After Effects CS5: Creating Motion Graphics

After Effects CS5: Creating Motion Graphics with Ian Robinson covers some of the core principles used to create motion graphics, breaking them down into smaller groups of applied techniques in After Effects. The course explores everything from gathering inspiration to integrating traditional typography, transitional elements, animated textures, color, and more into motion graphics. Instructions for building a toolkit with templates and a style guide for future projects are also included. Exercise files accompany the course.

Topics include:
Converting type from Photoshop and Illustrator
Creating shapes from text
Using markers in animation
Editing techniques for graphics
Using type presets
Animating type
Exploring color correction tools
Building animated textures
Creating custom vignettes
Understanding Lights and Material settings
Adding dynamic transitions
Rigging cameras for animation
Working efficiently in 3D space

0. Introduction
Welcome 01:04
Using the exercise files 01:04
Defining motion graphics 01:32
1. Exploring the Process
Workflow for creating motion graphics 05:07
Organizing projects for motion graphics 04:25
Defining a motion graphics "package" 01:39
2. Finding Inspiration
Collecting visual inspiration 02:14
Listening to imagine 03:20
Creating elements for inspiration 07:24
3. Exploring Typography
Essential theories of typography 06:34
Understanding shortcuts for setting type in AE 07:27
Converting type from Photoshop 05:51
Importing type from illustrator 09:44
Creating shapes from text 03:28
4. Timing for Animation
Understanding the role of timing in motion graphics 08:01
Creating and using markers 07:58
Creating animation with markers 05:16
Using audio to create animated graphics 05:47
Editing techniques for graphics and video 09:28
5. Animating Type
Understanding different kinds of type in After Effects 15:53
Using animators with type 07:59
Using type presets 07:35
Creating custom type presets 04:35
Animating paragraph type 13:25
6. Exploring Color in Motion Graphics
Exploring the use of color in motion graphics 10:40
Creating and using color palettes 13:45
Exploring color correction tools in AE 06:46
Advanced correction with Color Finesse 08:34
Creating custom color presets 06:10
7. Using Textures to Add Depth
Exploring textures in motion graphics 08:30
Building an animated background texture 16:55
Creating textures for type 10:19
Animating seamless textures 15:01
Creating custom vignettes 08:28
8. Exploring Lighting Techniques
Understanding lighting in After Effects 12:57
Intro to lighting techniques 05:17
Using material settings to enhance lighting 07:44
Adding polish to a light setup 12:35
9. Creating Dynamic Transitions
Animating swoops and swooshes 12:37
Creating repeating light trails with the Vegas effect 06:28
Repeating patterns with shape layers 08:11
Exploring graphic transitions 10:37
Exploring video transitions 05:16
Adding dynamic elements to a video transition 07:23
10. Camera Animation in Depth
Working in 3D 08:36
Rigging cameras for animation 08:45
Working with depth of field 05:02
11. Applied Techniques: The Title
Creating storyboards in After Effects 10:20
Creating an animatic 18:14
Polishing the animation and timing 08:45
Applying the final effects 13:35
12. Applied Techniques: Info Graphics
Preparing a map for animation 07:59
Animating and styling a map 08:24
Designing a lower-third graphic 08:22
Adding animation to the lower-third graphic 09:10
Creating bumper animations 13:58
13. Building a Toolkit
Defining the toolkit 02:02
Preparing templates 07:12
Creating a style guide 05:03
14. Conclusion
Next Steps 01:03