TOP CGI online courses for beginners

Over the years, one can say that Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) has become part and parcel of today’s digital society used for, among others, film production, gaming, marketing and advertising, as well as the creation of web content. With improvement of CGI technology, the demand for personnel proficient in making realistic movements, 3D modeling, AI strategies and construction of virtual environments also increases. 

For this reason, learning CGI for beginners is beneficial as the skill will be needed in significantly evolving industries and professions such as digital artists, animators, or other creative professions. In this regard, we have prepared a compilation of the best courses available online for beginners. These courses can commence in 2024 to try to bring you into the field of cyberspace graphics.

The 5 best CGI online ourses for beginners in 2024

Yukai Du Adobe (Domestika)

Yukai Du’s beginner CGI training for Adobe users is especially beneficial for those who are on the lookout for an ideal introduction to the combination of illustration and animation. Using After Effects, Animate, Photoshop, and more, you will be taught to turn a picture from a still image to a picture in motion.

• Content includes principles of animating in 2D, cutting and editing images, and animating ideas and images.
• Benefits include: This is great for illustrators, those for the first time in animation and even fans of the Adobe graphics products.
• Pricing: $19.99

Games in Maya: Learn animation (3dmotive/Udemy)

Games in Maya are very engaging online CGI classes, the best suited for game designers as well as everyone who is a beginner in animation. The course touches upon basic principles of animation like squash and stretch, slow-in and slow-out, and even exaggeration which are all crucial in animating gaming characters.

• Content: Core principles, character, and object animation in Maya.
• Duration: 4.5 hours.
• Benefits: Effective, short, and remarkable for new designers who want to work on game designs. 
• Pricing: $54.99 on Udemy.

A guide with Alex Cordebard (Udemy)

For 3D animation enthusiasts, this detailed 3D animation course online by Alex Cordebard is structured around Blender, freeware CAD software that specializes in 3D modeling. This is an easy course for people who have never come across Blender. It covers introductory lessons, and provides practical assignments using the Blender tools and 3D animation basics.

• Content: Basics of Blender, project-oriented approach, fundamentals of 3D animation. 
• Duration: 28 hours.
• Benefits: Lifetime access; suitable for beginners to intermediate learners.
• Pricing: $79,99.

Maya for beginners with Lucas Ridley (Udemy)

Aspiring 3D animators have a good first step to take with Maya for Beginners CGI tutorials. Working for Hollywood as a 3D Animator, Lucas Ridley takes the students from start to finish, creating an animated project and all the relevant techniques, such as character rigging, texturing, and lighting, which he also covers. 

• Content: Complete 3d animation, including animation sequence, rigging, lighting and texturing, and special effects.
• Duration: 29.5 hours.
• Benefits: Industry-standard software, project-based, taught by a Hollywood animator.
• Pricing: $74.99.

Eitan Grinspun: CGI and more (edX)

Columbian scholar Eitan Grinspun instructs this advanced CGI and More course for beginners centered on computer generated animation and physical simulation. The subject includes concepts of programming and mathematics, but it can be helpful to all passionate about learning the physics of CGI. 

• Content: Physical simulation, algorithmic animation, and programming in C++.
• Duration: 12 weeks, 8-10 hours per week.
• Benefits: Explains higher-level CGI techniques and covers physics-based animation.
• Pricing: Complimentary with limited access, full with unlimited access 249 Dollars.

What to look for in a course

When looking for a CGI course, you may want to consider the following: 

• Practical Exercises: It is advised to look for a course which will enable you to take practical projects because this will greatly assist you in practicing what you are taught.

• Instructor Support: The presence of live question-and-answer forums or any other kind of instructor feedback can help you understand the course better.

• Project Portfolio Development: Select courses that allow for project portfolio development since the portfolio will be helpful in selling more to employers and clients.

How to get started with the course

For someone who has opted for a CGI course one thing which may not be easy is keeping motivation level up; however with the right attitude so much can be achieved during this process.

• Set Clear Goals: Main thing which helps is having clear goals for what is going to be achieved with regard to every lesson.

• Practice Consistently: As with most crafts, practice always makes perfect, especially in CGI.

• Engage with Community: Being in forums and groups can allow you to stay focused and inspired in addition to learning in the process.