Advanced After Effects Masterclass
Bridge the gap between creative execution and technical automation. Take your skills from an intermediate level to an elite, production-ready standard.
Course Details
- Duration: 6 Saturdays
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM WAT
- Mode: Hybrid — Online or in-person at Orange Seed Academy, Surulere, Lagos
- Software: Adobe After Effects
- Level: Intermediate → Advanced
Master the Art and Engineering of Motion Design
To break through to the top tier of the industry, you need to treat motion design not just as an art form, but as a scalable engineering discipline. This intensive 6-week curriculum is meticulously designed by instructional experts to bridge the gap between creative flair and technical automation.
By pairing advanced foundational mechanics—like velocity curves and scripting—with complex production pipelines, you will build the technical muscle required to tackle high-end commercial briefs with unmatched speed and efficiency.
The 6-Week Advanced Curriculum
Week 1: Velocity Mastery & Kinetic Tech UI (The Fintech Engine)
- Market Trend: High-fidelity UI micro-interactions and ultra-smooth kinetic branding for premium fintech platforms.
- Core Learning: Mastering the Graph Editor (spatial vs. temporal interpolation), responsive UI layouts, and translating design systems into motion paths.
- Advanced Workflows: The Lottie Constraints Framework for iOS/Android/Web, and vector optimization to eliminate sub-pixel blur.
- Weekly Mini-Project: A sleek, 10-second financial app micro-interaction promo video with a production-ready JSON asset bundle.
Week 2: Advanced Expression Engines & Kinetic Automation
- Market Trend: Data-driven animation and modular, client-ready template development that eliminates repetitive manual keyframing.
- Core Learning: Deep dive into the JavaScript expression engine, interpolation methods (
linear(),ease()), and index-driven cascading offsets (valueAtTime(),index). - Advanced Workflows: Pseudo Effects, Custom Control Sliders via Essential Graphics, and writing try/catch blocks to error-proof code.
- Weekly Mini-Project: A modular, multi-tier kinetic typographic title rig controlled by a single master Null layer via expression sliders.
Week 3: Advanced Character Performance & Quick Rigging
- Market Trend: Rapid-turnaround 2D and 2.5D character explainers for commercial advertising and social campaigns.
- Core Learning: Bypassing manual keyframing using industry toolsets like Duik Angela and Limber, setting up IK/FK limbs, and automating walk cycles.
- Advanced Workflows: Programmatic weight distribution and overlap physics, and viewport optimization to eliminate lag.
- Weekly Mini-Project: A fully rigged, expressive brand mascot optimized for rapid-turnaround commercial changes.
Week 4: Mixed Media, Analogue Nostalgia & AI Spatial Compositing
- Market Trend: Gritty, tactile, mixed-media collage art dominating modern advertising and high-end music promos.
- Core Learning: Creating custom procedural textures, torn paper simulations, and breaking flat AI generations into clean, multi-plane layers.
- Advanced Workflows: Frame-rate decoupling (stop-motion pacing) via Posterise Time, and alpha channel reconstruction for complex AI edges.
- Weekly Mini-Project: A premium 15-second mixed-media commercial opener utilizing style-matched AI generations and dynamic multi-plane projection.
Week 5: Mastering the New Native Advanced 3D Workspace
- Market Trend: Blending high-end 3D product assets directly into After Effects without heavy third-party plugins.
- Core Learning: Deep dive into AE’s native Advanced 3D Renderer, importing GLTF/OBJ assets, and applying Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials.
- Advanced Workflows: Vector extrusion, 3D typography blending, and HDRI environment mapping for perfect color profiling.
- Weekly Mini-Project: A cinematic product visualization sequence featuring an imported 3D product model with realistic lighting reflections.
Week 6: High-Velocity Pipelines & The Million-Naira Pitch
- Market Trend: Scaling production output and winning top-tier agency retainers by proving elite pipeline speed and rock-solid technical delivery.
- Core Learning: The business of speed, developing custom scripts for asset management, and assembling a high-impact showreel.
- Advanced Workflows: Studio operations, render farm setups, cache optimization, mapping milestones via ClickUp, and tracking shot-level tasks through Kitsu.
- Weekly Mini-Project: Direct portfolio critique, file template optimization, and a live pitch presentation to secure corporate retainers.
