Adobe After Effects Crash Course for Creatives from Udemy

BIG COURSE UPDATE. - 2024 - Businesses use videos to get more engagement and eyes on their services and products."

This course is designed to give you the path of least resistance to making scroll stopping, eye catching videos in after effects, FAST.Join both Ryan Collins (a social media video expert with hundreds of video ads under his belt) and I, Lindsay Marsh, who has the produced hundreds of hours of video content as we study what makes compelling motion video clips and graphics, learn the basics of Adobe After Effects and learn how to complete stunning motion video projects.

I will walk you through motion theory including frame rates, sizes and resolutions, and provide helpful downloadable resources along the wayRyan Collins will provide you the precise tools and knowledge you need to skip all the headaches and get straight to making high quality videos, in his entertaining yet succinct and calculated manner. He will also walk you through several amazing projects such as Instagram Stories, Typography, video ad creation and tons more. And yes – you can learn After Effects and start creating compelling motion videos in no time.

All you need is After Effects, and a will to succeed.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the adobe after effects software from scratch
You will have a solid understanding of motion video theory
Learn how to create compelling social media ads
Understanding technical terms like resolution, frame rate and more
Create real world motion projects like a logo animation, a cinematic logo intro, a motion typography project, a video ad project and more!

Learn to work with motion typography
Learn after effects essentials like keyframes, compositions, easy ease, null objects, masks, wiggle, camera, effects and more!
Social media video creation
Scroll stopping video creation
New! learn how to create cinematic titles in after effects

Learn the adobe after effects software from scratch
You will have a solid understanding of motion video theory
Learn how to create compelling social media ads
Understanding technical terms like resolution, frame rate and more
Create real world motion projects like a logo animation, a cinematic logo intro, a motion typography project, a video ad project and more!
Learn to work with motion typography
Learn after effects essentials like keyframes, compositions, easy ease, null objects, masks, wiggle, camera, effects and more!
Social media video creation
Scroll stopping video creation
New! learn how to create cinematic titles in after effects

Syllabus

Motion Video Theory

Course Preview

Course Guide and Resources

Introduction to Motion Video

Welcome to this EPIC new module in the After Effects Crash Course for Creatives! Please watch the trailer and if you're ready to get started download the attached resources for quick links to the project file and other references made in the course.

Let's go!

Disk cache is VERY important to making After Effects run smoothly. Find your disk cache settings in EDIT > PREFERENCES > MEDIA & DISK CACHE

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on creating scroll-stopping social media video ads, which is highly relevant for marketers and businesses aiming to increase engagement with their services and products

Covers motion video theory, including frame rates, sizes, and resolutions, providing a solid foundation for understanding the technical aspects of video production

Explores After Effects essentials like keyframes, compositions, and masks, which are fundamental skills for creating motion graphics and visual effects

Includes project-based learning, such as logo animation and motion typography, allowing learners to apply their knowledge and build a portfolio

Features a section on cinematic titles, which can add a professional and polished look to video projects, enhancing their visual appeal

Teaches techniques for creating glitch effects and animating text boxes, which are popular styles in social media video content

Reviews summary

Fast-paced after effects for creatives

According to learners, this course provides a solid introductionpositive"> to Adobe After Effects, specifically tailored for creatives looking to produce content quickly, particularly for social media. Students appreciate the practical, project-based approachpositive"> that helps them build real-world skillspositive">. Many found the instructors engaging and knowledgeablepositive">, making complex topics accessible. While the course covers essential AE concepts effectively, some reviewers note that the pace can be quite fastwarning">, potentially requiring pauses and replays, especially for absolute beginners. Overall, it's seen as a highly effective 'crash course'positive"> for getting up to speed on AE essentials and creating compelling motion graphics and video ads.

Best suited for creatives needing quick skills.

"If you are a creative looking to add motion graphics to your skillset quickly, this course is perfect."

"Seems ideal for social media managers, marketers, or graphic designers wanting to create video content."

"The focus is definitely on practical application for creative output rather than deep theoretical AE knowledge."

"Great fit for anyone needing to produce scroll-stopping video content efficiently."

Provides a solid base for After Effects basics.

"This course gave me a solid foundation in After Effects essentials like keyframes, compositions, and masking."

