| Workshop 5b - Animated Vector Graphics | |
|---|---|
| Course | Arch 200c |
| Date | 2014/11/20 |
| Learning Objectives | This workflow introduces the basic operations for animating line work in Adobe After Effects. The process involves file preparation in Rhino and Illustrator and finally, animation followed by text description in After Effects. |
| Agenda |
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| Uses Tool(s) | Rhinoceros , Illustrator CS5 , After Effects CS6 |
Animated Vector Graphics
Set up the scenario for your animation
In order to create an animation based on this workflow, it is necessary to form a scenario of your process in advance, that will help you identify the necessary elements that you will need for your animation. In this workflow we will be working in a 2 dimensional environment therefore, it is crucial that you identify the sequence that the objects appear on the animation, so that they give the impression of 3 dimensional space. For instance, in this example we will analyze the structure of Villa Savoye by showing a sequential composition of its elements. To do that you have to put the elements in order according to the foreground and background order.
File preparation in Rhino
After you identify the scenario that your animation builds on, you can begin the process of creating the elements of the animation. In this example we will begin by editing a Rhino 3d model in terms of re-arranging the layers of the objects, based on the order that they appear in the animation. Always remember to keep a copy of your initial layer organization in a separate layer group. After you complete the layer organization, you should select all the elements of the model and click on the Properties tab. Uncheck the option Display Isocurves , so that the Isocurves are no longer visible in your drawing, since you don't want them to show in your animation. The final process that you need to complete in Rhino before moving to Illustrator is the Make 2D operation of each layer separately. This process separates the hidden lines from the visible lines, so that you end up only with the lines that you need for your animation. Select your drawing and go to File --> Export Selected and export the drawing as an Illustrator file.
Layer and Lineweight preparation in Adobe Illustrator
The next stage of file preparation before you move to After Effects is line weight adjustment in Illustrator. Open the AI. file that you exported from Rhino. Notice that your layers are kept in the saw structure as you organized them in Rhino. Adjust the line weights by selecting each layer and then accessing the Stroke panel. So far, your drawing is consisted only from lines. In order to create the illusion of 3 dimensional space you need to "fill" the wireframe drawing with solid white color. The easiest and quickest way to do so is by using the Live Paint tool. The following link describes the necessary steps to use this tool.
In this example the layers should end up like in the following image.
Before you finalize your process in Illustrator it is better to Edit your Artboard size so that it will match the size format that we will be using in After Effects. To do that go to Document Setup --> Edit Artboard and adjust to 2048px X 1556px . Center your drawing and make sure to leave the appropriate surrounding space based on your initial scenario.
Animation in After Effects
Introduction to the workspace
In many ways After Effects is Photoshop but for moving footage, and just like Photoshop. It can offer a range of tools that can augment Photoshop and Illustrator. The main After Effects workspace is consisted of 5 different sections. Apart from the main Menu bar and the basic toolbar under it, the workspace id divided in 5 sections that are accosted with different operations.
The first section is the Project Panel , which is a space for dropping off any media file (Photoshop, Illustrator, movie, clip, images, sound etc.). In this section you will be importing external files or create new ones in After Effects.
The second section is the Main Window section, where your animation is displayed.
The third section is the Windows panel, where you can access many options and setting, such as Brushes, Characters etc.
The forth section is the Layers section, where the Layers of your Composition are listed.
The fifth section is the Timeline section, where you can apply effects and set the keyframes for your animation.
Import an Illustrator file and create a Composition in After Effects
After your file preparation is complete, you can begin the animation process in After Effects. In this workflow you will be importing the Illustrator file that you prepared. The following link describes the process of importing a file to After Effects and creating a composition that you will later edit.
Keyframe set up
After you import your AI. file successfully, you will start editing the composition you just created. Based on your initial scenario of the animation, you will start editing your elements through the basic settings that After Effects offers, such as position, rotation, scale, color, opacity etc. You can access these settings at the Layer menu and set keyframes for each transformation that you apply in your elements.
Please visit the following link that will guide you through the basic transformation operations in After Effects and will also go through the basic settings of the Timeline and Keyframe set up.
Render and Export as a mp4. file
After your keyframes are set and you reach a desired result it is time to Render our animation and Export it in a video format. In this example we will be exporting as a mp4. file format, which is one of the most popular video file formats.
Follow the process of the link below to learn how to render and export your composition.
Render and Export in Adobe After Effects
Related
- Analogous 2013 Session
- The above content roughly corresponds with this class session from last year.
Files
After Effects workshop 200c : Here are all the files you need to follow this workflow bundled up as a ZIP.