Knowing how to create cartoon animation in After Effects makes videos more dynamic and engaging. In addition, they are useful for sending messages to the smaller community in the house.
But, it is true that the animation of fictional characters is somewhat complicated, since a series of steps, effects and layers have to be implemented in the program. All the variables on stage must have mobility and a “life of their own”.
These can be anything from common objects like lamps or beds to traditional human beings or talking animals. With After Effects you can also give life and movement to images.
Utility of After Effect in animation
The Adobe After Effect program is one of the best for creating cartoon animation. Because it has several peculiarities such as character movement, character distortion in scenes and secondary effects.
Another of its most important values is that the software offers 3D modeling, that is, the elements can be transformed into figures in three dimensions. Although it is an ideal system for commercials, its execution requires days of production.
In order to create cartoon animations or caricatures, it is important that you first learn to compose animations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Cartoon Animation in After Effects
The process for creating a cartoon animation in After Effects is based on the following requirements, but it is essential to take note of the following:
Design
Once the character is created, it’s time to go to the show and give it video or value. The first step is to open After Effect and attach the figure you are going to work with, then define the aspects you want from it.
The second step is to create separate layers for all the parts where the character is intended to move. For example, if it is expected to provide movement to an arm, the ideal is to divide this area into two identical layers, only in one of them it will have different effects and positions than the original. In this way, when reproducing the sequence, it will provide movement, or do the action that has been generated. Once completed save in PSD format.
Rig
Another important step to create a cartoon animation in After Effects is Rigging, it consists of preparing the entire body of the character. For example, as you move your foot, you would expect your shin and thigh to move as well. Generally, it’s done through Photoshop layer blending for null objects.
These values are then passed into After Effect to adjust movement patterns along with response time. In this way, the action is generated in its entirety, creating a professional finish.
Keyframing
After including the character in the worksheet, we proceed to define some values in the frame in order to improve the shot. This is a concept that deals with the creation of several layers and applying certain effects that, when reproduced, provide movement.
They can be commonly used for distortion or blurring in shots. But, it is clearly a complicated process that requires a lot of precision and patience.
After Effects is an animation design program widely used around the world that has multiple tools and eye-catching effects to create professional-looking animations, one of the favorite animation effects of this program is the neon animation effect.
Keys to creating a cartoon animation in After Effects
To achieve the best animations in After Effect it is necessary to keep in mind certain basic tips, among them are the following:
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Time will be your best ally to find perfection, since great animators are created based on trial, trial and error.
- Defining each layer will save you a lot of trouble, it is very important that you know that most of the procedures will be done in different layers. So you have to identify each one.
- Always incorporate attractive aspects full of colors and dynamism, that is, the figures on stage can move more easily.
If your After Effects program is in English, you have the possibility of putting it in Spanish to be able to work more easily and comfortably.