Home > Masking, Effects & Shapes

Kyle Hamrick

Motion | Creative & Technical Direction

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Masking, Effects & Shapes

Use masking, blending modes and effects to stylize existing elements or create new ones from scratch. Learn to leverage shape layers, similar to working in Illustrator, to create animations with flexible and versatile shapes.

This summary is AI generated

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explore After Effects as a design tool
  • Utilize compositing options for complex looks
  • Animate properties for non-destructive editing

Level: Beginner

Skills you'll gain:

After Effects, Animation, Compositing, Design

Key Insights

  • Use Photoshop and Illustrator for artwork before importing to After Effects.
  • Understand the importance of layer order for effects.
  • Experiment with masks to create unique shapes.
  • Adjustment layers apply effects to all layers below them.
  • Track mats allow for independent layer visibility.
  • Fractal noise can create dynamic textures and patterns.
  • Shape layers provide procedural and flexible design options.
  • Text layers can be animated using various properties.
  • Convert text layers to shape layers for more control.
  • Explore animation presets for quick text animations.