My current workflow for custom lighting an object in Redshift for Cinema 4D without using an HDRI image.
Lighting in Redshift C4D Part 2
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Posts By: John Dickinson
Ae Experiment 25
Here I used a combination of Fractal Noise, Ball Action, Find Edges and Tritone
Customising Edge Wear in Substance Painter
Techniques for customising the Metal Edge Wear generator in Substance Painter.
Create a Metal Stamped Look in Substance Painter
Using the Blur filter in Substance Painter to create a more realistic metal stamped look.
AEC4D v1.03 Released
If you’re doing any work between Cinema 4D and After Effects you need the brilliant AEC4D script created by Lasse Lauch.
Radial Anisotropy in Substance Painter
Learn how to create and apply a Radial Anisotropic material in Substance Painter.
After Effects Like A Boss
An extended version of the presentation I gave at Sea Connect Creative Conference in Malaysia and Singapore
Beretta Pistol
In 2014 I attempted to model a Beretta pistol and definitely bit off more than I could chew at the time!
Cinema 4D to Rizom UV to Substance Painter: A Workflow – Part 3
How to maximise texel density by splitting a model onto separate UDIM tiles in Rizom UV based on materials applied using Selections in Cinema 4D.
Add knurling and logo to a Beretta pistol grip in ZBrush
Using ZBrush Surface Noise to add details to an object exported from Cinema 4D.
Using the Shrink Wrap Deformer for Precision Curvature in Cinema 4D
Strategies for working with the Shrink Wrap Deformer when modelling in Cinema 4D.
Model an Allen Key Screw Head in Cinema 4D
A simple technique for modelling an allen key style screw head in Cinema 4D.
Ae Experiment 24
Combining HexTile layers set to various sizes gave me this neon-like look, which has a surprising amount of depth for something that uses no 3D layers.
AE Experiment 23
I spend about 20 minutes on this look. It’s amazing how much detail you can created duplicating and combining layers and effects with various blend modes.
Oxygene
Having been a fan of Jean Michel Jarre for decades I thought it might be fun to recreate the Oxygene album cover illustration in 3D. I decided to create the entire skull first rather than only the section that is visible in the album artwork.
3D Modelling Drills
I regularly practice modelling various objects to sharpen my skills and will keep updating this post as I complete each task.
Working with Decals in Substance Painter
In this tutorial I cover some techniques for creating decals in Substance Painter
Grit Kit 2
Over 160 real, macro-photographed, animated & royalty-free high resolution textures
Cinema 4D to Rizom UV to Substance Painter: A Workflow – Part 2
Continuing from Part 1, in this tutorial I demonstrate how I solved the multiple UV set issue
Cinema 4D to RizomUV to Substance Painter: A Workflow – Part 1
I just started using Rizom UV and spent some time working out a possible workflow between Cinema 4D and Substance Painter
UTS 360° Environments
Motionworks teamed up with KinThings to create a range of 360° environments for StartVR
MVMT Arc Automatic: Retopology and Texturing
I worked together with JVARTA on this spot for MVMT.
Model a Split Ring in Cinema 4D
Here’s my workflow for creating a split ring for a key chain in Cinema 4D.
Modelling a Car Seat in Cinema 4D
A workflow for shaping, subdividing, splitting and detailing adjacent geometry in Cinema 4D.
Do you have a backup plan?
Having experienced my fair share of hard drive and software update failures over the years, I can’t stress enough the importance of having a regular back up plan
Chiselled Text in Cinema 4D
Learn how to model chiselled text in Cinema 4D.
Cinema 4D R20
Cinema 4D Release 20 is out now with useful new features including CAD model import and volume modeling.
Award Statuette
Legionnaires Of Laughter Award Statuette modelled in Cinema 4D
1934 Ford 5 Window Coupe Hot Rod
For my latest personal project I chose a 1934 Ford 5 window coupe hot rod.
Adding a vent to a 1934 Ford Bonnet in Cinema 4D
In this tutorial I demonstrate my workflow for splitting off existing geometry, adding a vent then reattaching the new geometry.
Iron Man Mark III Helmet
This Iron Man Mark III helmet was modelled in Cinema 4D, unwrapped in 3D Coat, textured in Substance Painter and lit and rendered in Redshift for Cinema 4D.
Lighting in Redshift C4D Part 1
A short demonstration of custom lighting an object in Redshift for Cinema 4D without using an HDRI image.
Adding Scratches in Substance Painter
In this tutorial I demonstrate my workflow for adding and fine tuning scratches in Substance Painter.
Rest Robot
This Robot character for Rest was modelled and rigged in Cinema 4D, textured in Redshift for Cinema 4D and composited in After Effects.
Tips & Tricks with Sapphire
Tips and tricks for using some of the most popular Sapphire effects in After Effects.
Modelling a Hulkbuster helmet vent in Cinema 4D
Techniques for modelling a vent in the Hulkbuster helmet.
Hulkbuster Helmet
I’m a big fan of the Marvel Universe so it made sense to start modelling some of the hardware
Infiniti Launch
For this project I was contracted by The Pulse to create graphics for Infiniti launch at the Beijing International Motor Show
Origami Dinosaur
An origami dinosaur modelled in Cinema 4D and textured in Redshift for Cinema 4D
NTC-402 Modem
Modelled, textured and rendered in Cinema 4D.
Substance Painter Live Link
Xolotl Studio has released Substance Painter Live Link for Cinema 4D which works with both Redshift 3D and Arnold Renders.
Motionworks and HP
I was delighted to take part in a case study on how I use the HP Z840 workstation in my work.
Turnip Head
I’m a big fan of Studio Ghibli and thought it might be fun for my next modelling project to recreate the Turnip Head character from Howl’s Moving Castle.
Tech Sphere
I was inspired to model this tech sphere after seeing the Technodrome on an episode Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Customising the Pie Menu in Cinema 4D
A quick tip on how to customise the pie or Global Popup menu in Cinema 4D.
Masking Height Details in Substance Painter
A short tip on how to successfully mask out height details in Substance Painter.
Modelling a Lego Flame
In this Cinema 4D tutorial I discuss some of the hard surface modelling techniques used to create a Lego Flame.
NodeFest 2017 – Wait Loss for After Effects Users
My presentation for NodeFest is now available to view online
Problem Solving using Shrink Wrap
Learn how the Shrink Wrap deformer can be used in Cinema 4D to create smooth geometry which would be difficult and less precise to create manually.
CV Splines 3.0
Cineversity has posted the latest update to Donovan Keith’s CV-Splines
Lego Knight
I’ve modelled Lego bricks in the past but this character which is a combination of Nexo Knights and Ninjago, created by my son Jay, looked like a worthy challenge with plenty of interestingly shaped pieces. I decided to start with the wings, modelling flat to establish the base topology. Next I selected the inner feather
Mouse
This mouse was modelled in Cinema 4D, unwrapped in 3D Coat, textured in Substance Painter and rendered in Redshift for Cinema 4D.
EJ Hassenfratz
EJ Hassenfratz has become a well known name over the past few year amongst Cinema 4D users.
MeshBoolean For C4D
The Great Summit has released MeshBoolean, a new plug-in for C4D
Color Wiggle
Rowbyte have made their Color Wiggle plug-in for After Effects available for free download
AE Experiment 22
For this 10 minute experiment I combined multiple layers using Ellipse and Turbulent Displace
Overlord
Battleaxe has released a new workflow plug-in for Illustrator and After Effects.
