Using the toComp Expression
Note, while I fix my stupid Flash playback issues, go directly to the QuickTime movie here.
http://www.graymachine.com/media/quickTip_toComp.mov
This is an old tip that I’ve never formally published as a tutorial. It demonstrates a couple tips on how useful the “toComp” expression with Knoll Light Factory, Shine and more.
Music Visualization with Trapcode Suite
This tutorial is inspired by recent animated works that utilize music along with Trapcode Particular and Soundkeys. Here, you’ll learn how to create particle-based visuals to match your audio.
After Effects Expressions
Targeted at the designer, this series teaches you how to use expressions in every day projects. This series has quickly become the go-to place to efficiently learn After Effects Expressions! Includes all project files and a Quick Reference PDF to aid in learning.
The six lessons are as follows:
- Introduction to Expressions
- Introduction to Arrays and Variables
- 3D Text: Arrays and variables continued
- Random Numbers and Text Strings
- Expression Control, Randomness and Probability
- Audio to Keyframes
DOWNLOAD ONLY | $39.99 (3 hours)
Creating a Shooting Particle Effect
In this episode, designer I show you how to create a cool motion graphics “shooters” effect with Trapcode Particular. After that, I also go into Maxon Cinema 4D and Adobe Illustrator to create a full logo build with this effect.
Creating a “Draft Switch” for Form
When working with high particle counts in Trapcode Form, the only thing that will speed things up is a lower number of particles. Creating an Expression Checkbox as an “on-off” switch for this is a efficient way to manage render times when working with Form. Here is the expression used:
s = effect("Checkbox Control")("Checkbox");
if (s==1) value/4 else value
Make sure to add a checkbox control from the expression control effects.
Video Rock Overview
Now that Video Rock is distributed exclusively through Red Giant Software, there have been some changes. There’s a few things gone, a few new things, and some more stuff coming, like Video Rock #2.
This video is a 10 minute walk through of the first Video Rock library, including some tips on how to loop elements, how to do quick designs with the prerendered movies, as well as some useful finishing tips.
Creating a Music to Light Effect
In this episode of Red Giant TV, I’ll shows you how to re-create the Music-to-Light effect (seen last season on Heroes), using Trapcode Particular 2. This is a deep exploration of the extremely powerful Aux System in Particular.
Preserve Photo Detail with the History Brush
Adding stylized color treatments can greatly enhance your photos. Sometimes, with all of the layered adjustments being used, details can get lost in light or dark areas. The History Brush is a great way to add them back in.
Using Adjustment Lights
In this QuickTip, I’ll show you how to manage lights with Trapcode products: how to light 3D layers and exclude emitter lights from those same layers.
Toon Drops in Cinema 4D
Learn how to use Spline Wrap and Sketch and Toon to create flowing drop shapes. This is actually an old tutorial that held off on publishing until this job was well in the can.
Drifting Title Sequence
The long awaited follow up to my old “Grunge Tutorial”. Learn how to use multiple nulls and parenting to simplify an otherwise complex camera move. Then use Particular and some additional effects to dress up the scene.
Title 3D Invigorator + Video Rock
This is a tutorial showing some trick I’ve been using lately, creating an edge glow effect on 3D surfaces. I first used this on some Cinema 4D renders on the TV Land spot here: graymachine.com/2009/10/tv-land-prime-feels-good/ and really liked the effect.
In the example here, I am using 3D Invigorator, something more people are probably familiar with.
For more info, check out the Video Rock library
Fractal Noise Fade Effect
Learn how to use Fractal Noise to create a textured fade on a layer in After Effects. Then add some more effects and elements to finish up the title effect.
Retro Style Graphics
Learn how to create a vintage retro style. Use the graymachine 3D preset to create 3D extruded text and apply the BadTV preset. Create lens flares using standard AE shape layers and effects.
Reverse Shatter
Learn how to use Illustrator to break up a layer into pieces. Use expressions to automatically make the pieces move randomly into place. Click here to view the expression used.