VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started with After Effects

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of Adobe After Effects, equipping learners with fundamental skills and advanced techniques. You will grasp the intricacies of the After Effects interface, proficiently creating compositions, importing and arranging footage, and managing diverse file formats. Building on this foundation, the module delves into timeline mastery, emphasizing the importance of the Current Time Indicator (CTI), efficient media linking, and sequence importation. Furthermore, you will develop expertise in composition and layer manipulation, exploring advanced features such as pre-composition and layer styling duplication for a thorough understanding of After Effects' powerful capabilities.

Fundamentals of Motion Graphics

This module empowers you to showcase proficiency in Adobe After Effects through hands-on experiences. You will master the creation and manipulation of shapes, understand shape parameters, and execute advanced techniques such as shape morphing. You will identify the art of mastering shape animation, creating loopable animations with precision using the Ellipse and Square tools, and gaining proficiency with the Pen Tool. The module delves into the Graph Editor to demonstrate smooth animations, apply anticipation techniques, and master advanced features like Trim Path and Repeater. Additionally, you will develop expertise in crafting dynamic text animations, exploring text properties, and creating professional lower thirds. The mastery extends to masking techniques for enhancing visual effects and seamlessly refining composition elements. Furthermore, you will explain their attainment of proficiency in After Effects by creating captivating logo animations, exploring varied animation techniques, and elevating brand representation through motion.

Fundamentals of VFX

This module guides you in acquiring expertise in Adobe After Effects, focusing on impactful visual enhancements. You will describe your understanding of the profound impact of light, colors, and perspective, laying the foundation for effective visual enhancement. Mastery in chroma keying will be demonstrated through applying techniques like Linear Color Key, matte refinement, and the strategic use of Spill Suppressor. The module further advances skills in compositing by seamlessly integrating elements with backgrounds, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing composition. Proficiency will be interpreted through mastering rotoscoping techniques, adjusting the matte hue, and skillfully employing masking to reveal and conceal text. Identification of mastery extends to motion tracking in After Effects, encompassing seamless integration of elements, linking track data, and advancing skills in comprehensive motion tracking techniques.

3D Integration and Visual Effects

This module empowers you to demonstrate proficiency in integrating 3D elements into After Effects, mastering fundamentals, analyzing shots for conversion, creating matte paintings, and effectively stylizing compositions. You will develop expertise in After Effects 3D lighting, camera animation, and material manipulation, enhancing skills for immersive and dynamic visual storytelling. Mastery in After Effects 3D tracking will be identified, showcasing accurate camera tracking, creation of cameras from tracks, and seamless linking of text for the creation of dynamic compositions. The module offers a comprehensive exploration of advanced techniques, providing you with the skills necessary for impactful and visually engaging 3D integration in After Effects.

Advanced Motion Graphics and Animation

This module guides you in advancing their After Effects proficiency through the mastery of advanced Graph Editor techniques, ensuring precise control, and refining animations for professional-quality outputs. Mastery of advanced keyframe techniques will be demonstrated by exploring the intricate capabilities of the Puppet Tool and effectively refining motion dynamics. You will identify your expertise in After Effects through the creation of impactful 3D text, animated cameras, manipulated 3D materials, and stylized compositions for maximum impact. The module also covers the mastery of creating explainer videos, including the import and animation of AI layers, stylizing animations with smoke, and precision organization. Excellence in kinetic typography and motion graphics is interpreted through creating text, synchronizing with audio, animating, and seamlessly incorporating impactful effects.

Visual Effects and Special Effects

This module empowers you to demonstrate mastery in advanced keying techniques within After Effects, employing tools like Keylight and Primatte Keyer while seamlessly integrating Lightwrap for polished outcomes. You will identify their mastery in After Effects particle systems, effectively creating dynamic effects such as shattering, generating smoke, utilizing Saber, and manipulating Particle World attributes. Additionally, the module explains the enhancement of rotoscoping skills in After Effects by seamlessly transitioning to Mocha, performing rotoscoping within Mocha AE, applying matte techniques, and proficiently utilizing the advanced Roto Brush 3.0 tool for precise and efficient results.