Mekajiki.com
Mekajiki.com is offering some useful, free tools for After Effects
Motion Graphics Templates
I was commissioned by Adobe to create 60 motion graphic templates for Premiere Pro CC
Conigs Mixtape
Conigs Mixtape is a collection of presets for Adobe After Effects.
Stardust 1.1
The next version of Stardust for After effects has just been released
Nerf Gun
For my next modelling challenge I’ve chosen this Nerf gun which has a number of topology challenges.
Substance Painter to Redshift C4D
In this short tutorial I demonstrate my current workflow for exporting textures from Substance Painter and importing them into Cinema 4D via Redshift.
Spray Gun
Process images and final renders of the spray gun, modelled in Cinema 4D and textured in Substance Painter.
Welding Objects and Materials
In this tutorial, Merk Vilson (@merkvilson) demonstrates a welding effect with different objects and materials that can be used for procedural modeling techniques.
Sci-Fi Chamber
This original design for a sci-fi chamber was modelled in Cinema 4D, unwrapped in 3D Coat and textured in Substance Painter.
Preparing a model in Cinema 4D and Unwrapping in 3D Coat
In this extended tutorial I share my current workflow for preparing for and unwrapping UVs using 3D Coat
Shortcuts To Glory
I was commissioned to design and produce the graphics package for Shortcuts To Glory
Pro Video Podcast Interview
I had the pleasure of chatting on the Pro Video Podcast recently.
3D for After Effects Artists
Learn a seamless workflow for combining an After Effects 3D look with elements from Cinema 4D Lite or Cinema 4D
Adding a Window
Working with multiple levels of symmetry in Cinema 4D to assist in cutting in a window.
Substance Painter 2017.2
Substance Painter 2017.2 has useful new features not least of which is the new Anchor Point system
Using Lofts in a Hard Surface Modeling Workflow
Learn how to create splines from existing geometry and combine those with a Loft object
Redshift for Cinema 4D
Redshift has released a demo version of it’s GPU renderer for Cinema 4D
Text Exploder
Mamoworld has released Text Exploder, a handy new script for After Effects
Sharpening Techniques 02
Another example of how to sharpen geometry under subdivision in Cinema 4D without affecting existing curvature.
Inner Shadow and Stroke Presets
Kyle Martinez has created handy, free presets for adding an inner shadow or stroke to your After Effects layers
Adobe Make It 2017
I’ll be presenting a workshop at Adobe Make It 2017 in August covering 3D for After Effects users.
C4DAE Script
AeScripts has launched a new script for easy export of Cinema 4D projects into After Effects.
AE Experiment 21
I created this look for a project recently using only native After Effects, five Solid layers and no masks or Shape Layers.
Creating Fireworks with Continnum
Learn how to create a fireworks look using Boris Continuum Particle Emitter 3D.
Understanding Sapphire Effect Builder
Learn how to combine a Source, Background and Mask layer with various effects and tools inside Sapphire’s node-based effect compositor.
Interview with EJ from Eyedesyn
I had a fun chat with EJ from Eyedesyn.com on the floor at NAB Show 2017
After Effects CC 2017 Update
Adobe has released the Spring 2017 version of Creative Cloud which includes some useful new features in After Effects.
Steampunk Gauntlet
For my next modelling challenge I decided on a steam punk gauntlet
GridGuide For After Effects
Mamoworld has released a handy, new extension which adds much needed grid and guide-snapping functionality to After Effects.
Baking the Physical Sky in Cinema 4D
Learn how to bake the Physical Sky in Cinema 4D
Hand Shower Holder
This hand shower holder was modelled in Cinema 4D and rendered using Greyscale Gorilla’s HDRI Studio.
Model a Hexagonal Hole Sphere
Learn how to quickly model a sphere with hexagonally shaped holes in Cinema 4D.
Working with UVs in Cinema 4D and 3D Coat
I recently switched from Bodypaint to 3D Coat for preparing the UVs of my models
After Effects Backgrounds
These After Effects backgrounds were created by me as part of the Creative Background Design in After Effects training ten years ago this year.
Retopology in Cinema 4D
Toby Pitman demonstrates how to block out and use booleans as a base mesh for retopology in Cinema 4D.
Sharpening Techniques 01
Learn how to sharpen geometry under subdivision in Cinema 4D without affecting existing curvature.
Toby Pitman
Toby Pitman is a music producer and insanely talented guitarist in his day job and at night a keen and equally talented 3D artist.
Stone Lantern
I created this Japanese stone lantern (Ishidoro) in Cinema 4D
The Cleansing Hour Breakdown
In this walkthrough tutorial I discuss the design and production techniques used in the main-on-end titles for “The Cleansing Hour”.
Sapphire Top 15
In this series of tutorials I walk through the top 15 Sapphire effects in Adobe After Effects.
Creating Transparency using Sapphire SetAlpha
Learn how to use Sapphire SetAlpha and Color to create an alpha channel for RomanTile.
CV-Subdeformer
Cineversity has launched the new CV-Subdeformer plug-in for Cinema 4D
Bevelling Booles in Cinema 4D
Learn how to get perfect bevels when dealing with booled objects in Cinema 4D.
Adobe Stock Templates
I was commissioned by Adobe to create a range of broadcast templates for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator CC 2017.
Stardust
After years of development, Stardust – a modular 3D particle system for After Effects – is here.
Monitor
This computer monitor was modelled in Cinema 4D, UV unwrapped in BodyPaint and textured using Material Pack.
Model a Philips Screw Head
In this tip recorded over Skype, Toby Pitman demonstrates a quick, low poly method for modelling a philips screw head.
Halloween Webinar
Here’s the recording of my 1.5 hour live webinar featuring Mocha Pro, Sapphire and Boris Continuum Complete.
Model a Hex Bolt Shape
A fast and clean method for modelling a hex bolt shape in Cinema 4D
Rover One Ident
This ident for Channel One was created using Hair in Cinema 4D for the grass
Button Push Idents
I created these button push idents while freelancing at Network Ten.
3D Model Gallery
Here are some examples of the Cinema 4D models I’ve created for practise, and some that have been mentioned in Breakdowns.
Sapphire 10 New Features
I recorded these tutorials for GenArts to demonstrate the new features and enhancements in Sapphire 10.
Non-uniform Bevels in Cinema 4D
A quick tip on how to control the tightness of curvature when using the Bevel Tool in Cinema 4D.
Wooden Peg
This simple wooden peg was modelled in Cinema 4D, unwrapped in Body Paint and textured in Substance Painter.
Flow for After Effects
AeScripts has launched Flow, an new script by Zack Lovatt and renderTom.
Jerry Can
This jerry can was modelled in Cinema 4D, unwrapped in BodyPaint and textured in Substance Painter.
After Effects New Features at IBC
Adobe has announced new features that will be included in the next major release of After Effects
Anywhere Anytime
I designed this spot, modelled and animated it in Cinema 4D and comped in After Effects.
Pixelate It for After Effects
EyeDesyn has released a new, free script for giving your After Effects layer the retro 8-bit pixelated look.
