Displacement Mapping might sound like a concept from a Sci-Fi novel, but in After Effects you can use it to create interesting distortion techniques right now! Richard Lainhart maps out the basics.
After Effects is very capable animation tool for both the "jointed" method and "squash-and-stretch" technique. Richard Lainhart pulls some effective character animation tricks out of the bag.
Shape Layers are one of the most underutilized areas of After Effects, despite there being amazing things you create using them. In this tutorial Toby Pitman outlines 3 incredible Shape Layer tricks.
Lower third titles have become synonymous with a multitude of genres. With so many different styles available, Richard Lainhart shows how to create a typical animated documentary-style title.
In this 2 part After Effects Tutorial, Richard Lainhart demonstrates how to create the infamous hologram effect, as seen in Star Wars, on his friend and neighbour, Dream Theater's Jordan Rudess.
Have you ever been underwater (the sea or even in the bath) looking up as light rays illuminate the water? If, so you know how magical it can feel. Learn how to recreate this scene in After Effects.
In this feature length article Richard Lainhart takes us through the 5 things every After Effects user needs to know. From organizational workflow ideas to practical and artistic tips. Read on...
Space. The final frontier... Ever wanted to beam someone up (or away) Star Trek Style? Richard Lainhart takes you through this classic effect step-by-step in After Effects CS5.
Using sound to drive animations is a lot of fun in After Effects. If you don't have the resources to buy a dedicated plug-in like Trapcode Sound Keys don't worry.
A common film and television effect is that 'writing on a script title', so that it appears as if the title is being drawn or handwritten on the screen in realtime. This used to be done with tradition