GRD 467 - After Effects for Motion Graphics

1. Appraise the software interface
   1. Examine graphical interface and panels
   2. Discuss After Effects workflow and terminology
   3. Open existing files
   4. Assemble and save a project
   5. Demonstrate various methods to navigate throughout project
   6. Apply the use of common keyboard shortcuts
   7. Review file location of cache and temporary files
2. Execute the animation process
   1. Examine and establish project frame rate
   2. Select and add keyframes to layers
   3. Adjust keyframe timing and velocity
   4. Identify animated keyframe types
   5. Explain and use the graph editor to adjust key behavior
   6. Apply and animate effects
   7. Assemble and edit a motion path
   8. Select and use Keyframe Assistant tools to manipulate animation layers
   9. Examine and remap timing of layers and clips
3. Organize and manage compositions and layers
   1. Make and edit a layer
   2. Examine and trim a layer
   3. Select and add effects to a layer
   4. Employ the use of an Adjustment Layer
   5. Examine and precompose layers to group similar hierarchies
   6. Select and arrange nested compositions
   7. Demonstrate how to navigate between hierarchies
   8. Apply a layer style
4. Implement masking techniques
   1. Survey masking methods to conceal or reveal parts of a layer
   2. Assemble and modify a mask
   3. Select and refine the edge and opacity of a mask
   4. Demonstrate how to animate a mask
   5. Apply various TrackMatte types
   6. Select and use the Roto Brush to rotoscope an area
   7. Choose layer transparency blending modes
5. Create 3d layers within a project
   1. Examine methods for navigating within 3d space
   2. Demonstrate how to change a layer into 3d
   3. Implement use of 3d cameras
   4. Assemble and position 3d cameras
   5. Build a 3d motion path
   6. Apply lights to a 3d scene
   7. Examine and manage shadows of 3d lights
   8. Develop particle effects
6. Modify imported video footage
   1. Select, edit, and trim imported video footage
   2. Apply motion stabilization to video footage
   3. Demonstrate color correction techniques
   4. Examine and manipulate frame rate and timing of media
   5. Produce tracking techniques to media points
   6. Demonstrate removal of color background with keying techniques
7. Generate multiple shapes and object content
   1. Assemble shapes using the Pen Tool
   2. Illustrate by painting over layers with Brush Tool
   3. Make and modify Shape Layers
   4. Assemble cloned and repeating Shape Layers
   5. Apply the Puppet Pin tool to an object
   6. Prepare and import assets from Photoshop
   7. Demonstrate how to import assets from Illustrator
8. Evaluate type usage in a project
   1. Review and list typography terminology
   2. Select and add type to a project
   3. Adjust type parameters
   4. Assemble text animations on individual characters
   5. Demonstrate animation of text using presets
   6. Prepare and save type presets
   7. Produce type animation along a path
9. Organize a project content and hierarchies
   1. Demonstrate how to manage imported footage; stills, videos, and audio content
   2. Assemble imported footage within timeline
   3. Categorize footage using folders, naming conventions, and colors
   4. Build nested compositions
   5. Demonstrate how to use null objects in hierarchies
   6. Apply parented objects and layers to create hierarchies
   7. Build and form pre-composed layer content
10. Generate project renderings
    1. Review footage using RAM player
    2. Examine the Render Queue
    3. Change Render settings
    4. Examine compression types
    5. Review and establish final output file type
    6. Select and set up motion blur on layers
    7. Explain how to improve quality settings
    8. Produce a finished project render
    9. Organize, manage, and collect project files