After Effects CC 2021 Essential Training: Motion Graphics

4h 13mBeginner2020-12-01

Authors

Alan Demafiles

Motion Designer, 3D Generalist, Editor, Compositor

Course details

After Effects can do many things, but if you're a motion designer, you're into After Effects for its motion graphics capabilities. This course concentrates on the tools and techniques you need to make amazing motion designs in Adobe After Effects CC 2021. First, explore shape layers and paths, the foundations of effective vector-based compositions. Then learn different methods of animation, including manually animating with keyframes, leveraging the Graph Editor, changing speed with time remapping, motion sketching, and looping with expressions. Next is compositing, which allows you to combine visual elements from separate sources, as well as mask out areas of an effect. Then learn how to set and animate type, and get an introduction to 3D. The last step is rendering your project for your final destination. Instructor Alan Demafiles—a leading After Effects trainer—closes with some tips on building an effective workflow that maximizes your creative freedom and efficiency.

Skills covered

Motion GraphicsAfter EffectsRenderingMotion Graphics and VFXVisualization and Real-TimeEssential TrainingAdobeAECProduct and ManufacturingAnimation and Illustration

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Creating motion graphics in After Effects
02 - Samples and inspiration
03 - Big-picture concepts
04 - How to use the exercise files
05 - Version of After Effects

1. Working with Shape Layers

06 - Shape layer overview
07 - Shape layers and transforms
08 - Repeating elements
09 - Create write-on paths
10 - Path operators on shape layers

2. Working with Animation

11 - Understand keyframe interpolations
12 - Add and adjust keys
13 - Introduction to the Graph Editor
14 - Fine-tune with the Graph Editor
15 - Alter speeds with time remapping and other techniques
16 - Anchor point fundamentals
17 - Parenting
18 - Motion sketching
19 - Create looped animation with expressions

3. Working with Compositing

20 - What is compositing
21 - Blend modes for layers
22 - Create and animate masks
23 - Use track mattes
24 - Add effect filters

4. Working with Type

25 - Set type
26 - Use text animators
27 - Animate type on a path

5. Basic After Effects 3D

28 - Introduction to 3D layers
29 - Cameras and lights
30 - 3D layer properties
31 - Null object parenting
32 - Build a basic camera rig

6. 3D Geometry

33 - Introduction to Cinema 4D renderer
34 - Create 3D text
35 - Create 3D geometry
36 - Introduction to Cinema 4D Lite

7. Rendering for Motion Graphics

37 - Add compositions to the Render Queue
38 - Render multiple files with the Render Queue
39 - Use Adobe Media Encoder
40 - Use prerenders

8. Motion Graphic Workflow Tips

41 - Important motion graphic workflows
42 - Collapse transformations
43 - Essential Graphics panel
44 - Master properties
45 - Responsive design - Time

Conclusion

46 - Next steps