● Explore the workspace: Composition, Timeline, Project, and Tools panels. ● Understand the purpose of each panel. ● Familiarise yourself with basic tools such as Selection Tool, Hand Tool, Zoom Tool, and Text Tool.
Day 2: Understanding Compositions and Layers
● Learn about compositions: what they are and how to create them. ● Understand the concept of layers within compositions. ● Practice creating compositions and adding layers to them. ● Experiment with arranging layers in the timeline and adjusting their properties.
Day 3: Basic Animation Techniques
● Learn about keyframes and how they are used to create animation. ● Practise animating properties such as position, scale, rotation, and opacity using keyframes. ● Experiment with the Graph Editor to refine motion curves and timing. ● Create a simple animation project, such as a bouncing ball or a moving logo reveal.
Day 4: Easing and Timing
● Explore different easing options to create smoother animations. ● Learn about the value graph and how it affects motion. ● Practice applying easing to your animations to achieve the desired motion. ● Experiment with timing variations to create dynamic effects.
Day 5: Animating Text
● Learn how to create and animate text layers. ● Experiment with text animation presets to add flair to your projects. ● Explore text animation techniques such as text reveals, typewriter effects, and kinetic typography. ● Create a project focusing on animating text elements.
Day 6: Introduction to Effects
● Explore the Effects & Presets panel and learn about the different categories of effects. ● Apply basic effects such as Blur, Glow, and Color Correction to layers. ● Experiment with adjusting effect parameters to achieve different looks. ● Create a simple project using effects to enhance your animation.
Day 7: Using Presets
● Learn how to use and customise presets to speed up your workflow. ● Explore the Animation Presets library and apply presets to your layers. ● Customise presets to fit your project's needs. ● Practice using presets creatively to achieve unique effects.
Day 8: Motion Paths and Expressions
● Explore motion paths and basic expressions. ● Learn how to use expressions for animation control. ● Experiment with creating dynamic animations using expressions.
Day 9: Advanced Animation Techniques
● Learn about advanced animation techniques like parenting and null objects. ● Practice using these techniques to create complex animations with multiple layers. ● Experiment with combining different animation techniques for more creative results.
Day 10: Shape Layers and Vector Animation
● Learn about shape layers and vector animation. ● Practice creating shapes and animating them using shape layer properties. ● Explore the possibilities of vector-based animation in After Effects.
Day 11: Animation Principles
● Study animation principles such as squash and stretch, anticipation, and follow-through. ● Apply these principles to your animations to make them more lifelike and appealing. ● Analyse animations from movies or other sources to identify and understand these principles in practice.
Day 12: Introduction to 3D Space
● Learn about After Effects' 3D capabilities and how to work in a 3D space. ● Practice creating and animating 3D layers. ● Experiment with cameras and lights to add depth and realism to your compositions.
Day 13: Green Screen Keying
● Learn green screen keying techniques for compositing. ● Practice keying out a green screen footage using the Keylight effect. ● Experiment with refining the key to achieve better results.
Day 14: Compositing Basics
● Learn about compositing techniques such as blending modes and alpha channels. ● Practice integrating multiple layers into a composition to create a seamless final image. ● Experiment with combining footage, graphics, and effects to create interesting compositions.
Day 15: Visual Effects Basics
● Explore basic visual effects such as particles, simulations, and distortions. ● Learn how to apply and customise effects to achieve different looks. ● Create a project incorporating visual effects to enhance your animations.
Day 16: Masking Techniques
● Learn about masking techniques for selective effects and adjustments. ● Practice creating and animating masks to isolate specific areas of your composition. ● Experiment with using masks to create complex effects and transitions.
Day 17: Advanced Effects
● Explore advanced effects and layer properties available in After Effects. ● Learn how to use effects such as CC Particle Systems, Fractal Noise, and Time Displacement to create complex visuals. ● Experiment with combining multiple effects to achieve unique looks in your projects.
Day 18: Project: Motion Graphics Animation
● Work on a motion graphics animation project incorporating techniques learned so far. ● Experiment with creating dynamic animations using text, shapes, and effects.
Day 19: Project: Visual Effects Composition
● Work on a visual effects composition project integrating live-action footage and visual effects. ● Experiment with green screen keying, compositing, and visual effects to create a realistic final result.
Day 20: Review and Refine
● Review your projects from the past days. ● Refine them for better quality, paying attention to animation timing, visual effects integration, and overall composition.
Day 21-30: Practice and Experimentation
● Spend the remaining days practising and experimenting with After Effects. ● Explore advanced topics such as character animation, advanced motion graphics techniques, and advanced visual effects. ● Work on personal projects to apply and reinforce what you've learned. ● Experiment with different styles and approaches to animation and visual effects. ● Seek inspiration from other artists and animations to fuel your creativity and push your skills further.