# Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Review (2026) — 9.8/10 > Independent review of Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course on Udemy. Rated 9.8/10 by our editorial team. Pros, cons, price, and top alternat… Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course ![Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course](/api/media/file/hero/learn-to-be-an-imator-part-1-good-habits-course.jpg?width=800) # Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course — Review (9.8/10) This course delivers a practical introduction to animation fundamentals using Maya, focusing on disciplined workflow and incremental skill building. With a strong emphasis on process over flair, it gu... Explore This Course Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course is a 2h 4m online beginner-level course on Udemy by Michael Berenstein that covers graphic design. This course delivers a practical introduction to animation fundamentals using Maya, focusing on disciplined workflow and incremental skill building. With a strong emphasis on process over flair, it guides beginners through essential stages like blocking and polish. The project-based approach with pendulums and chain links builds muscle memory for more complex motion. Ideal for those preparing for character animation courses. We rate it 9.8/10. ## Prerequisites No prior experience required. This course is designed for complete beginners in graphic design. ## Pros - Clear, structured approach to animation workflow - Hands-on exercises build real muscle memory - Excellent preparation for advanced animation topics - Instructor emphasizes industry-standard stages ## Cons - Limited to basic mechanical animation - No character or expressive motion covered - Maya-specific, less transferable to other software ## Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course Review Platform: Udemy Instructor: Michael Berenstein Updated Apr 24, 2026·Editorial Standards·How We Rate ## What will you learn in Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" course - By the end of this Course Students will have good understanding of Animation process, they will work in stages: "Layout", "Blocking", "Rough Animation", "Polish". They will Animate simple Pendulum, 2-section Pendulum and a chain link. After completing this course Students will be strong enough to take my Next course: "Human Locomotion: walk, run, sneak" ### Program Overview ### Module 1: Getting Started with Maya 37m - Maya navigation skills, getting ready to animate (37m) ### Module 2: Core Animation Exercises 1h 27m - Animating exercises (1h 27m) ### Get certificate #### Job Outlook - Builds essential skills for entry-level animation roles - Establishes workflow discipline valued in studios - Prepares foundation for character animation specialization ## Editorial Take Michael Berenstein's 'Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits"' offers a no-nonsense, methodical entry point into professional animation workflows using Autodesk Maya. Designed for absolute beginners, it strips away creative overwhelm and focuses on technical discipline—the kind studios demand but rarely teach. ### Standout Strengths - Workflow-Centric Learning: The course prioritizes the animation pipeline stages—Layout, Blocking, Rough Animation, Polish—giving students a realistic preview of studio expectations. This structure builds professional habits early.Most beginner courses skip workflow, but this one makes it the foundation, ensuring long-term scalability of skills. - Progressive Exercise Design: Starting with a simple pendulum and advancing to multi-link chains, the exercises are carefully scaffolded. Each step introduces new complexity without overwhelming the learner.This incremental challenge trains timing, spacing, and weight perception—core animation principles in a mechanical context. - Maya Navigation Integration: Instead of assuming familiarity, the course begins with essential Maya navigation skills tailored to animators. This reduces friction for new users.Students learn only what’s needed to animate, avoiding software overload while gaining confidence in the interface. - Focus on Process Over Polish: The course resists the temptation to teach flashy effects. Instead, it instills patience and methodical refinement—qualities that separate amateurs from professionals.By emphasizing blocking and rough passes, it teaches students to value iteration over instant results. - Clear Path to Next Steps: The course explicitly positions itself as Part 1, with a direct bridge to 'Human Locomotion: walk, run, sneak'. This creates a learning roadmap.Students know exactly what comes next, increasing motivation and continuity in skill development. - Realistic Time Investment: At just over two hours, the course is concise yet comprehensive for its scope. It respects the learner’s time while delivering tangible outcomes.Every minute is purpose-built, avoiding filler content common in longer courses. ### Honest Limitations - Limited Scope to Mechanical Motion: The course avoids character animation entirely, focusing only on pendulums and chains. While foundational, this may disappoint learners seeking expressive motion.It’s a deliberate choice for skill-building, but expectations must be managed. - Maya-Specific Techniques: All instruction is tied to Maya’s interface and tools, limiting transferability to Blender, Toon Boom, or other animation software.Students not committed to Maya may need to adapt concepts independently. - No Audio or Lip Syncing: As expected for Part 1, the course doesn’t cover sound-driven animation or facial expressions.These are critical for full animation roles but reserved for future courses. - Assumes Access to Maya: The course requires a working Maya installation, which can be costly or complex to set up for some learners.No alternatives or free software equivalents are discussed. ### How to Get the Most Out of It - Study cadence: Complete one module per