"I now feel confident tackling basic animations and understanding the core workflow."

"It's an excellent starting point if you want to learn After Effects without getting bogged down in unnecessary details initially."

"Covers all the fundamental tools you need to start creating basic motion graphics."

Instructors explain concepts well.

"The instructors explain complex After Effects concepts in a way that is easy to understand for someone new to the software."

"Both Lindsay and Ryan are engaging presenters who clearly know their stuff."

"The step-by-step guidance through the interface and tools was very helpful."

"I appreciated the clear breakdown of motion theory alongside the software tutorials."

Projects are highly relevant and hands-on.

"The practical projects, especially the social media ad creation, were incredibly useful and helped me apply concepts immediately."

"I loved that the course is project-based. Learning by doing makes After Effects much easier to grasp."

"Creating real-world projects like the cinematic titles and ad breakdowns was the highlight for me."

"The hands-on examples provided were very effective in solidifying my understanding of the tools."

Course moves quickly, good for experienced users.

"As a complete beginner, I found the pace very fast at times. Needed to pause and rewatch sections frequently."

"It's definitely a 'crash course'! Great for those familiar with video editing but potentially overwhelming for absolute novices."

"The speed is good if you just need a quick refresher or introduction, but don't expect a deep dive into every feature."

"Sometimes the lessons jump quite fast between concepts, assuming you've kept up perfectly."

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 Adobe After Effects Crash Course for Creatives with these activities:

Review Keyframe Animation Principles

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of keyframe animation principles before diving into After Effects. This will make learning the software much smoother.

Browse courses on Keyframes

Show steps

Watch tutorials on keyframe animation techniques.
Practice creating simple animations with basic shapes.
Experiment with different easing methods to refine motion.

Read 'The Animator's Survival Kit'

Show steps

Study animation principles to improve the quality of your motion graphics. This book will help you understand the fundamentals of animation.

View Adventures in Animation: How I Learned Who I... on Amazon

Show steps

Read chapters on timing, spacing, and easing.
Analyze examples of animation to identify key principles.
Apply these principles to your After Effects projects.

Practice animating logos

Show steps

Refine your animation skills by practicing logo animations. This will help you master keyframes, easing, and other essential techniques.

Show steps

Find several logos to animate.
Break down each logo into its component parts.
Animate each part using different techniques.
Combine the animations to create a final logo animation.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Create a short animated video ad

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Apply your After Effects skills to create a compelling video ad. This project will help you understand the entire video creation process, from concept to final render.

Show steps

Brainstorm ideas for a video ad.
Create a storyboard to plan the animation.
Animate the video ad in After Effects.
Add music and sound effects.
Render the final video.

Follow advanced After Effects tutorials

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Expand your knowledge of After Effects by following advanced tutorials. This will expose you to new techniques and workflows.

Show steps

Search for tutorials on specific effects or techniques.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
Experiment with different settings and parameters.
Incorporate the new techniques into your own projects.

Create a motion graphics template

Show steps

Develop a reusable motion graphics template in After Effects. This will help you streamline your workflow and create consistent visuals.

Show steps

Identify a common motion graphics element.
Design the element in After Effects.
Create controls for customizing the element.
Package the element as a motion graphics template.

Read 'Adobe After Effects Classroom in a Book'

Show steps

Use this book as a reference to deepen your understanding of After Effects. It provides detailed explanations and practical examples.

View Adobe After Effects Classroom in a Book 2024... on Amazon

Show steps

Work through the tutorials in the book.
Experiment with the techniques in your own projects.
Use the book as a reference for specific tasks.

Career center

Learners who complete Adobe After Effects Crash Course for Creatives will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Motion Graphics Designer

A Motion Graphics Designer creates visually engaging animations and graphics for various media. The fast-paced approach taught in this course can be highly beneficial to a designer. As the course covers motion video theory, resolution, and frame rate, the core tenets of motion graphics are emphasized. You will learn the essentials of keyframes, compositions, and effects, which are essential for any Motion Graphics Designer. Learning to create projects such as logo animations, motion typography, and video ads directly translates to the daily tasks of this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Animator

