Evening Short course | Beginner friendly | Online/On-campus
Learn how to create breath taking effects!

What you'll learn?
Adobe After Effects
Duration
5 weeks
Next course
06 July 2026 – 05 August 2026
Price, starting from






Introduction to After Effects
Learning the Interface
Compositions and Layers
Motion Graphics
Keyframes
Shape Layers
Shape Layers
Text Layers
Principles of Animation
Parenting & 3D
Layer Parenting
3D Layers
Camera Layer
Masking & Video
Channels
Masking
Imported Files
Expression, Puppet Tools & Visual Effects
Puppet Tools
Expressions
Tracking & Visual Effects
Audio
Colour Correction
Render Queue
Attend live/online classes
Complete assignments & projects
Earn your ADA UX certificate

Graphic Designer
Dr Markus van der Westhuizen has been teaching at ADA on a freelance basis since 2012, bringing decades of experience in graphic design, publishing, and art direction. Classically trained in analogue graphic design, he was also among the first lecturers in South Africa to teach HTML and web design in the mid-90s. His career spans publishing, packaging, software development, and freelance design, but his greatest passion lies in education—working with individuals, agencies, and universities across South Africa and beyond. Alongside his design work, Markus draws on a rich background in holistic disciplines as a qualified Herbal Doctor, Specialised Kinesiologist, Dry Needling Practitioner, and Yoga Instructor, reflecting his multidimensional approach to creativity and teaching.

Graphic Designer
“Nurturing creatives of all backgrounds to build confidence and
bring their ideas to life through design.”
Zaahir Effendi is a graphic designer and art director with more than 15
years of experience in the creative industry. Over the years, he has
worked with brands on design systems, creative direction, and visual
communication, knowledge he now shares with the next generation of
creatives.
As a lecturer in the Adobe Creative Suite, Zaahir combines design theory
with practical projects that help students apply their skills in real-world
ways. He believes that learning design is as much about problem-solving
and storytelling as it is about software. Passionate about nurturing
talent, he focuses on building confidence, encouraging curiosity, and
creating an inclusive space where creativity can thrive
Film & Broadcasting Companies
Edit for Broadcasting Companies
Edit videos for Live-Action Film Studios
Work in the animation field to create 2D animations
Create 2D animations to bring your stories to life in the animation industry.
Create 2D animations as a freelancer
Work in Social Media and Marketing fields.
Create content for social media & marketing agencies to stand out from the rest.
Create show stopping media for the public eye
Testimonials from past students
“Busy doing After Effects with Lodi Paul, what a powerhouse of information and inspirational lecturer. True quality education, knowledge and experience it’s opened my world to another dimension in what’s available in the world of advertising, motion graphics, animation and the like. Thanks Lodi” - Grant Cyan Williams
“The course and lecturer was great. When I didn’t understand something I could always ask without feeling bad. The way in which the course was conducted was great. My overall experience was good and I will definitely come back.” - Stacey Okkers
“Lovely experience, was patiently and thoroughly taught the essentials of After Effects. The course schedule worked perfectly with my work schedule. Everything was easy to understand and helping assistance was always available.” - Diandra McPherson
“I have done short courses at a different institution before and I must say that my experience at the Academy of Digital Arts was infinitely better. The lecturer was great, very informative and always willing to help. Even though I had a very good understanding and a lot of experience in After Effects before the course I found that I learnt a lot regardless and got and even better understanding of the program which is what I wanted to achieve. I actually wish the course had been a week or two longer just to gain more knowledge but I think I’ll have to come back to the Academy of Digital Arts for a different course.” - Morgana Marengo
Pricing is TBD
Final pricing options for this intake will be available soon.
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