day with hands-on replication. Avoid binge-watching; animation requires muscle memory built through repetition.Space sessions by at least 12 hours to allow motor learning consolidation. - Parallel project: Rebuild each exercise from scratch without referencing playback. This reinforces understanding of timing and keyframe placement.Try slight variations—change pendulum length or add mass—to test principles. - Note-taking: Document each stage (Blocking, Polish, etc.) with screenshots and personal notes on timing choices.This creates a reference journal for future projects. - Community: Share your animation passes in forums or Discord groups focused on Maya or animation fundamentals.Get feedback on spacing and easing to refine your eye. - Practice: After each exercise, animate a real-world object (e.g., a lamp, a door) using the same workflow.This bridges mechanical practice to real applications. - Consistency: Dedicate 20 minutes daily to reviewing and refining old exercises.Small, frequent practice beats long, infrequent sessions in animation skill retention. ### Supplementary Resources - Book: 'The Animator's Survival Kit' by Richard Williams complements this course by expanding on timing and weight.Use it to deepen understanding of the principles introduced here. - Tool: Autodesk Maya’s free Learning Channel offers additional navigation tutorials.Use it to reinforce interface skills outside the course. - Follow-up: Enroll in 'Human Locomotion: walk, run, sneak' to apply these habits to character motion.It’s the natural next step in Berenstein’s curriculum. - Reference: Watch old Disney pendulum tests or mechanical animation reels to see these principles in masterworks.Study how weight and follow-through are handled in classics. ### Common Pitfalls - Pitfall: Skipping the Blocking stage to jump into polish. This leads to messy, unstructured animation that’s hard to fix.Respect the workflow—blocking is where timing is born. - Pitfall: Overcomplicating the pendulum exercise with unnecessary keys.Focus on clean arcs and smooth easing; simplicity reveals mastery. - Pitfall: Ignoring the 'Layout' phase, treating it as optional. This phase sets up the entire shot’s composition and scale.Skipping it undermines the entire animation’s believability. ### Time & Money ROI - Time: At 2 hours, the course is efficient. With practice, students can complete it in a weekend.But mastery requires 10+ hours of deliberate practice beyond the videos. - Cost-to-value: As a paid course, it offers high value for those serious about animation careers.The structured approach saves months of trial-and-error learning. - Certificate: The Certificate of Completion adds credibility to beginner portfolios.Use it to demonstrate foundational knowledge in job applications. - Alternative: Free YouTube tutorials lack this course’s structure and progression.While cheaper, they often confuse beginners with inconsistent advice. ### Editorial Verdict This course stands out in a crowded field of animation tutorials by focusing on discipline over dazzle. It doesn’t promise instant mastery or viral animations—instead, it delivers something far more valuable: a repeatable, professional workflow. The exercises, though simple, are expertly chosen to train the eye and hand in tandem, building the muscle memory that underpins all great animation. For beginners overwhelmed by software and theory, this course offers a clear, step-by-step path forward. While it’s only Part 1, it lays a foundation so solid that subsequent learning becomes exponentially easier. The lack of character work or expressive motion isn’t a flaw—it’s a strategic choice to isolate core mechanics. When paired with deliberate practice and supplementary study, this course can transform a novice into a disciplined animator ready for more complex challenges. Highly recommended for those committed to a career in animation, especially within the Maya ecosystem. ## How Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course Compares | Course | Platform | Rating | Level | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course | Udemy | 9.8/10 | Beginner | 2h 4m | | Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate Course | Coursera | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A | | Fundamentals of Graphic Design Course | Coursera | 9.8/10 | N/A | N/A | | Graphic Design Specialization Course | Coursera | 9.7/10 | N/A | N/A | ## Who Should Take Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course? This course is best suited for learners with no prior experience in graphic design. It is designed for career changers, fresh graduates, and self-taught learners looking for a structured introduction. The course is offered by Michael Berenstein on Udemy, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers. If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in Agile & Scrum Courses, AI Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course. ### Career Outcomes - Apply graphic design skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities - Qualify for entry-level positions in graphic design and related fields - Build a portfolio of skills to present to potential employers - Add a certificate of completion credential to your LinkedIn and resume - Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field ## More Graphic Design Courses on Udemy Explore other highly rated courses in graphic design available on Udemy to expand your learning path: - Adobe After Effects CC – Motion Graphics Design & VFX Course 9.7/10 - Complete Graphics Design and Video Editing Masterclass Course 9.7/10 - Kinetic Typography in After Effects: Motion Graphics Course 9.7/10 - CorelDRAW for Beginners: Graphic Design in Corel Draw Course 9.7/10 - The Ultimate Adobe Firefly Masterclass 9.6/10 - Ableton Live 12 for Music Production: Quick Start Guide Course 9.6/10 - Project Photoshop: Customizing Photoshop Course 9.6/10 - Graphic Design Masterclass – Learn GREAT Design Course 9.6/10 - The