Sapphire Builder Preset Breakdown
Learn how I used Sapphire Effect Builder to combine various effects and create a variety of presets.
Creating Pipes & Railings in Cinema 4D
Toby Pitman demonstrates a fast way to create pipes, pipe networks and railings in Cinema 4D.
Stranger Things
I watched the first episode of Netflix Stranger Things last night and was impressed by the opening titles, which pay homage to Stephen King and horror films of the 80s.
Tiki Idol
I’ve been busy freelancing with the design team over at Network Ten for the past 4 weeks and one of the projects I particularly enjoyed was modelling this Tiki idol in Cinema 4D for Australian Survivor.
Cinema 4D R18 Announced
Maxon has announced the upcoming R18 release of Cinema 4D and it has some brilliant new features and enhancements.
After Effects 2015.3 Released
Adobe has released version 2015.3 of the Creative Cloud suite including After Effects.
The Cleansing Hour
I recently completed my first film titles for The Cleansing Hour, a short film directed by Damien LeVeck.
After Effects 3D Enhancements
Check out this brief overview of the enhance 3D workflow included in the upcoming version of After Effects.
Spotlight on Rich Nosworthy
I was introduced to the work of Rich Nosworthy only fairly recently, and as a big fan of Cinema 4D and modelling, Rich’s work is the kind of thing I aspire to.
A Handful Of Bricks
My son Jay created a Lego challenge where we each pick up a handful of bricks from the Lego box and see what we can make with it.
Pause Fest 2016 Motion Response
Recently my friend and colleague Brett Morris blew the motion graphics community away with a stunning spot created for Pause Fest 2016
C4D Experiment 6
For Experiment 6 I used the Cinema 4D Landscape object again but this time with the Atom Array object.
After Effects 13.7
After Effects CC 2015 (13.7) is out and includes Cineware 3.0.
Branded Dreams
A beautiful spot by Netherlands-based Studiosmack created almost entirely in Cinema 4D.
This Is The Year
Making It Look Great 11: Advanced Modelling Tactics For Cinema 4D is presented by modelling expert Toby Pitman
One More Chance
Pierre Magnol gets full value from the Cinema 4D Displacement channel in his latest work.
Ae Experiment 20
In this first time recorded experiment I had some fun playing with CC HexTile.
Ex_Machina
Learn how I used After Effects with GenArts Sapphire to create a tech-style background and title reveal.
MovieType 2.0 for C4D
MovieType 2.0 for Cinema 4D is available now and includes some big new features including a new Dust Tool and presets
Le Grand Journal
Another lovely spot from Naked, with skilful integration of type into live action.
Motion Design 101
Mograph Mentor founder Michael Jones has announced Motion Design 101 – a new course designed to teach foundation motion design skills.
Trapcode Suite 13
Trapcode Suite 13 is out now and includes the brand new Tao effect for creating 3D geometry along a path, 3D aware Shine, an Effects Builder for Particular and more.
Spotlight on Jayse Hansen
I’ve known Jayse Hansen since my early days with Creative Cow and it’s been exciting to see how his career has blossomed over the years.
Nähmaschine & Regenschirm
22 y.o. motion designer Maria Gysi from Berlin spent the past three months exploring the impact of hybrid film production methods
Prolost EDC for After Effects
Stu Maschwitz has released EDC (Everyday Carry) – a growing set of essential mini-tools for After Effects.
Ae Experiment 19
For this experiment I decided to start with type as the source layer. The main effect is CC Bubbles.
Sapphire 9
Sapphire 9 has been released and includes fantastic new effects such as BokehLights and Aurora, Builder enhancements and new presets.
Zero Day
Mike Winkleman a.k.a Beeple has done it again, this time blowing our minds with his new production Zero Day.
VivoStick PC
Another great info graphical spot by Bito, this time for Asus.
Imagining A Better After Effects
Sander Van Dijk has created a detailed list of potential features in After Effects.
After Effects CC 2015 Update
Adobe has announced details of what’s new and changed in the next update to After Effects CC 2015.
AE Experiment 18
This experiment is based on the Ellipse and Mirror effects, two effects which I rarely use.
Trapcode Tao
Peder Norrby, the genius behind ubiquitous Trapcode plug-ins such as Particular and Shine is neck deep in coding again, this time with the stunning Tao effect.
Cinema 4D at Siggraph 2015
Thanks to Maxon US and Cineversity.com, for recording and publishing the 2015 Siggraph Live Cinema 4D Presentations.
Events & Exhibition Pack 2.0
The Pixel Lab has released a brand new Events & Exhibition Pack for Cinema 4D.
Spotlight On Andy Needham
I met the talented and cheerful Andy Needham a few years back at NAB and am excited to finally learn more about Andy’s approach in this latest Spotlight.
Test Drive: HP Z34c Display
I sat in front of my first computer back in 1992 which means I’ve spent a good part of the past 23 years staring into computer displays…
iExpressions 2.0
Mamoworld has released iExpressions 2.0, a range of powerful, interface-driven expressions for After Effects.
Making The Switch
Up until recently it had been over 6 years since I had purchased a new workstation. After some consideration and helpful comments from the Motionworks Twitter audience I decided to buy a PC
Spotlight On Nejc Polovsak
Nejc Polovsak has built a reputation for creating some of the most beautiful motion graphics on the Web today.
Mini Breakdowns 3
Here are a couple of recent title animations I completed using Cinema 4D and After Effect.
Spotlight On Beeple
Mike Winkelmann a.k.a Beeple is a true one-of-a-kind motion graphics designer with incredible commitment and staying power. Learn more about him in this very first Motionworks designer spotlight.
The Fallen of World War II
Sharp infographics in this poignant explanation of the unbearable magnitude of people who perished in World War II.
Digital Canvas Guest Curator
I chose some inspiring work to feature as guest curator over on Digital Canvas, check it out!
Speed Lines
Modio has released Speed Lines, a clever script for quickly adding speed lines to objects in Adobe After Effects.
Easy Walking
Save time animating a 2D character walking in After Effects using this handy script from Victor Bandiera.
C4D Experiment 5
For Experiment 5 I used the Cinema 4D Landscape object with Explosion FX Deformer. What can you make?
Pro 7 Idents 2015
These stylish idents for German TV channel Pro7 were directed and designed by Timo Boese.
Scenic Tours Brand Relaunch
Sydney-based The Magnificent Itch produced this textural spot for Scenic tours.
Supernature
The gorgeous black and gold theme and mesmerizing blend of 3D and real images makes this music video for Cerrone by SUPERBIEN a winner.
Orpheo’s Mind
Paris-based SUPERBIEN teamed up with Insula Orchestra for this beautiful, dreamlike audio-visual poem. “It started with a cloud sculpture designed with Grasshopper and mixing plexiglass and tulle, onto which we projected animated content created with After Effects. The sculpture was also equiped with programmed LED strips. We added projection onto the background of the studio made from Cinema
Sapphire at NAB
Here’s a short, impromptu interview I did with Trilogy Tech Talk for Sapphire during NAB 2015.
Arctic
Amsterdam-based creative production studio PlusOne made this stylish album teaser for Dutch electronic outfit Leadsmen.
Drama Ident
This Foxtel Store ident was created using Maxon Cinema 4D, Adobe After Effects and GenArts Sapphire.
