Knowing how to create a cartoon animation in After Effects allows videos to be more dynamic and attractive. In addition, they are useful for sending messages to the smallest 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 put into practice in the program. All the variables on stage must have mobility and a ” life of their own “.
These can range 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.
Usefulness of After Effect in animation
The Adobe After Effect program is one of the best for creating a caricature or cartoon animation. Because it has several peculiarities such as movement of the characters, distortion of characters 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 three-dimensional figures. 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 previously learn how 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 notes on the following:
Design
Once the character is created, it’s time to go on the show and give it video or value. The first step is to open After Effect and append the shape with which you are going to work, then define the aspects you are looking for from it.
The second step is to create separate layers for all the parts in which the character is intended to move. For example, if you expect to provide movement to an arm, the ideal is to divide this area into two identical layers, only one of them will have different effects and positions than the original. In this way, when reproducing the sequence it will bring movement, or will 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, when moving the foot, the shin and thigh would be expected to move as well. Generally, it is done through layer binding in Photoshop for null objects.
These values are then carried over to the 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 creating several layers and applying certain effects that when reproduced provide movement.
They can be commonly used for blurring or distortion work 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 striking effects to create professional finish 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:
- Time will be your best ally in finding perfection since great animators are created through trial, trial and error.
- Defining each layer will help you save endless problems, 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.