Image Factory - Stage 1 - Getting Started

STAGE 1 – Getting Started

After watching the introduction from Ian Robinson I downloaded the Asset Files, which unfortunately weren’t compatible with my version of After Effects. I decided to experiment with some of the presets that were in the file and work around the problem whilst still creating the desired composition at the end.

To add a more stylized look for my animation. I created a background vignette which gives a much more professional look to my work. I then decided to organize each individual layer by colour coordination to keep my work organized and practical for my work space.

YELLOW – SOLIDS

BLUE – GRAPHICS

Next, I added a drop shadow to the logo to become more aware of the available effects within the software. By exploring the different effects I can use, I will have a broader idea of the effects I can achieve by using different styles. 

I then added a customized text layer to use, then applied an ‘outer glow’ effect using drop shadow and by changing it’s setting I could try different versions of the effect I could use.

To get used to key framing, I created a little path to animate. Once I knew how key framing worked I went back and created something more visually pleasing.

Then, to get into the use of the 3D layer function, I created the text layer of my name to have a swinging motion using key frames.

After liking the basic after effects, I decided to render it using a h.264 codec to be uploaded to my blog as evidence of my progress.

Overall I found the first chapter of this tutorial helpful and informative. I had to experiment with the files that were available to me to create my animation piece. This made me experiment more and more away from copying the tutorial step by step.