Course Overview

Hello and welcome to EarthTab business school. My name is Migue Santos and I will be your preceptor for the course Animation and Motion Graphics Basics. 

In the 21st century, motion speaks louder than words. From digital billboards to explainer videos, from animated Instagram posts to interactive product promos, animation and motion graphics have become the lifeblood of modern communication. These dynamic forms of visual expression blend art and technology to breathe life into ideas, concepts, brands, and messages.

The Animation and Motion Graphics Basics course is a gateway into this exciting creative universe. It is not just a training, it is a transformation. It is designed to turn you into digital creators, visual storytellers, and animated brand communicators, equipped with the skills to craft motion-driven content that commands attention and delivers impact.

Why This Course Is Relevant and Timely

The digital age has redefined communication. Static images and plain texts are no longer enough to captivate audiences, especially in the social media era where every swipe counts. Motion grabs attention. Animation holds it. And visual storytelling drives engagement, emotion, and action.

This course is relevant because:

• It empowers individuals with in-demand digital skills that are portable, monetizable, and scalable.
  
  

• It provides a launchpad for careers in animation, digital marketing, video editing, and content creation.
  
  

• It allows entrepreneurs, small business owners, and content creators to stand out without depending on third-party designers.
  
  

• It levels the playing field for African youth, women, and freelancers who want to tap into the global creative economy.
  
  

Whether you’re looking to become a freelance animator, elevate your social media content, or add animation to your brand strategy, this course arms you with the right tools to begin that journey.

What You Will Learn in This Course

This course breaks animation and motion graphics into bite-sized, beginner-friendly lessons, progressively building your skillset with theory, demos, and practice. You will learn:

1. Foundational Concepts of Animation and Motion Graphics

• What is animation? What are motion graphics?
  
  

• Differences between traditional animation, 2D, 3D, and motion graphics
  
  

• Real-life applications in advertising, entertainment, education, social media, etc.
  
  

• Case studies of successful animations and what makes them work

2. The 12 Principles of Animation

These are the timeless rules of animation developed by Disney animators to create realistic motion:

• Squash and stretch
  
  

• Anticipation
  
  

• Timing and spacing
  
  

• Ease in and ease out
  
  

• Arcs
  
  

• Exaggeration
  
  

• Appeal
  …and more, explained and demonstrated in simple, relatable ways

 3. Motion Mechanics: Timing, Keyframes, and Transitions

• What are keyframes and how do they control motion?
  
  

• How timing and spacing affect mood and emotion
  
  

• Simple motion techniques: fades, zooms, bounces, and reveals
  
  

• How to create movement that feels smooth, intentional, and engaging

 4. Animation Tools and Software for Beginners

• Canva Pro: Text animation, social media content, intros
  
  

• CapCut: Phone-based motion graphics, scene transitions, dynamic reels
  
  

• InShot: Editing and animating on mobile
  
  

• PowerPoint: For presentation-style motion
  
  

• Adobe After Effects (Intro only): For those looking to transition into pro-level work
  
  

• Basic interface navigation, timeline use, and exporting

5. Creative Project Planning

• Writing a simple animation script
  
  

• Storyboarding your idea
  
  

• Sourcing music, voiceovers, and sound effects
  
  

• Organizing visual assets (images, icons, characters)

6. Hands-On Animation Projects

You will complete real-world projects such as:

• A 10-second animated intro for a business or personal brand
  
  

• An animated quote or message for social media
  
  

• A mini-advert or explainer for a product or service
  
  

• An animated logo reveal

These projects serve both as practice and as portfolio pieces for freelancing, job applications, or brand promotion.

 Skills and Competencies Gained

After completing this course, You will be able to:

• Define and explain key animation concepts
  
  

• Use at least 2–3 beginner tools to create simple animations
  
  

• Build structured motion graphics projects from concept to export
  
  

• Understand and apply animation principles to any digital medium
  
  

• Prepare social media-ready animated content
  
  

• Kickstart a freelance career or expand their brand’s digital presence

Certification and Recognition

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be issued an official Certificate of Completion from EarthTab Business School Academy, verifying your participation and mastery of fundamental skills in animation and motion graphics.

This certificate is ideal for:

• Job seekers in digital media, marketing, or content creation
  
  

• Freelancers building trust with new clients
  
  

• Entrepreneurs applying for funding or showcasing capacity
  
  

• Youth and women using creative skills to unlock opportunity

• 
  eating animated CVs or personal portfolios

Final Words

Animation is not just art, it’s communication, marketing, storytelling, branding, education, and persuasion rolled into one. This course helps you gain the language of motion, so your message is not just seen, but felt, remembered, and shared.

With a blend of creativity and strategy, tools and principles, fun and functionality, this course stands as one of the most valuable digital skills programs for today’s creators.

I look forward to congratulating you upon completion of this course.