Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Foundational Cloud Concepts from Pluralsight

In this course, we will learn how to use the IK rigging plugin DUIK for After Effects. Software required: After Effects CC 2014, DUIK 14.23.

In this course, we will learn how to use the IK rigging plugin DUIK for After Effects. This powerful plugin allows you to animate characters using IK functionality quickly and easily. We will first learn how to set up AND rig the character both manually and automatically. After the rigging is finished, we move onto some simple tips for creating a walk cycle. We then learn different methods for adding background elements, how to loop your animations, and how to transition from one type of animation to another if you're using the looping expression. You'll first need to download the free DUIK plug-in at duduf.net then you can dive into learning how to create your very own character animations. By the end of this course, you'll know how to manually rig a character as well as use the automatic functions for less complex characters. Software required: After Effects CC 2014, DUIK 14.23.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and Project Overview

Inverse Kinematic Animation with DUIK in After Effects

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for industry and freelance animators who want to improve their efficiency using IK rigging in After Effects

Teaches efficient rigging methods using the DUIK plugin in After Effects, which is useful for animators

Taught by Laura Hawk, an experienced animator who is recognized for her work in the industry

Requires learners to come in with basic knowledge of After Effects, but does not require extensive prior experience in IK rigging

Uses After Effects CC 2014 and DUIK 14.23, which are not the latest versions of the software and plugin, but are still widely used in the industry

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 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Foundational Cloud Concepts with these activities:

Review animation fundamentals

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Review the fundamental principles of animation to build a stronger foundation for using DUIK.

View The Animator's Survival Kit: Runs, Jumps and... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 of "The Animator's Survival Kit".
Create a list of the 12 principles of animation.
Sketch out a few simple animations using the principles.

Follow DUIK tutorials

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Enhance your understanding of DUIK by following video tutorials that demonstrate its features and applications.

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Search for "DUIK tutorials" on YouTube or Pluralsight.
Choose a tutorial that covers a specific aspect of DUIK you want to learn.
Follow the steps in the tutorial and try to recreate the animation.

Create a short animated video

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Apply your DUIK skills to create a short animated video, showcasing your ability to bring characters to life.

Browse courses on Character Animation

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Brainstorm an idea for a short animated video.
Create a storyboard and design your characters.
Rig and animate your characters using DUIK.
Add sound effects and music to your video.

One other activity

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Mentor a junior animator

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Reinforce your understanding of DUIK by sharing your knowledge and skills with a junior animator, providing them with valuable guidance and support.

Browse courses on Knowledge Sharing

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Reach out to a junior animator who is interested in learning DUIK.
Set up regular mentoring sessions to share your expertise.
Provide feedback and encouragement to help the junior animator grow.

Career center

Learners who complete Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900): Foundational Cloud Concepts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Rigger

Riggers create the underlying structures, or rigs, that animators use to control the movement of characters and objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of rigging characters using DUIK, which would be very helpful for anyone wishing to become a rigger.

See salaries and explore the career path for Rigger

3D Animator

3D Animators use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which would be very useful for anyone wishing to become a 3D animator.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Animator

Motion Graphic Designer

Motion Graphic Designers use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which would be very helpful for anyone wishing to become a motion graphic designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphic Designer

Animator

Animators use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which would be very helpful for anyone wishing to become an animator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Character Animator

Character Animators use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which would be very helpful for anyone wishing to become a character animator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Animator

Motion Graphics Animator

Motion Graphics Animators use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects. This course covers the fundamentals of using DUIK for creating character movement, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Animator

Lighting Artist

Lighting Artists use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lighting Artist

Digital Imaging Technician

Digital Imaging Technicians use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Imaging Technician

Compositing Artist

Compositing Artists use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compositing Artist

Art Director

Art Directors use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Web Designer

Web Designers use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Video Editor

Video Editors use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Technical Director

Technical Directors use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Director

Creative Director

Creative Directors use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers use the DUIK plugin for After Effects to create rigging and animation for characters and other objects in film, television, video games, and more. This course covers the fundamentals of creating character movement and animation using DUIK, which can help you to enter or advance in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer