After Effects
Overview
This was my first project in After Effects. It was definitely a challenge figuring out how to use the new program. I got to implement my 3d visualization skills in a new way while exploring all that after effects had to offer.
Thumbnail Sketches & Inspiration
I started with three sounds and three storyboards. After receiving feedback from my classmates I decided to go with Better in the Dark by TV Girl and the accompanying storyboard I made.
Previous Iterations
This project involved a lot of trial and error. In fact, the whole program crashed at one point and I was forced to remake the majority of my animation. I followed a tutorial to make 3d shapes but really wanted them to interact more in the final version.
Final Project
I fleshed out my design and added more elements to the first scene. I wanted to depict a journey between the two opposite planets. I am happy with how this turned out and can’t wait to work more in After Effects!
Annotated Bibliography
Jordana – Topic. “Better in the Dark,” November 19, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqZOj9O8bxc.
- This song Better in the Dark by TV Girl and Jordana really motivated the animation. There is a segment at the end which samples Night Beat: The Girl in the Park, a podcast from the 1950s. You can vaguely make out the words “The night is a thief, some poet once wrote, that steals the colors from the day. It’s kind of pretty if you like words but they’re not exactly true because there are colors at night: the burning red of passion, the angry green of jealousy, and the ugly and terrifying black of fear.” This is what inspired the colors of the planets and the idea of a journey into the unknown.
SonduckFilm. “Create 3 Great Circle Burst Motion Graphics in After Effects | Tutorial,” December 9, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UtNW5FFXT8.
- This is the tutorial I followed for the circles appearing in the second scene
ECAbrams. “Simple Shape Orbits – Adobe After Effects Tutorial,” June 23, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct3HkdQHDqI.
- This is the tutorial I followed for the first scene to achieve the 3d effect of the planets orbiting around each other.
- This is the instagram page I referred back to countless times for inspiration. It is a collection of many early animations.
“Animation — Julia Schimautz,” n.d. https://juliaschimautz.com/Animation.
Julia Schimautz is an Austrian artist and her abstract animations really inspired me. They all loop and are very visually engaging.