Apply It - Tutorials
Session 1: Animating a logo!
Basics of AE
- Key framing - point that marks beginning (or end) of transition
- Tweens (aka betweens) - what happens between keyframes
Types of tweens
- Classic - Point A and a Point B, a simple transition (PS, AE, AN)
- Motion - Object moves between the keyframes (PS, AE, AN)
- Shape - Circle becomes square (AN, AEish)
Demos
- basics of AE interface
- importing existing file to start a comp
- altering comp settings
- navigating timeline
- establishing keyframes
- altering basic transform properties
- creating an alpha stencil for video
Practice and Q/A
On Your Own
Experiment with creating layered files in Photoshop or Illustrator and animating them in AE. Optional: share what you created at beginning of next session
All you need is a layered file at 1080 x 1080 px. You can do this in Photoshop or Illustrator, although the example I am using is in Illustrator. Make sure each item you want to animate is in a separate layer and name each layer so it is easy to find. Watch the below video for a quick demo.
Session 2: Reveal text
Tip: remember how we learned to design first ... that still stands! Have a design plan and in the case of client work, have text approved before animation to save yourself heartache. Also spell check!
Demo
- Set up comps
- Title Safe mode
- Add text - a few words on choosing text
- Add image
- Adding layer solids and changing the layer mode
- Animate images
- Masking with a Track Matte
- Masking with Pen tool
- Handwriting effect
- Creating a final composition with additional reveals
Practice Q/A
For your practice, try one of the three text reveal techniques we learned - the track matte, the mask with pen tool or the handwriting effect. Bonus if you add an image/layer solid as well.
I have packaged up the asset files (photos and font I used) as well as the AEP file. For practice during our session, just have the asset files ready to play with. You can break the AEP file down later to play.
Creating an Instagram Story Template
Tip: Always create first then animate - I like to start with minimum of a rough sketch that includes notes for animation. Often I will design in AI or PS and use that as a 'template'
Demos
- Creating a new comp
- (Drag Reference Image - if applicable)
- Drawing shapes
- Renaming Layers
- Changing fill and stroke
- Creating text and styling text
- Using alignment tools
- Tool creates mask
- Creating Triangles
- Modifying shapes to paths
- Naming conventions for layers and comps
- Creating an Asset Comp
- Order layers
- Animation using transform functions (like we did last week)
- Creating Ease and editing animation graphs
- Creating controller objects
- Using Fill Effect
- Preparing out as template
Practice and Q/A
For practice, I want you to concentrate on creating the comp, drawing basic shapes and text. Start from scratch! The story template below is so you can dig around and see how things look in my AE project file.
Storytelling
Today we are going to put it all together - revisiting some skills from our entire session, putting those together to create a simple narrative. Download our practice files which include my example AEP file as well as assets you can use to create your own.
Demo
- Importing and editing a voice over in AE
- Importing images and video as background
- Adding text with a mask animation
- Adding and animating icons
- Adding sound to icons
- Adding an icon pop graphic
- Animating a bar chart
Practic / Q&A
Experiment with a few of the technique we learned using asset files below. You can download the AEP file later to explore. I've also added some links to tools to help you build your narratives.
Download music/background - always check licensing!
Icons
Project Brief
I would encourage you to think of your own short story you can create and share.