Compositing VFX Project

This module empowers you to master advanced After Effects techniques. Learn to expertly execute 3D tracking and compositing, meticulously planning footage, generating images, linking elements, and seamlessly applying lens blur finesse. Identify and refine keying and compositing proficiency in After Effects, leveraging 3D tracking, linking textures, and seamlessly integrating keyed elements with backgrounds for polished and visually engaging outcomes.

Adding and Compositing Elements

This module guides you through the process of becoming proficient in adding special effects in After Effects, explaining the importance of planning compositions, tracking sequences, and masking through tracking. You will attain proficiency by integrating techniques like burn, smoke, reflections, and character removal for impactful visual storytelling. The module then advances to the creation of a futuristic city, analyzing scenes, tracking, and seamlessly integrating a spaceship, enabling you to attain proficiency in crafting immersive and dynamic compositions. Furthermore, you will develop advanced compositing skills by adding radial elements, compositing a futuristic city scene, and effectively rendering compositions for polished and visually engaging outcomes.

Advanced Color Correction and Grading Techniques in After Effects

This module provides you with foundational skills in After Effects, focusing on the interpretation of color correction and grading. You will master basic correction techniques and effectively manipulate light parameters for impactful visual enhancements. Proficiency in the After Effects Lumetri Panel will be identified through the comprehension of creative parameters, exploration of curves, color wheels, HSL secondary adjustments, and the effective implementation of vignettes. Additionally, you will develop skills for creating an impressive portfolio in After Effects by following tips for effective presentation and content selection, ensuring their work is showcased in a professional and compelling manner.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes hands-on experiences, shaping proficiency and practical application of skills

Covers a comprehensive range of topics, from fundamental to advanced techniques, offering a holistic learning experience

Focuses on developing professional skills, preparing learners for success in the field of motion graphics and visual effects

Provides a solid foundation for beginners seeking to enter the industry, while also strengthening the skills of intermediate learners

Offers multi-modal learning materials, including videos, readings, discussions, and hands-on labs, catering to diverse learning styles

Harnessing the versatility of Adobe After Effects, enabling mastery of industry-standard software for motion graphics and visual effects

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert with these activities:

Attend an After Effects workshop

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Attending an After Effects workshop is a great way to learn new skills and techniques from experienced professionals. You will also have the opportunity to network with other After Effects users and get feedback on your work.

Browse courses on After Effects

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Find an After Effects workshop that is relevant to your interests
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities
Network with other After Effects users
Get feedback on your work

Join an After Effects study group

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Joining an After Effects study group is a great way to learn from and collaborate with other After Effects users. You can share tips, tricks, and resources, and get feedback on your work.

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Find an After Effects study group that is relevant to your interests
Join the study group
Participate in the study group's activities
Share tips, tricks, and resources with other members of the study group
Get feedback on your work

Read 'After Effects Apprentice'

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After Effects Apprentice is a comprehensive guide to the basics of After Effects. It will help you get up to speed with the software and start creating your own motion graphics and visual effects.

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Read Chapter 1: Getting Started with After Effects
Complete the exercises in Chapter 1
Read Chapter 2: The Basics of Motion Graphics
Complete the exercises in Chapter 2

Five other activities

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Mentor other After Effects users

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Mentoring other After Effects users is a great way to solidify your own understanding of the software and help others learn. You can share your knowledge and experience, and help others achieve their goals.

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Find someone who is interested in learning After Effects
Offer to mentor them
Meet with your mentee regularly
Share your knowledge and experience
Help your mentee achieve their goals

Practice creating simple animations

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Creating simple animations is a great way to practice the basics of After Effects. It will help you get comfortable with the software and start developing your skills.

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Create a new composition
Add a layer to the composition
Animate the layer's position
Animate the layer's scale
Animate the layer's opacity

Contribute to an After Effects open source project

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Contributing to an After Effects open source project is a great way to give back to the community and learn from other After Effects users. You can share your skills and knowledge, and help to improve the software.