New Features in AE CC 13.5
Learn what’s new in After Effects CC 13.5
TF1 Bumpers – 2015
Paris-based Naked created this fantastic package of bumpers. I asked Creative Director Patrick Delobelle to share some insight.
Sapphire at NAB
I’ll be demoing at the GenArts booth at NAB in Las Vegas on April 13th to 15th.
Universe 1.4
Red Giant has released Universe 1.4 with a host of new features.
Cinema 4D Quick Tip 2
Learn how to model more efficiently in Cinema 4D using a simple tool for custom commands.
Cinema 4D Quick Tip 1
Learn how to model and lay out your Cinema 4D scenes more efficiently.
3rd International Motion Festival
The 3rd International Motion Festival (IMF) has been announced and will take place in Cyprus this March.
A Brief History Of Skateboarding
Antonio Vicentini is back with another great spot, this time using Cinema 4D, After Effects, Photoshop and Flash.
Double-Blind No.1
Double-Blind No.1 is a VFX design project by Zenon Kohler, Jasper St Aubyn West, Ian Anderson, Ricky Marks and Raoul Teague.
Summer Lovin’
This look was created using Cinema 4D with Adobe Illustrator, After Effects and GenArts Sapphire.
Equateur Cheval Noir – Part II
This stylised, dramatic spot from France-based Kadavre Exquis is the second in a series, created using Blender and After Effects.
Microsoft Story
Beautiful new animation from Taiwan-based Bito.
Ae Experiment 17
This experiment is based around the Audio Waveform effect, which can be handy for creating graphic elements.
The Maze Runner
This ident, inspired by a teaser poster for The Maze Runner, was created using Adobe Illustrator, Maxon Cinema 4D and Adobe After Effects.
MovieType For Element 3D V2
MovieType For Element 3D is now fully compatible with Element 3D version 2.
Holiday Ident
This Christmas holiday ident, created using Cinema 4D and After Effects, was inspired by an ident from Proud Creative.
Boris FX Acquires Imagineer Systems
Boris FX has announced it’s acquisition of Imagineer Systems, developer of Mocha planar tracking tools.
Rhipe Cloud Computing
Stefan Wernak and the team at Sydney-based The Magnificent Itch created this masterfully animated spot.
Model a Star
Learn how to model a simple golden star in Cinema 4D.
Element 3D 2 Released
Video CoPilot has released Element 3D v2, with a host of new features. We’re working on compatibility with MovieType for Element 3D and will announce soon.
Using Sapphire Effect
Sapphire 8 is out now and the biggest new feature is Sapphire Builder, which allows you to create custom effects and transitions from existing Sapphire effects and presets.
Ae Experiment 16
For this experiment I focussed on Shape Layers and while they aren’t particularly user friendly, they can be pretty handy.
Transforming Gradient Ramp
A quick tip on how you can use the Transform effect instead of Transform properties for more predictable results when working with the Gradient Ramp and other effects.
Light Fest 2014
This spot caught my eye today and is by Moscow-based, 2 man studio “AEVA”. The spot is an entry in the Moscow International Festival “Circle of Light” competition.
InterBee Japan 2014
Just finished a great week in Tokyo presenting for GenArts and Flashback Japan in the InterBee Exposition in Tokyo. Here are some shots from the week.
Arterial
Not sure how I missed this terrific music video created by Christophe Hockler for Lusine, from his recently released Arterial EP. Great track combined with eerie, mesmerising visuals.
How Do You Know?
How do you know what to add or not add to your projects to give it that extra push into awesome?
87 Bounces
Collectif HOTU has done it again with another well executed, quirky spot. 87 Bounces follows the journey of a runaway basketball across the globe and into outer space via famous scenes from various movies.
The Trials and Tribulations Of Being A Skeleton
Gentleman Scholar is back with another terrific spot. The Trials And Tribulations Of Being A Skeleton, a fun ode to Halloween, looks at one of its most iconic characters: the skeleton.
Text2Spreadsheet
Text2Spreadsheet from Mamoworld exports the text of an After Effects project to a spreadsheet and applies the modified spreadsheet back in a single click.
Monster Toolkit
Rampant Design has released Monster Toolkit including over 1500 creature textures.
Thriller Ident
Continuing with the recent Foxtel On Demand rebrand breakdowns, next is Thriller. This ident was created using Maxon Cinema 4D, Adobe After Effects and plug-ins from GenArts and Red Giant Software.
GQ Man Of The Year
Check out this great spot from Moscow-based Shavkerbros. I asked designer Alexandr Gorin to give us some insight into the production.
Amex Invites
London-based motion artist Tiago Higgs created this spot for American Express using Cinema 4D and After Effects.
Tim Clapham
Tim Clapham is an in-demand motion designer, trainer and Cinema 4D expert. In this episode we discuss Tim’s background, learning Cinema 4D and more.
We Are Bito
A stylish and sharply executed info-graphic spot from Taiwan-based motion design house Bito.
Action Ident
This ident was created using Maxon Cinema 4D, Adobe After Effects and plug-ins from GenArts, Boris FX, FX Factory, Video CoPilot and textures from Greyscale Gorilla and The Pixel Lab.
Motion Design with Cinema 4D Lite
Learn how After Effects was used together with Cineware and Cinema 4D Lite to create a look for my recent Adobe Create Now masterclass presentations in Sydney and Melbourne.
Cineware 2.0
A quick overview of the new features and enhancements in Cineware 2.0, included in the upcoming After Effects CC 2014 update.
Universe 1.2
Red Giant Software has announced Universe 1.2, including 9 new effects and transitions bringing the total library of effects to 68.
Sci-Fi Ident
As part of the recent rebrand for Foxtel On Demand I created some genre-specific indents that play before the movies. This first spot for science fiction was created using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects and Maxon Cinema 4D.
Ae Experiment 15
For this After Effects Experiment type is the main element. Here I used full stops with animation created using Text Animator Groups including Position, Scale and Blur properties and a Wiggly Selector.
MaskTracker+
Mamoworld has released a new tool for supercharging the After Effects mask tracking feature, which is a powerful and robust tracker but limited.
Composition
With a great conversational style, designer Carey Smith discusses composition in design – what it is and why it’s important.
Channel Splitter
QHQ Channel Splitter is an After Effects script and Photoshop action for automatic splitting of the image/footage into discrete RGB or CMY channels.
Cinema 4D R16
Maxon has announced the upcoming release of Cinema 4D R16 which includes terrific new features and enhancements.
The Adobe Illustrator Story
This fascinating short film tracks the history of Adobe Illustrator and explains how it revolutionised the design process.
Signal
Greyscale Gorilla has released Signal for Cinema 4D which allows you to create procedural animation quickly and easily without using the timeline.
Shooter Suite 12.5
Red Giant Software has released Shooter Suite 12.5 which now includes Denoiser 2 and Instant HD 4K.
Motion Poems
Gentleman Scholar created this beautiful spot featuring striking, hand painted imagery for the Motion Poem Foundation.
Elements Of Design
This masterfully animated spot by Matt Greenwood playfully showcases key elements of design.
Introduction to Nodes 2
Eran Stern gives introduction to the brilliant Nodes 2 plug-in for After Effects.
Working With Texture Tags
Learn techniques and workarounds for toggling Cinema 4D texture tags on and off.
