Motion Graphics - Shape layers

The term motion graphics is currently being redefined as the industry is incorporating elements of other fields such as visual effects, 3D and character animation

• For this class the distinction is created graphics as opposed to video clips
  • Check out these example sites:
    • Bran Dougherty-Johnson
    • Andrew Embury
    • Nine Squares
• These animations are great ways to convey information (sometimes very technical) in an intuitive and pleasing way. Thus the popularity
• Starting with a Shape Layer overview
  • Using the shape tools...if any type of layer is selected (image, video, solid) a mask is created
  • If no layers are selected then you will create a Shape layer
    
  • Parametric shapes are considered live so their properties can be altered and animated
    
  • Shape layers can be separate or multiple within one layer
• Transforms
  • Each layer has a set of transformation properties, meaning: ink, point, positions, scale, rotation, and opacity. However, shape layers have the added complexity of having their own additional transform controls.
  • Shape layers have transformations inside the layer transformation.
    • Top level animation - happening to everything inside the layer under the Transform section
    • Adding another shape to the shape layer will inherit the top level animation, but can have individual properties
    • Grouping (Cmd/Ctrl G) can add another layer
      
    • Manipulating shapes with path operators:
      • Repeater
        • Create an centered ellipse (double clicking the elipse tool)
        • Size it to 170px circle (uncheck the linkage icon to resize unproportionatly) - Ellipse path=>Size
          
        • Make sure the main layer is selected (not the ellipse 1 layer) and click the Add: Repeater
          
          This creates a repeat level in the layer. Twirl the Transform Repeater 1 level and change the X position to 0. You should have all circles on top of each other
        • Change the rotation in the same level to 47 degrees (not times) 0,+47
        • Now go to the Ellipse Transform and go to the position Y value and type -95
        • Under Repeater add 8 copies
        • Under Repeater Transform change the start and end opacity to 50%
          Should look like this:
          To move the entire graphic, select the main shape layer and use the selection tool
      • Trim path
        • Create a path using the Pen tool - you can select the bezier options by selecting the Path level within the Shape properties and select the Mask and Shape path visibility
          
        • Now Add: Trim Path
        • Twirl the Trim path level down and animate the End (or start if you drew from the top down) element for the growing effect
        • Now duplicate the flower layer and turn the fill off and add a stroke
        • Add the Trim Paths operator and animate the same way
        • Change the Offset to 175 to change where the drawing begins
      • Other operators
        • Draw a diagonal straight line across the stage with the pen tool (10px stroke, fill off)
        • Add in Wiggle paths, twirl the Wiggle Paths level and increase the size and detail and then render preview to see the effect
        • On a new layer create an ellipse and a rectangle on top
        • Now add the Merge Paths operator
        • Under the Merge Paths level play with the mode...for instance "subtract" will work with a cut-out effect