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Find an After Effects open source project that you are interested in
Submit a pull request to the project
Work with the project maintainers to get your pull request merged
Continue to contribute to the project

Watch tutorials on advanced After Effects techniques

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There are many great tutorials available online that can teach you advanced After Effects techniques. Watching these tutorials will help you expand your skills and create more complex animations and effects.

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Find a tutorial on a topic that you are interested in
Watch the tutorial and follow along with the instructions
Experiment with the techniques that you learned in the tutorial

Create a short animated video

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Creating a short animated video is a great way to put your After Effects skills to the test. It will help you learn how to plan, design, and execute a complete animation project.

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Come up with a concept for your video
Create a storyboard
Animate your storyboard
Add sound effects and music
Export your video

Career center

Learners who complete VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Visual Effects Artist

Visual Effects Artists use software such as Adobe After Effects to create visual effects for film, television, and video games. They use a variety of techniques, including compositing, rotoscoping, and motion tracking, to create realistic and visually appealing effects. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course can help Visual Effects Artists develop the skills they need to create high-quality visual effects, preparing them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

Motion Graphics Artist

Motion Graphics Artists use software such as Adobe After Effects to create animated graphics for a variety of purposes, including advertising, branding, and web design. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course can help Motion Graphics Artists develop the skills they need to create engaging and visually appealing motion graphics, preparing them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Artist

Compositor

Compositors use software such as Adobe After Effects to combine multiple layers of video footage and visual effects to create a seamless and visually appealing final product. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course can help Compositors develop the skills they need to create high-quality composites, preparing them for success in this field.

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Multimedia Artist

Multimedia Artists use a variety of software tools, including Adobe After Effects, to create multimedia content. They work with a team of artists and designers to create visually appealing and engaging multimedia content for a variety of purposes, including advertising, branding, and web design. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course can help Multimedia Artists develop the skills they need to create high-quality multimedia content, preparing them for success in this field.

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Video Editor

Video Editors create and edit video content for a variety of purposes, including news, marketing, and entertainment. They use software such as Adobe After Effects to add special effects, transitions, and other elements to video footage. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course can help Video Editors develop the skills they need to create high-quality video content, preparing them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

3D Animator

3D Animators use software such as Adobe After Effects to create 3D animations for a variety of purposes, including film, television, and video games. They use a variety of techniques, including modeling, rigging, and animation, to create realistic and visually appealing animations. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course can help 3D Animators develop the skills they need to create high-quality 3D animations, preparing them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Animator

User Experience (UX) Designer

UX Designers design and develop user interfaces for websites and mobile apps. They work with a team of designers and engineers to create user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course may be helpful for UX Designers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used by visual artists, preparing them for success in this field.

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Web Designer

Web Designers design and develop websites. They work with a team of designers and engineers to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course may be helpful for Web Designers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used by visual artists, preparing them for success in this field.

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Creative Director

Creative Directors oversee the creative vision of a variety of projects, including advertising, branding, and web design. They work with a team of artists and designers to develop and execute creative concepts. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course may be helpful for Creative Directors who want to develop a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used by visual artists, preparing them for success in this field.

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Art Director

Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of a variety of projects, including advertising, branding, and web design. They work with a team of artists and designers to create a consistent and visually appealing look for a project. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course may be helpful for Art Directors who want to develop a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used by visual artists, preparing them for success in this field.

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Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products or services. They work with a team of engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course may be helpful for Product Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used by visual artists, preparing them for success in this field.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan and execute projects from start to finish. They work with a team of project stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired quality. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course may be helpful for Project Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used by visual artists, preparing them for success in this field.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They work with students to develop their knowledge and skills in a variety of subjects, including art, science, and math. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course may be helpful for Teachers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used by visual artists, preparing them for success in this field.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research to advance knowledge in a variety of fields, including science, medicine, and social sciences. They use a variety of research methods, including experiments, surveys, and interviews, to gather data and draw conclusions. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course may be helpful for Researchers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used to create visual content, preparing them for success in this field.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They work with a team of marketing professionals to develop and implement marketing strategies. The VFX with Adobe After Effects from Novice to Expert course may be helpful for Marketing Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques used to create visual content, preparing them for success in this field.

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