Fundamentals of Animation in After Effects

Meet Michael Tierney, a freelance motion designer and self-proclaimed minimalist. Learn about his background as a designer and how he has learned to streamline his creative workflow when developing original animations and motion graphics.

Michael introduces you to the concept and purpose of a showreel and why it’s so important. Discover what you need to get started by exploring the tools and interface of After Effects. Learn how to use the essentials and practice techniques for developing your project.

Start by animating simple icons and typography. Then move on to character rigging and character walk cycles. Michael shows you his tricks and tips for working more efficiently and introduces a wide range of resources that you can reference to dive deeper into specific techniques.

Take a look at After Effects through the eyes of a visual effects artist or filmmaker. Learn about green screening, title sequences, and creating dynamic transitions. See how to work with a 3D space and add movement and depth to any photo or illustration. Explore HUD (heads-up display) design and motion tracking—ideal for attaching text and icons to a moving object.

It’s time to share your project with the world! Take a look at what makes a good motion design showreel and define the look and feel of yours. Then, see how to import your animations before building and editing your own showreel.