWC, and I'm regularly checking the site to see what else piques my interest. The organization is well organized (shout out to Liz!) and the support for making sure students have the access to materials and tech support make this kind of study really inclusive.

Ashley S.

Easy to follow, personable instructor. Doesn't take too much time to complete. Intermediate wasn't as challenging as I had hoped for but then again maybe I don't know my skill level LOL

Rosemary R.

I am very excited to be involved with Digital Workshop Center!! I am excited and grateful to learn and grow and have it be with such nice people and professional, too!! Thank you to Liz and everyone else!!

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Digital Workshop Center and it's instructor's (Betsy L. Are/Were Amazing they make there range of courses very friendly and easy to follow along as well as the hands on experience. For those needing a refresher or are unsure or afraid to reach out to Digital Workshop Center for help I strongly recommend that you take that leap of faith I promise you will not regret it. I came in unsure, and confused. I left the courses I took feeling very confident, and with better understanding of all I had learned and was taught with working with Digital Workshop Center. another great life decision I made Rick T.

Joe

I am new to the school, and so far I am very impressed with the process. The staff has been very helpful. Great communication and professionalism. I am taking the Digital Marketing course and I will update my review later. Thank you.

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I just enrolled in Digital Workshop Center after a recommendation for a program and grant from my WIOA workforce specialist. The Center Manager, Liz, is amazing to work with and was able to get me into a program starting in as little as two weeks! Very impressed with the speed and efficiency of the entire school and look forward to starting my classes soon.

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I have worked with Adobe Suite since 2008. Here I have learned BRAND NEW Techniques and became more verse with other programs in The Creative Cloud that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE and put me so much more ahead of the competition. I learned a WHOLE NEW set of skills I didn't have prior. Thank you guys!!! I proudly achieved my Certificate from DWC!!!! Thank you!

Bryan H.

I am new to the school, and so far I am very impressed. The staff are fantastic to work with, and are very knowledgeable . I am taking the Digital Marketing course, and the instructor is outstanding. The information is current, and useful. I will take more classes because you get exactly what you pay for, no fluff, and no unnecessary filler classes. You learn from very experienced instructors that have real time experience and use the most current information . Thank you.

Qadir B.

I found I needed to refresh several of my skills in applications that have evolved since I first learned them.

Andrea C.

Over the years, I've taken dozens of one-off classes, attended various Lunch-and-Learns, and sought out and completed two different certification programs at the Digital Workshop Center.

In that time, I've watched the institution grow and florish, and continuously strive to provide quality education and professional development to those who've sought it. I've never been disappointed with my investment—each time I complete a class or certification, I depart feeling confident in my abilities to put my learnings to good use and eager to return for another course.

I always look forward to seeing Liz's and Stu's friendly faces; their professionalism, guidance and communication is excellent. They are always eager to assist you, whatever your level or expertise and goals.

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The instructors are professional and knowledgeable about the courses they are teaching. They are also very patient with those who have no prior knowledge of the subjects. I’m in the certificate program and new to web development and am surprised at how in-depth the classes are. There are no cutting corners or skimming the subjects. They dive well into the subjects and cover a lot of material.

Cody S.

Just finished up a great course on Microsoft Excel. The Instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with all of his students. i walked away with a new appreciation and great insight for the time tested software that will help me "excel" in my career. Thanks Stu Crair and the Digital Workshop Center.

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Chris N.

I took photoshop classes from Jake at Digital Workshop Center. Classes were great and I learned a lot. I will definitely continue to use them to learn more skills and have already booked my digital marketing classes. Great space for businesses to send employees to learn new skills.

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