WinC4D
Maxon has announced WinC4D, a new competition website, and are kicking off the competitions with a chance to win Cinema 4D Broadcast Edition.
Mocha Pro 4
Imagineer Systems has released Mocha Pro 4 including such features as stereoscopic 3D workflow and Premiere Pro support.
It’s A Plastic World
It’s A Plastic World has sharp 3D info graphics with a poignant message about the perils of our over reliance on plastic.
Motion
Motion adds customisable expressions to After Effects layers for a range of different animation looks.
Mask Tracking & Colour Grading in Ae
Director Stu Maschwitz demonstrates Creative cloud 2014’s mask tracking tools in a colour grade workflow with Colorista II and Magic Bullet Looks 2.5.
UberNumber
Formatting text for dynamically generated numbers in After Effects just got a whole lot easier thanks to QubaHQ.
After Effects’ 3D Future
In today’s #Mochat discussion about new features in After Effects Creative Cloud 2014 on Twitter, Adobe’s Todd Kopriva was asked about the future of ray-traced 3D in After Effects
Universe 1.1
Red Giant has updated Universe to version 1.1, which includes 9 new effects, plus updates to 3 existing products.
SRobotz
France-based Collectif HOTU shared this fun spot about what happens when 5 Russian guys find a robot.
Creative Cloud 2014
Creative Cloud 2014 includes new features and enhancements in all the major applications including After Effects.
Transform 1.2
Greyscale Gorilla has released a new update to Transform. Transform makes building and destroying layers in Cinema 4D easy.
Background Design With Primitive Shapes
Harry Frank shows how to use very simple shapes in Cinema 4D to create an awesome looking background
Ae Experiment 14
After Effects Experiment 14 is based on Shape Layers. Take a look at what I created and then try your own experiment.
Ouroboros
Ouroboros is a new After Effects preset that allows you to create multiple trimmed Shape Layer strokes on one path.
Rampant Studio Flares
Rampant Design has released Studio Flares, containing 531 Clips of 2K, 4K and 5K real organic flare stock footage shot on the Red EPIC camera system.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
This look was created using After Effects CC and MovieType For Element 3D, Optical Flares, Magic Bullet Mojo, BCC Film Glow and BCC Grunge.
Memory Stream
Memory Stream by artists Peter Clark, Daniel Uribe and Yeojin Shin incorporates a variety of digital and analog techniques, with stunning results.
BCC Grunge
Learn the basics of the Boris Continuum Complete 9 Grunge effect, and see how I used it and other BCC effects to create a grungy neon look.
Save Me
Both Cinema 4D and After Effects were used in the production of this beautifully executed music video by French design house SuperBien.
D & AD Title Sequence
Mill+ created this impressive spot for the 2014 D&AD awards, using Cinema 4D with vRay.
MovieType for Element 3D Launched
I’m excited to announce that MovieType for Element 3D is available for immediate download
Color Suite Update
Red Giant Color Suite 11.1.1 has shipped. This is a free maintenance release for all current users.
Supply & Demand
Cyril Izarn and Pat Grivet created this terrific spot explaining the concept of supply & demand to students of Phoenix University.
Traveling Lights
Traveling lights is minimalist and beautiful, and once again demonstrates what is possible using the standard After Effects tools.
The Trip
Brazil based Antonio Vicentini created this quirky animation of a bus going on a psychedelic trip, using Adobe After Effects and Flash.
Color Vibrance
VideoCopilot has released a new, free Color Vibrance plugin.
Ripped Paper
Learn how to use standard After Effects tools, including Turbulent Noise and Turbulent Displace, to create a textured and ripped paper look.
Nebula Construction Kit
Peder Norrby has released a Nebula Construction Kit for Trapcode Form and Mir.
The Illusion Of Life
This masterfully animated spot by Cento Lodigiani illustrates the 12 basic principles of animation.
Misadventure In Time
UK based illustrator and animator Lee Daniels’ new short “Misadventures In Time” is fun and smartly animated using Adobe After Effects.
Red Giant Universe
Universe is a continuously expanding library of plugins for After Effects, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X and Motion and is a bold new direction for Red Giant.
Particular Blood
After Effects and Trapcode Particular were used to create this thick, dripping blood preset.
New Features in AE CC 2014
After Effects CC 2014 has been released, with some terrific new features and enhancements.
Frosty Window
Learn how to combine stock footage with default Adobe After Effects tools to create a realistic frosty window.
Ae Experiment 13
This After Effects look uses Ellipse, Turbulent Noise, Curves and Displacement Map.
True Detective Titles
Check out this superb opening title sequence for HBO’s True Detective by Antibody.
Junk Head 1
Junk Head 1 is an epic, dark and funny, stop motion short film by Takahide Hori.
A Focus on Speed
What if Adobe did nothing else in After Effects during 2014 other than make it faster?
Top After Effects Feature Requests
Right now it’s never been easier to have your say about the After Effects feature set.
Ae Experiment 12
With a focus on CC Griddler, this experiment also uses Curves, CC Composite, Levels and the Gradient Ramp effect for colour.
Sparkle Rays
An ethereal After Effects background using a shape layer, Turbulent Noise, Optical Flares, Particular and Starglow.
Split Screen Looks
For this project I explored split screen looks in After Effects. It can be a tricky look to use and not look retro.
Ae Experiment 11
Watercolour on paper is a popular motion graphics style, so for Experiment 11 we’re concentrating on watercolour looks made entirely from effects.
C4D Experiment 4
For Experiment 4 I used the Explosion Deformer with a Fracture Object, Random Effector, Spline Effector and the Multi Shader.
Warm Bodies
Learn how Adobe Illustrator, After Effects and Cinema 4D were used to create a promo for Warm Bodies.
Drifting Smoke
This useful After Effects preset uses duplicate Turbulent Noise effects animated using the Time expression to create fast drifting smoke.
Olympus Has Fallen
Learn how I used Cinema 4D, After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator in this Olympus Has Fallen promo breakdown.
Ae Experiment 10
Trapcode Form is one of my favourite plug-ins for all kinds of organic and abstract looks. Here I focussed on the Quick Map settings.
New Features in AE 12.1
After Effects 12.1 is loaded with handy features and in this tutorial I demonstrate some of the main features and enhancements.
Hidden Gems in AE 12.0
In this tutorial I demonstrate some of the less obvious, but still super useful new features in After Effect CC (12.0).
Ae Experiment 9
Experiment 9 combines the Circle effect with CC Griddler, CC Mr Mercury, CC Color Offset, Brush Strokes for painterly flower look.
C4D Experiment 3
For this Experiment 3 we’re going to jump out of MoGraph and into the Deformer category, starting with the Displacer deformer.
Ae Experiment 8
Mir is powerful, fun to use and fast as hell, making it really easy to experiment with. I couldn’t stop at just one.
Ae Experiment 7
Turbulent Noise is one of the most versatile effects in After Effects. Using it again recently to create the human iris reminded me that it’s an important effect to know.
Realistic Human Iris
I’ve always wanted to attempt a realistic human iris in After Effects and last week I got my chance.
C4D Experiment 2
MoSpline has a lot of depth and takes a little getting used to, but you can get some organic and stylish looks.
