Well done to those of you who took the time to complete Assignment 1, the results were really terrific. By your comments it sounds like you really found some value in the exercise too which is great. For the next assignment, rather than choosing an entire effect category, we’ll be using only two effects from the Generate category — Radio waves and 4-Color Gradient. Here’s my result.

So, take 3o minutes using a Solid Layer and the Radio Waves and 4-Color Gradient effect, and see what you can create. Avoid using the Brainstorm Tool and remember, there’s no right or wrong result, the idea here is to explore and experiment without the pressure of clients and deadlines. Regular experimentation sharpens your skills and often results in fresh and unique styles. Post your result in the Comments (jpg format only).

The announcement that future versions of most Adobe products are only available via subscription to Creative Cloud has been greeted with mixed feelings. I’ve been using Creative Cloud for a year now and really like it, so for me this is not a problem. Creative Cloud is easy to use, gives me access to all of my tools where ever I am and ensures I’m always up-to-date with the latest versions. But what about you? How do  you feel about Adobe’s announcement? Are you using Creative Cloud? Will you upgrade?

The Pixel Lab has released Image 2 Plane, a plug-in for Cinema 4D that makes working with multiple images easy.

The buzz around the upcoming inclusion of Cineware and Cinema 4D Lite into After Effects was huge at NAB recently. Check out this wrap up by @davekiss.

If you’ve been following Motionworks for a while you’ll know I’m a big believer in experimentation. Experimenting in After Effects helps you develop a deeper understanding of the tools, giving you more creative options and preventing you becoming stale by relying on only what you know. Plus it’s fun and often results in some truly unique looks.

Last night I spent 30 minutes experimenting with only the effects in After Effects’ Stylize category and came up with this look. This is simply the result of applying effects and playing with the parameters and order in the Effects panel.

So here’s your assignment should you choose to accept it. In 30 MINUTES ONLY using a SOLID LAYER and effects in the STYLIZE CATEGORY ONLY, see what you can create. Keyframing is okay too but avoid using BRAINSTORM.

There’s no right or wrong result, the idea here is to explore and stretch your After Effects muscles. Post your results in the Comments, I’m keen to see what you come up with!

GenArts recently released Sapphire 7. Check out these short videos I created for the S_Beauty and S_Zap effects. Read more…

The next version of After Effects includes closer integration with Cinema 4D, allowing users to open Cinema 4D files directly within After Effects. A new Lite version of Cinema 4D will also be bundled with After Effects! In this overview I demonstrate the new Cineware effect and discuss the benefits of this exciting new workflow.

Making It Look Great 10: Modelling Essentials for Cinema 4D is out now and designed for beginner to intermediate users who want to get their head around real-world modelling in Cinema 4D. In 16 lessons, Cinema 4D expert and master modeller Rob Redman drills modelling tools and workflows for creating a variety of everyday objects from scratch. Read more…