Complete Graphic Design Theory for Beginners Course 9.6/10 ## Top Alternatives on Other Platforms Looking for a different teaching style or approach? These top-rated graphic design courses from other platforms cover similar ground: - Adobe Graphic Designer Professional Certificate Course 9.8/10 Coursera - Fundamentals of Graphic Design Course 9.8/10 Coursera - Graphic Design Specialization Course 9.7/10 Coursera - Introduction to Typography Course 9.7/10 Coursera - Graphic Design Elements for Non-Designers Specialization Course 9.7/10 Coursera - Ideas from the History of Graphic Design Course 9.7/10 Coursera - Graphic Design Course 9.7/10 Coursera - Adobe Graphic Designer: Design that Demands Attention Professional Certificate course 9.7/10 Coursera - Adobe Content Creator 9.6/10 Coursera - Xbox Graphic Designer Professional Certificate Course 9.5/10 Coursera ## More Courses from Michael Berenstein Michael Berenstein offers a range of courses across multiple disciplines. If you enjoy their teaching approach, consider these additional offerings: - Learn to Animate. Part 2. Human Walk Cycle Course 8.8/10 View all courses from Michael Berenstein → ## Related Articles & Guides Deepen your understanding with these articles from our editorial team, covering career advice, industry trends, and learning strategies: - Build AI skills with the Google AI Professional Certificate - Python Tutorial: Best Courses to Learn Python in 2026 - CISSP vs CompTIA Security+: Which Cert Should You Pursue? - Coursera Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Worth It in 2026? - Best edX Courses in 2026: Top Picks by Enrollment and Career Value - Best Online Coursera Courses in 2026: What's Actually Worth Your Time - Udemy Online: What the Platform Actually Delivers in 2026 - OKR for Leaders: 7 Best Training Courses Compared (2026) - Generative AI for Marketing with Microsoft 365 Copilot: Professional Certificate Review - The Best React Courses in 2026, Ranked and Reviewed ## Explore All Course Categories Not sure what to learn next? 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Be the first to share your experience! ## FAQs What are the prerequisites for Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course? No prior experience is required. Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course is designed for complete beginners who want to build a solid foundation in Graphic Design. It starts from the fundamentals and gradually introduces more advanced concepts, making it accessible for career changers, students, and self-taught learners. Does Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course offer a certificate upon completion? Yes, upon successful completion you receive a certificate of completion from Michael Berenstein. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Graphic Design can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development. How long does it take to complete Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course? The course takes approximately 2h 4m to complete. It is offered as a lifetime access course on Udemy, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably. What are the main strengths and limitations of Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course? Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course is rated 9.8/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: clear, structured approach to animation workflow; hands-on exercises build real muscle memory; excellent preparation for advanced animation topics. Some limitations to consider: limited to basic mechanical animation; no character or expressive motion covered. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Graphic Design. How will Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course help my career? Completing Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course equips you with practical Graphic Design skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by Michael Berenstein, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market. Where can I take Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course and how do I access it? Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course is available on Udemy, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course is lifetime access, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits your schedule. All you need is to create an account on Udemy and enroll in the course to get started. How does Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course compare to other Graphic Design courses? Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course is rated 9.8/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated graphic design courses. Its standout strengths — clear, structured approach to animation workflow — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding. What language is Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course taught in? Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course is taught in English. Many online courses on Udemy also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction. Is Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course kept up to date? Online courses on Udemy are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. Michael Berenstein has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate. Can I take Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course as part of a team or organization? Yes, Udemy offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build graphic design capabilities across a group. What will I be able to do after completing Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course? After completing Learn to be an Animator. Part 1. "Good habits" Course, you will have practical skills in graphic design that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be prepared to pursue more advanced courses or specializations in the field. 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