Ae Experiment 6
If you’ve been keeping up with all the experiments well done! For Experiment 6 we’re using Advanced Lightning.
C4D Experiment 1
We’re going to kick start the Cinema 4D assignments by exploring the MoGraph menu, beginning with the MoGraph Extrude Deformer.
After Effects Experiment 5
Beam appears to be a one-trick-pony, but with a little experimentation you’ll discover just how diverse it can be.
Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters
This look, inspired by the opening titles for Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters, was created using Cinema 4D, Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects.
Woodblock Print Style
This short Photoshop walkthrough demonstrates how I used Photoshop Oil Paint and Filters to create a woodblock print style.
Ae Experiment 4
Fractal is one of those effects that gathers dust at the bottom of the effects draw because no one really knows what to do with it!
Ae Experiment 3
For Experiment 3 we are going to stick with After Effects’ Generate category, this time focussing on Cell Pattern, CC Glue Gun and CC Light Rays.
Ae Experiment 2
With Radio Waves it’s possible to create some really beautiful looks, so dig deep and see what you can come up with.
Adobe Creative Cloud?
The announcement that future versions of most Adobe products are only available via subscription has been greeted with mixed feelings.
Ae Experiment 1
For Experiment 1 we’re going to ease into the experiments by keeping the brief more open and using After Effects’ entire Stylize category.
Cineware & Cinema 4D Lite
In this overview I demonstrate the new Cineware effect and discuss the benefits of this exciting workflow.
Learn and Earn?
Should every project be built starting with a blank screen? Can you focus on being a technician and still survive in business?
Flipping Objects
In this short tutorial, learn some of the different methods for flipping an object in After Effects.
Oscar Month
Learn how I used Cinema 4D and After Effects with some help from Greyscale Gorilla, to create a glamorous Oscar look.
Model a Mask
In this sample lesson from Making It Look Great 10, host Rob Redman demonstrates how to subpolygon model a mask.
The Courier
Learn how I used Cinema 4D and After Effects with help from Greyscale Gorilla in this Courier promo breakdown.
Smokey Rays
A moody, volumetric rays background based on the After Effects Fractal Noise and Optics Compensation effects.
Total Recall
Learn how I used Cinema 4D and After Effects, with help from Greyscale Gorilla and Motion Designer’s Toolkit in this Total Recall promo breakdown.
Model a Net
In this sample lesson from Making It Look Great 10, host Rob Redman demonstrates how to model a dynamic net.
Shadows, Swords & Snow
This set of quick-turnaround graphics all have a similar look and feel and were created using Cinema 4D, After Effects and various plug-ins.
Snapping to Whole Pixels
After Effects sub-pixel interpolation is helpful most of the time but can be a problem when working with layers that you want to remain sharp.
OSX Workspaces
Learn how to use Mac OSX Mission Control and Workspaces to save time and streamline your workflow.
Hulk Walkthrough
In this webinar for Boris FX, I breakdown the Hulk animation created using After Effects and Boris Continuum Complete 8.
Angie Taylor
Motion artist, trainer, presenter and author Angie Taylor chats about her background, her books and training products.
Element 3D Titles
Video Copilot Element 3D comes in extremely handy for quick titles and full frame supers. Check out these text-based looks.
Render Setting Presets
Guest host Craig Whitaker explains Cinema 4D render setting presets and how he uses them to save time.
Time Travellers
Here’s a stills breakdown of the Time Travellers title graphic, created using After Effects with Element 3D.
Difference Matte
Learn tricks for creating a clean plate using Photoshop’s Smart Object settings, then use that plate with Difference Matte in After Effects.
Moneyball Jumbtron
Learn how I used After Effects with GenArts Sapphire and Noise Industries FX Factory Pro to create a Moneyball trailer style jumbotron look.
CC Page Turn
Guest host Adam Everett Miller demonstrates the basics of CC Page Turn. Check out Adam’s full length tutorial on AeTuts.
Forget The Film, Watch The Titles
Watch The Titles has been a source of inspiration for me over the years, featuring a growing list of movie and TV titles with breakdowns and interviews.
The Brainstorm Tool
Rediscover the power of brainstorming and how you can use it to accelerate experimentation in After Effects.
Quick Vignette
Learn how to create a quick and flexible vignette using Curves, Circle and CC Composite.
Alien Meteor Storm
Learn how I used After Effects with Trapcode Particular to create an alien meteor storm reminiscent of the film The Darkest Hour.
CS6 3D Template
This free After Effects project will give you some ideas when working with 3D ray traced scenes in After Effects CS6.
New 3D Features in After Effects CS6
After Effects CS6 includes a new ray-traced 3D renderer, 3D text and shape layer extrusion, environment layers, simple curvature of layers and more.
The Collision Deformer
Guest host Michael Szabo demonstrates how to use the Collision Deformer to create an effect where bullets bounce off an object.
Exporting to Cinema 4D
Learn how to export an existing After Effects project to Cinema 4D to add a 3D logo.
HDRI Studio Pack for Cinema 4D
Nick Campbell of Greyscale Gorilla said when he announced HDRI Studio Pack that he set out to deliver speed and quality. He succeeds at both.
Peter McAuley
Peter McAuley has been involved in the development of state-of-the-art graphics technology for print, video and film since the mid-1990s.
Plug-Out?
Are there plug-ins in your toolkit that have fallen out of favour, perhaps you used to love them but the look got old?
Jesse Rosten
Jesse Rosten is skilful yet modest, with a great eye, loads of heart and a passion for film and motion graphics.
Captain America Shield
Learn techniques and workflow used to create a battle-scarred Captain America Shield using Cinema 4D, Photoshop and After Effects.
Maintaining Velocity
Have you ever created an animation you were happy with only to realise you needed to extend the length?
Chemistry by Pierre Magnol
Motion graphic artist Pierre Magnol’s Chemistry comprises beautifully shot imagery with fine graphics. I asked Pierre to give us some insights into his approach.
Explosive TV Graphics 2
Guest host Brett Morris discusses the After Effects workflow he used to create impactful Fast and Furious-style titles.
Advanced Type Fade
After Effects has a very powerful type engine for creating all kinds of dynamic type animations, but what if you want something a little more subtle?
Grungy Makeover
Learn how to use one of the Digital Juice Toxic Type After Effect templates as a starting point for a grungy promo.
Cell Pattern
Cell Pattern is handy for background creation and with a little experimentation you’ll be surprised what you can create!
Experimenting in After Effects
The importance of experimentation to a motion designer can’t be over emphasised. Experimentation stretches your skills into new areas.
Rob Redman
In the past few years Rob Redman has blasted into recognition as a 3D artist and teacher through his website Pariah Studios.
The Warriors Way
Learn how MovieType for Cinema 4D, After Effects, Sapphire, Key Correct and Optical Flares were used for sweeping title graphics.
Type Animation Tips
The After Effects Type tool is amazingly powerful, and when you understand the basics it’s straightforward to create a wide range of styles.
CC Ball Action
Guest host Adam Everett of Aetutsplus.com gives an in-depth breakdown of the After Effects CC Ball Action effect.
Use System Shortcut Keys
From After Effects CS5.5 some keyboard shortcuts appear to have been changed but never fear, they haven’t.
Spooky Hallway
Learn how I used Vanishing Point in Photoshop to create a 3D hallway, then animate the After Effects camera up the hallway for dramatic effect.
