Where to Learn VFX Online: 3 Academies Worth Checking Out

Where to Learn VFX Online: 3 Academies Worth Checking Out

March 28, 2019
Ben Thompson

It's never to late to learn something new. These 3 academies will be worth your while!

Whether you’re interested in starting a career in visual effects, or you’ve been in the field for some time, it’s never a bad idea to sharpen your resume with VFX training.

We’ve looked at some great schools to earn a degree in VFX, but depending on your situation, it might be a good idea to pursue an online certification instead. 

Here are three cutting-edge academies that offer incredible training for visual effects.

1. Best Place to Learn Houdini | The VFX School  

With a straight-forward name like “The VFX School,” you can be sure you’ll receive outstanding training in the art of visual effects. They specialize in SideFX’s Houdini, an amazing VFX program we’ve covered the value of here.

The 32-week Houdini Renascence Program they provide features a robust, project-driven approach, which also allows you to start learning on your schedule and pace. While no certification is provided following your completion of the course, it does provide you with enough practical training and insight to compile your own eye-catching Houdini demo reel. 

Their remarkably low-cost training fee makes it a no-brainer course for anyone remotely interested in learning the ins and outs of one of the best VFX programs out there.

Here’s a glimpse of what their training can help you bring to the table.

Class Projects | Houdini Renascence Program | The VFX School from The VFX School on Vimeo.

2. Best Place to Earn Basic VFX Certifications | Udemy 

Udemy offers training in almost every field imaginable, but their VFX courses are definitely worth a look. The variety of visual effects training available there encompasses digital compositing, animation, 3d modeling, lighting, and more.

Not only are their courses incredibly affordable, but they also provide you with a certification upon completion of your course, which can be a major plus on your CV. 

The variety and relatively short length of courses lends you the ability to study aspects of VFX that may complement training you already possess. Udemy also lets you enjoy flexible training that fits your schedule.

3. Best Place for Advanced VFX Training with Diplomas | CG Spectrum 

When it comes to specialized training in advanced VFX, it’s hard to beat the scope of what CG Spectrum brings you. With courses like “Nuke Compositing for TV and Film,” the time you devote to developing your VFX education with them will be time well spent.  

What sets CG Spectrum apart from a lot of other online VFX educators are their connections that give them direct feedback from major studios on trends and best practices in the industry. They also have a terrific mentorship program where students are paired with leading professionals from VFX studios.

They offer everything from a Bachelor’s Degree of Animation & VFX, to more program-specific diplomas that you can achieve in a much shorter amount of time. CG Spectrum is a perfect option for those who are looking for substantial VFX training at just about any stage in their career.

Check out the video below to see what you can expect!
There are a ton of other great online universities for diving into visual effects, but these are a few that really stand out among the crowd. If you’re interested in some free VFX training online, we’ve compiled a list here of a few great (mostly free) suggestions.

We also strive to provide valuable VFX insight, tutorials, and training on the ActionVFX blog. Check out the archives for great resources, and keep an eye out for updates here every week!

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