CGTalk - Motion Typography

domzzz

07-23-2008, 06:18 PM

Hi

I'm trying to create a video using mainly type and graphics such as the ones seen in these videos

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2007/11/19/monday-inspiration-typography-in-motion/

Does anyone know of any tutorials for that kind of thing?

Or anyone have any tips?
Were they done in 3d or 2d?
Some of them are pretty apparent when they move between text in 3d and other things,others seem like they are just done in 2d.

Also,another problem I have,for example,I have a piece of text move across the composition,from right to left and then downwards after the first movement is finished
The thing is is that the second motion affects the first,instead of a straight movement it becomes a curved one(which is also indicated by that motion line that after effects shows)

So:
1)Movement from right to left
2)Movement downwards

Am I missing something?
The only work around I see is adding another set of keyframes so after effects distinguishes between the movements and keeps them going at a straight line instead of curving the motions,is that the proper way to do it?Seems a little messy,or am I just being a big after effects boob?

Or have I lost everyone?

Anyway,thanks

Mylenium

07-23-2008, 06:43 PM

The thing is is that the second motion affects the first,instead of a straight movement it becomes a curved one(which is also indicated by that motion line that after effects shows)

...

Am I missing something?

Yes, indeed. Please read up on how to convert path points/ mask vertices and their associated tangents or setting the various keyframe interpolation types, respectively, in the help files. Keeping paths straight is entirely possible by making them perfectly linear or breaking and adjusting their tangents. While you're at it - read ahead and understand the principle of separate spacial and temporal interpolation in AE.

Pertaining to your other question - most of that stuff can be done in AE using basic 3D layers and does not require any deeper magic in a 3D program at all. 3D programs are pretty rubbish with creating typographically pleasing text, anyways, so unless you have a reason to create a ton of textures to stick on boxes or import contours to extrude them, it is usually not worth the effort. Even shadows and reflections can sufficiently be faked in AE. Conversely, 3D "obscuration" can be created by masking out sections and stacking the layers accordingly, sometimes using multiple instances of the same layer.

Mylenium

domzzz

07-23-2008, 07:42 PM

Thanks
Much appreciated,answers for both questions as well!

I'll get reading those help files and thanks for your insight about the videos I linked to

domzzz

07-23-2008, 08:00 PM

And once again thank you I've only had a quick look at the interpolation but I've managed to find what I wanted

evanfotis

07-24-2008, 03:54 PM

Can AECS3 natively make 3D extruded text without any external plug in such as invigorator?

Mylenium

07-24-2008, 06:02 PM

Can AECS3 natively make 3D extruded text without any external plug in such as invigorator?

No, not in CS3. But who knows, what the future holds...

Mylenium

KevinJ

10-20-2008, 06:58 PM

You may want to check this out.

Shape Extruder (http://maltaannon.com/articles/after-effects/studying-ce-shapeextruder/)

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