Brush Strokes
The After Effects Brush Strokes effect could easily be written off as a cheesy oil painting-style effect.
Video Blocks
As a motion designer it’s always good to have a large assortment of stock footage in the toolbox.
Blur Effects Comparison
Learn the key differences between Box Blur, Fast Blur and Gaussian Blur and which one is the better choice
Block Dissolve
Learn how the After Effects Block Dissolve effect can be used for more than simple transitions.
After Effects Template Makeover
Learn how to turn a simple After Effects template project into a dynamic and grungy title sequence for an imaginary TV show.
Invisible Selections
Learn how to use invisible selections when applying multiple materials to NURBS objects in Cinema 4D.
Template Extreme Makeover
Learn how I gave an After Effects template an extreme makeover into a moody, sci-fi-style opening sequence.
Animating Opacity
Learn how the Display tag and Alpha channel can be used to animate the opacity of your Cinema 4D objects.
Freeze Frame Titles 2
As I mentioned in the previous breakdown, shot selection for this kind of look is very important.
Depth Of Field Quick Reference
Cinema 4D camera depth of field settings and how they relate to what is and isn’t blurred can be confusing.
Fun With Photoshop Layers
In this 2 part After Effects tutorial learn to use a variety of tools in After Effects to bring Photoshop layers to life.
Freeze Frame Titles
The look where a shot is freeze framed and graphics build around a cut-out element isn’t new, but surprisingly this was a first for me.
Pierre Magnol
Motion artist Pierre Magnol produces consistently breathtaking graphics that most of us can only dream of.
Grungy Mechanical Look
Learn how to take a layered Photoshop file and breath life into it in After Effects, for a grungy mechanical look
Grungy Sports Look
Learn how I recreated the look of Kick Ass, with a sports theme, almost entirely from stock footage.
Automatic Animation Features
In this 2 part recorded webinar, we explore some of the automatic animation features in After Effects.
What is Motion Graphics?
For me motion graphics is the satisfaction of executing an idea that moves people. What about you?
Mini Breakdowns 2
The Hurt Locker is a good example of taking a concept from a tutorial, in this case Andrew Kramer’s Animating a Still.
Using Illustrator with After Effects
Learn a range of must-know techniques, tips and gotchas for using Adobe Illustrator with Adobe After Effects.
Mini Breakdowns 1
For Law Abiding Citizen I took the opportunity to get down and dirty with textures in Cinema 4D.
Align, Distribute and Orient
Learn some creatives uses for the After Effects Align and Distribute to Composition and Orient Characters Independently features.
Dynamic Sci-Fi Look
Learn how I used Cinema 4D and After Effects to create a dynamic sci-fi look.
Sam Loya
If Video Copilot is the most popular site on the planet for After Effects tutorials, then Sam Loya must be the most recognised tutorial talent.
Refine Edge
Learn how to you can use Photoshop’s Refine Edge tool to take much of the hard work out of refining intricate selections.
Follow the Stars
Created in Cinema 4D, this campaign included a competition to win a trip for 2 to Cannes Film Festival.
Bezier Warp
Learn how you can use Bezier Warp to make subtle adjustments to the position of elements in your scene.
Buddha Jones
Buddha Jones is the design house behind countless trailers for a variety of films including Inglourious Basterds.
Easy Scripting
Tim Clapham demonstrates a must-know and surprisingly simple technique for creating custom scripts in Cinema 4D.
Inglourious Basterds
Learn how I used stock footage and some free grunge textures to recreate the blood splatter style used in the Inglourious Basterds trailer.
Creating Magic From Presets
Learn how to take basic Adobe After Effects presets and customise them to create your own unique looks.
Paul Babb
Paul Babb is the popular and charismatic CEO of Maxon USA.
John Montgomery
For the past 3 decades John Montgomery has lived his dream, honing his craft as a visual effects artist.
Spray Paint and Bullet Holes
Learn how I used Adobe Photoshop and After Effects to create a grungy, bullet-riddled wall with spray-painted text.
ReelSmart Motion Blur
Grischa Theissen demonstrates a must-know technique for adding motion blur to your 3D renders in After Effects.
Phil Bates
Artbeats is arguably the most recognised stock footage provider in the world today.
Photo Mosaic
Grischa Theissen demonstrates the popular photo mosaic look in Cinema 4D.
Red Silk
A simple red silk-style banner created in After Effects using Trapcode Form.
Lloyd Alvarez
Lloyd Alvarez, the talented and generous founder of aescripts.com, planned to be a doctor.
Jumbotron Column
Learn how to identify the field order of footage and interpret it collectedly, and create a realistic Jumbotron-style look.
Ross Shain
Ross Shain shares his journey from art college to Avid to Imagineer Systems – makers of the powerful Mocha.
Jim Geduldick
Jim Geduldick reveals how his passion for cinematography was born out of his love for skateboarding.
Bulge
Guest host Eran Stern demonstrates the After Effects Bulge effect.
Harry Frank
Harry Frank of Graymachine discusses how he went from button-pushing audio engineer to accomplished motion design artist,
Green v Jones Jr: Before, After and After That
Generally, when creating a boxing promo, we are given between two and five days. This project was different.
Chris & Trish Meyer
What were you doing in 1993? Chris & Trish Meyer were pioneering the use of Adobe After Effect for motion graphics.
Nick Campbell
Nick Campbell has quickly established himself in the After Effects world, with his popular site Greyscale Gorilla.
Eran Stern
Based in Israel, Eran Stern is well-known in the After Effects world, thanks largely to his tutorials and podcasts for Creative Cow.
Simplified Text Workflow
Design skills are important but good workflow is also critical when working with Adobe After Effects.
Aharon Rabinowitz
Aharon Rabinowitz is widely recognized in the world of motion graphics but how much do you actually know about him?
Beam
Learn about the After Effects Beam effect and two unusual ways it can be used.
Explosive TV Graphics 1
Learn how Illustrator and Cinema 4D were used, along with stock footage to create explosive TV promo graphics.
Working with Trapcode Soundkeys
Learn how I used Trapcode Soundkeys to control the look and feel of a boxing promo.
Motion Sketch
Motion Sketch is one of those After Effects tools that is often forgotten, but very handy.
Peder Norrby
Peder Norrby is the mastermind behind Trapcode. A gentle genius with a passion for art, music and programming.
Rotoscoping Fields
Learn how to set up your After Effects composition to rotoscope footage imported with fields.
Animating Brushes in Photoshop
Learn a technique for creating cel-style animation in Photoshop using the Onion Skin feature.
Robert Sharp
Robert Sharp got into video in the early 1990’s as one of the early members of Terran Interactive – makers of Media Cleaner Pro. In 2007 Robert relaunched Digieffects – makers of Cinelook, and the more recent Camera Mapper plug-in. In this frank and open discussion Robert talks about the early days with Terran, founding Toolfarm,
Trapcode Form Transitions
For this promo I turned to the ultra-useful After Effects plug-in – Trapcode Form.
Andrew Kramer
In just a few short years Video Copilot has skyrocketed to become the dominant force in visual fx and motion graphics online.
CC Time Blend FX
This retro CC Time Blend FX tutorial by industry legend Brian Maffitt is still surprisingly useful.
