Sophoria Academy FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Do i need to know how to draw before i start?
Not at all! 🙂 While drawing skills can help, especially for modeling or 2D life drawing, they’re not required. In the animation and VFX world, “artist” just means someone who creates—whether that’s through drawing, animating, or technical wizardry. Many top animators can’t sketch a portrait, but they can make a character move like magic!
Where is the Academy located?
We’re everywhere and nowhere! Sophoria Academy is 100% online, so you can study from anywhere—your home, your office, or even a boat in the Indian Ocean. Our flexible learning system fits your schedule, wherever you are in the world.
Do i need to know the software being taught before i start?
We offer beginner-friendly introduction courses to help you learn the software (like Autodesk Maya) before jumping into advanced topics. While it’s not mandatory, total beginners are strongly encouraged to start with these foundation courses to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
What payment plans do you offer?
We have a variety of payment plans and solutions. Please get in touch with us to discuss a solution for your needs.
How much time do i have spend to study?
On average, plan for 20–35 hours per week. Your actual time may vary depending on your pace and prior experience.
Do you offer financial aid/loans?
Currently, we don’t offer traditional financial aid or partner with banks for loans. Instead, we keep our courses affordable and offer various payment options to make quality animation training accessible for everyone.
Where do the courses take place?
All courses are online, so you can learn anytime, anywhere. Some courses include live mentorship or feedback sessions, which are scheduled in advance. Check the course description for mentorship availability.
How much are your courses?
Sophoria Academy aims at being competitive when it comes to pricing our courses. All the course prices are found next to the enroll section on the course page or course cards. To see the courses please click here.
What payment gateways do you use?
At the moment we are using Paypal as a payment gateway. In the near future, we will incorporate "Stripe" as a payment gateway. Please stay up to date with the latest news or subscribe to our newsletter for information regarding this area of discussion. For all other inquiries please contact us.
How much do your courses cost?
We aim to make professional VFX and animation education accessible. Each course’s price is listed on the course page and on our main course catalog. We also offer discounted bundles and seasonal promotions!
Will I receive a certificate after completing a course?
Yes! Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate to showcase your new animation or VFX skills—perfect for your demo reel, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile.
Is there a community or support group for students?
Yes, join our Discord community to connect with other students, share your work, get feedback, and stay motivated!
Do I need a powerful computer to follow the courses?
For most animation and VFX courses, a modern computer with a dedicated graphics card is recommended, especially for 3D work in Maya or rendering. Check each course’s software requirements before enrolling. If you’re unsure, reach out—we’re happy to advise!
What if I get stuck or have technical questions during a course?
No worries! You can post questions in the course forums, join our Discord for real-time support, or email your mentor directly. We pride ourselves on supporting our students every step of the way.
Are your courses suitable for complete beginners?
Yes! Many of our courses are designed with beginners in mind, with step-by-step video instruction and clear explanations. If you’re starting from scratch, look for our “Beginner” or “No Prerequisites” labels.
Can I download the videos and resources for offline viewing?
Some resources, like reference sheets or rig files, can be downloaded. Course videos are generally streamed online to protect content, but you’ll always have unlimited access via your account.
Can I use the characters, rigs, or assets in my portfolio?
Absolutely! All course assets provided by Sophoria Academy are yours to use in your personal demo reel or portfolio (not for resale). Show off your best work!
Will these courses help me get a job in the animation or VFX industry?
Our courses are designed by industry pros who have worked on titles like Game of Thrones, Avatar, and more. You’ll gain real-world skills and portfolio pieces to help you stand out in job applications, plus guidance on demo reels and interviews.
Is there a deadline to finish the course, or can I go at my own pace?
All standard courses are self-paced, so you can work through lessons whenever it suits you. Mentored “cohort” courses may have set deadlines and group sessions—see each course description for details.
Can I request new courses or tutorials?
Absolutely! We’re always open to suggestions from students. Drop your ideas in the Discord, send us a message, or vote for new topics in our monthly community poll.
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What our students are saying
1000+ students and counting
Learn from Global Industry Experts in Animation & VFX
At Sophoria Academy, over a thousand aspiring animators and VFX artists have already transformed their skills through our world-class courses. Guided by leading professionals—including veterans from Game of Thrones and Avatar—our students gain practical experience, hands-on feedback, and a direct path to mastering creature, character, and 3D animation for film, TV, and games. Join a thriving international community and take your creative career to the next level with proven, industry-focused training.
At Sophoria Academy, over a thousand aspiring animators and VFX artists have already transformed their skills through our world-class courses. Guided by leading professionals—including veterans from Game of Thrones and Avatar—our students gain practical experience, hands-on feedback, and a direct path to mastering creature, character, and 3D animation for film, TV, and games. Join a thriving international community and take your creative career to the next level with proven, industry-focused training.
Will Noon
As part of the SOPHORIA ACADEMY dragon animation course led by the incredible Jonathan Symmonds, I tackled the challenge of animating a dragon flying and landing.
This exercise focused on honing my creature animation skills, and I'm excited to share the results with everyone. What an incredible course and thankyou to Jonathan Symmonds for creating it and sharing it with all of us students!
This exercise focused on honing my creature animation skills, and I'm excited to share the results with everyone. What an incredible course and thankyou to Jonathan Symmonds for creating it and sharing it with all of us students!
Muhammed Basel
I recently completed my first creature animation and spent a lot of time focusing on understanding the anatomy and motion of animals or creatures. I also delved into animation principles such as overlapping action. I received much help from the SOPHORIA ACADEMY and learned much from their classes. I highly recommend their course, especially if you're interested in quadrupedal and creature animations. Their courses contain valuable knowledge, tips, and tricks that have significantly improved my animation speed.
Quan Dang
I learned so many things about dragons that I had never known before and understanding where the weight shifts when a dragon flies, how to handle the Y-axis movement of the body as the wings flap, which secondary animations should be saved in the studio library for reuse, and how to animate the tiniest details like the neck fins and tail... it was such an eye-opening experience.
Big thanks to Sophoria Academy for introducing me to the world of dragon animation! 🐉✨
Big thanks to Sophoria Academy for introducing me to the world of dragon animation! 🐉✨
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