Target Audience
Motion Designers & Animators
Professionals who are determined to smash through creative plateaus, master expression engines, and adopt studio-grade workflows.
UI/UX Designers
Professionals aiming to specialise in high-fidelity micro-interactions, responsive UI layouts, and kinetic product presentation.
Video Editors & Multimedia Generalists
Professionals who want to increase their production velocity, command premium fees, and confidently pitch to top-tier agency retainers.
Meet Your Instructors
Richard Oboh
Founder, Orange VFX
Founder, Orange VFX
Bringing 17+ years of technical pipeline mastery, production automation, and advanced studio workflows to ensure your projects run flawlessly.
Kayode Makinde
Creative Director, Orange VFX
Creative Director, Orange VFX
An expert in high-end creative direction, advanced visual styles, and cutting-edge design paradigms to elevate your aesthetic identity.
Investment & Pricing Matrix
Early Bird (Save 10%)
₦180,000
- Full live stream or physical seat access
- Weekly mini-project review and feedback
- Access to standard class source files
Standard Tier
₦200,000
- Full live stream or physical seat access
- Weekly mini-project review and feedback
- Access to standard class source files
VIP Tier
₦300,000
- All Standard Inclusions
- Full access to all advanced project files and source assets
- Free 30-day post-training mentorship programme
- Up to 2 hrs/week of 1-on-1 virtual support for personal or studio projects
- Lifetime access to the private Orange Seed Academy Alumni Discord network
- Exclusive “Studio Handoff” toolkit: pre-built expression rigs & pipeline folders
- Direct referral pathway to Orange GAP for qualified students
- Top performers considered for Employer Network job placements, T&Cs apply
- Complimentary lunch during all in-person Saturday sessions in Surulere
Prerequisites
- A portfolio-ready showreel featuring fintech, titles, character rigging, mixed media, and 3D projects.
- Professional After Effects workflows designed for real-world client work.
- Certificate of completion from Orange Seed Academy.
- Eligible graduates may gain access to Orange VFX Studios’ freelance talent pipeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What portfolio do I need to submit, and what happens if I don't have one?
We ask applicants to share a few samples of prior After Effects or motion work so we can make sure the course is pitched at the right level for you — this isn’t a gatekeeping review. If you don’t have a formal portfolio yet, send us whatever you’ve got (school projects, personal experiments, even unfinished work) or reach out directly and we’ll talk it through with you.
What software and tools do I need installed?
Adobe After Effects (a current version, ideally CC 2024 or later) is the core requirement. We’ll also work with plugins like Duik/Limber for rigging during the character performance week — full setup instructions are sent to you before the course starts.
What exactly does job placement consideration mean for VIP students?
VIP-tier students who complete their capstone project to a strong standard are considered for opportunities through Orange VFX Studios’ production network as they come up. This isn’t a guarantee of a job or contract — it means your work and progress are visible to our studio team when relevant openings arise.
Is it live, recorded, or both — what if I miss a Saturday?
Sessions are live and hands-on, with direct feedback on your own work each week. If you miss a Saturday, let your instructor know — sessions build on each other, so we’ll help you catch up before the next class rather than leaving you behind.
What's the difference between Early Bird, Standard, and VIP?
Early Bird (₦180,000 / $160) is our lowest rate for early registration. Standard (₦200,000 / $180) is the regular rate. VIP (₦250,000 / $240) includes everything in Standard, plus one-on-one mentorship from our Community Support lead through your capstone project, and consideration for job placement through our studio network.
What will I actually walk away with?
A completed capstone motion graphics project for your portfolio, hands-on experience with velocity/easing, expressions, character rigging, 3D workspace and studio pipeline workflow, and direct feedback from working Orange VFX professionals across six weeks.
Is there a refund or transfer policy if my registration doesn't work out?
Our standard refund policy applies — see orangevfx.com/training/policy for full details.
How many seats are actually available, and how are they filled?
This is our founding cohort, so spaces are deliberately kept small to protect the level of hands-on feedback every student gets — particularly for VIP mentorship. Seats are filled on a first-registered basis; if demand is strong we’ll consider a small amount of flex above our initial cap rather than turning committed students away, but early registration is the safest way to secure your place.