Women’s Murder Club
While researching for this teaser spot for Women’s Murder Club, I noticed that police tape was a common theme.
Arithmetic
Guest host Harry Frank demystifies and offers ups some creative uses for the After Effects Arithmetic effect.
Brian Maffitt
Brian Maffitt is co-founder of Total Training and a legend in the Adobe After Effects community.
Angle Control
Guest host Maltaannon explains techniques for using the After Effects Angle Control effect with basic expressions.
Jerzy Drozda Jr
Jerzy Drozda Jr, the quirky host of Maltaannon.com, is a talented motion graphics and visual effects artist based in Warsaw, Poland.
Advanced Lightning
Guest host Eran Stern demonstrates the basics of using the After Effects Advanced Lightning effect.
Zax Dow
Zaxwerks is one of the veteran After Effects plug-in developers, with the 3D Invigorator range of 3D title and logo plug-ins as popular as ever.
Add Grain
Have you ever looked in the Adobe After Effects Effects menu and wondered what some effects are used for?
Sean Safreed
Red Giant Software offers some of the most popular plug-ins on the planet including Magic Bullet Looks and the various Trapcode plug-ins.
Damages 2 Teaser
Recently I posted a 3 part series on creating a shattering glass effect. This is the project that inspired that series.
Working with Duplicate Text
Learn how to work faster and smarter when using duplicated text layers in After Effects.
Shattering Glass
In this 3 tutorial series we’ll look at how to build a glass shatter effect in Cinema 4D.
Quantum Of Solace
For this Quantum Of Solace promo I once again turned to Trapcode Form.
The Dark Knight
Learn After Effects and Illustrator techniques used to create the bat shattering effect.
Spline Wrap Ribbons
Recently I was asked to come up with an idea for a show and as seems to be the case lately, had very little time to develop it.
Footage With Alpha Channels
Learn how to import footage with an alpha channel, apply it to an object in your scene, and have it play back in the timeline.
Grungy Text Look
Learn how to use After Effects Fast Blur, Turbulent Displace, Roughen Edges and other effects to give text a grungy look.
Quick Supers with Trapcode Form
I had to whip up some quick supers last week and turned to Trapcode Form, used to create the gaseous elements.
Photoshop & Illustrator Techniques
Learn some basic and little-known techniques plus handy workflow tips for using Photoshop and Illustrator with After Effects.
The Dancing Can
Learn various After Effects techniques for creating a dancing can animation.
W Trip
For this shot my client wanted to place a logo in the path of the actor and have it appear as if she trips over it.
The Vibrate Tag
Learn how the vibrate tag can be used to add automatic animation and save time when working in Cinema 4D.
Heroes
This project was created using a combination of Cinema 4D and After Effects with Zaxwerks ProAnimator and Knoll Light Factory.
Looking Through Lights
Learn how you can look through a camera linked to a light and see exactly what the light is pointing at.
Lighting Using Link Active Object
Learn how you can use the Cinema 4D Link Active Object command to take control of lights.
After Effects Time Savers
When working in the world of motion, time acts as a continual constraint against our approach and workflow.
Bond Classic Bond
Learn the techniques used in After Effects and Illustrator to create the silhouette look used in the Bond Classic Bond teaser.
Snowflakes
The Trapcode Particular snowflake background is based on a confetti background created by Peder Norrby from Trapcode.
K1 Promo
This project is another good example of taking poor quality 4:3 vision, making it 16:9 and giving it some polish.
Weathered Metal
Often when creating grungy styles I resort to stock imagery, as is the case with this weathered metal look.
Psunami
Psunami, originally designed by Brian Maffitt, was acquired by Digital Anarchy and then by Red Giant Software.
Sunday Night Movie
Fox Classics is always a great client to work for simply because I get to work with some great movie footage.
Cartoon, Bilateral Blur and Turbulent Noise
Bilateral Blur and Turbulent Noise are very similar to the existing Smart Blur and Fractal Noise effects.
Composition Navigation
If you’re not using the After Effects Composition Navigator and Composition Mini-flowchart you’re wasting time.
Broadcast Terminology
As a broadcast designer there are many terms one must understand in order to know what the hell a client is asking for.
Bond Classic Bond Teaser
This Promax Gold Award winning spot included a green screen shoot, keying and rotoscoping.
Chiseled Gold Bevel
Here’s an Adobe Photoshop file containing a handy chiseled, gold bevel layer style.
Saw 4
Learn various After Effects and Photoshop techniques for creating the grungy, dark look of Saw 4.
Starry Sky
This starry background was created using a combination of Fractal Noise and Trapcode Particular.
Grungy Text in Photoshop
Learn a simple technique using grungy brushes in Photoshop to make some grungy text.
Finding and Deleting Preferences
Sometimes After Effects does some crazy things that only deleting the After Effects preference file will sort out.
ECG
Here’s a handy Electrocardiogram created in After Effects using the Vegas effect.
Leave Color
Learn how to use the After Effects Leave Color effect to create black and white footage with a single colour.
Light Streaks
This light rays background, used in a boxing promo, was created using Fractal Noise, Directional blur and Trapcode Shine.
Explosions
A while back Motionworks ran a challenge to see who could create the best explosion using After Effects and Trapcode Particular.
Forever Classic
This image spot for Fox Classics channel won the Silver Award for Best On-Air Ident Design.
The Compositing Tag
Learn how to use the Compositing Tag and Exclusion option inside Cinema 4D to control the reflections in your scene.
Binary Grid
This uniform grid of random ones and zeros was created using Trapcode Particular and the After Effects Grid effect.
Sparks
Here’s a simple sparks preset created using Trapcode Particular.
Spiral Text
This After Effects project uses a simple index expression to offset the text layers and nulls.
Copying Masks To Shape Layers
The simple act of copying and pasting an existing mask onto a Shape Layer in After Effects can be tricky and frustrating.
Looping a Precomp
While looping a footage layer is easy, looping an unrendered comp takes a little more work.
Grungy Metal Type
This grungy, metallic look was created using a combination of After Effects Roughen Edges and Fractal Noise.
CI Network New Zealand
This After Effects spot features glass panels created using Cinema 4D
Radial Pulse
This Sci-Fi background uses a series of Shape Layer dots animated using the wiggle expression.
Particular Bars
This background was created using Trapcode Particular. The basic straight bars can also be modified using the Wave Warp effect.
Wire
This seamlessly looping After Effects background is based on the Cell Pattern effect and includes a number of adjustment layers.
12 Days That Shocked The World
It can be challenging to be creative without doing a complete rip-off, when given very specific guidelines for how the design should be.
Mirror Ball
This seamlessly looping mirror ball uses CC Sphere, Fractal Noise, Grid, 4-Color Gradient and Trapcode Shine.
Curves Quick Reference
This quick reference guide shows you how to use Curves similarly to the way you use Levels.
Levels Quick Reference
The Levels effect is a standard tool for adjusting contrast and colour values, but it can be confusing to use.
Sunday Night at the Movies
As with all graphics on Fox Classics, the palette for this spot was restricted to orange, black and white.
Particular Disks
This After Effects background is based on Trapcode Particular and CC Vector Blur.
Vietnam War Month
For this promo for Vietnam War Month on the History Channel, I wanted the look to be gritty but still maintain a sense of dignity.