An Animator creates multiple images called frames, which when sequenced together create an illusion of movement. This course will be helpful for animators. The course focuses on motion video theory and teaches about keyframes, compositions, and effects. By learning to create projects like logo animations, motion typography, and cinematic logo intros, animators gain practical skills that allow them to produce high-quality animations. Creating special effects such as a crazy glitch effect can be useful to an Animator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Content Creator

The role of a Content Creator involves developing engaging content for various platforms, often focusing on video. This course can be helpful for a content creator. With its focus on creating scroll-stopping videos and compelling motion graphics, a Content Creator will learn how to produce content that grabs attention. The course covers motion video theory, resolution, and frame rate. The course also covers real-world projects like logo animations and motion typography. Working with keyframes, compositions, and effects is essential for any Content Creator looking to enhance the quality of their videos.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Multimedia Artist

A Multimedia Artist creates art using a variety of media and technology. This course can be helpful for multimedia artists. The course focuses on Adobe After Effects, covering motion video theory, frame rates, and sizes. Learning to create projects like logo animations, cinematic logo intros, and motion typography allows you to develop a portfolio showcasing your skills. This course can be very helpful if they are interested in motion graphics and animation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist

Digital Marketing Specialist

A Digital Marketing Specialist develops and implements digital marketing strategies to promote products or services. The skills taught in this course can be beneficial to this role. The course's focus on creating compelling social media ads and motion videos directly supports digital marketing efforts. The course covers video theory, frame rates, and sizes, important for optimizing marketing content. Projects like the video ad creation and social media poster design are directly applicable to digital marketing campaigns. By mastering keyframes, compositions, and effects, a Digital Marketing Specialist can enhance the visual appeal of digital marketing materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Specialist

Video Producer

A Video Producer is responsible for overseeing the creation of video content from start to finish. The course can equip a video producer with practical skills to improve video quality and engagement. The focus on motion video theory, resolution and frame rates can aid the planning process. Learning to create projects like logo animations, video ads, and motion typography directly translates to creating visually appealing videos. Skills in keyframes, compositions, and effects allow the Video Producer to execute more creative and effective video projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Producer

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager plans and executes marketing campaigns. The skills taught in this course can be useful for creating more engaging marketing content. The focus on creating compelling social media ads and motion videos directly supports marketing efforts. The course covers video size, resolution, and frame rate, which are important for optimizing content for different platforms. Projects like creating viral-style text boxes and social media posters can enhance marketing campaigns. Learning keyframes, compositions, and effects can enhance the visual appeal of marketing materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Freelance Video Editor

A Freelance Video Editor works on a project basis, providing video editing services to various clients. This course can be useful for a freelance video editor. The course's focus on motion video theory, frame rates, and resolutions provides a solid foundation. The course's specific projects, such as cinematic logo intros and social media ads, provide practical experience applicable to freelance projects. The lessons on keyframes, compositions, and effects can enhance video quality and visual appeal, allowing the Freelance Video Editor to work on more projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Video Editor

Video Editor

A Video Editor assembles raw footage into a polished final product. The skills taught in this course may be useful for creating engaging video content. The course's focus on motion video theory, frame rates, and resolutions helps build a foundation for editing. The course's specific projects, such as cinematic logo intros and social media ads, provide practical experience applicable to video editing projects. The lessons on keyframes, compositions, and effects are critical for enhancing video quality and visual appeal. This course may be useful for anyone hoping to develop a career as a Video Editor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Creative Director

A Creative Director is in charge of the overall visual appearance and image of projects and campaigns. While a Creative Director focuses more on strategy, this course can enhance their understanding of video production. The course covers video theory, frame rates, and resolution, which are vital for planning effective video campaigns. Being able to create projects like social media video ads, motion typography, and logo animations provides a practical understanding of production. Learning keyframes, compositions, and effects can aid in making informed decisions about visual elements. This is a course that can provide a new perspective for a Creative Director.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager is responsible for creating and curating content across various social media platforms, so motion graphics can be an asset to this person. This course may be useful for a social media manager. Since it focuses on creating compelling social media ads and scroll-stopping videos, the course is directly relevant to the manager’s goals. The course covers video size, resolution, and frame rate, important for optimizing content for different platforms. Projects like creating viral-style text boxes and social media posters can enhance engagement, which may be appealing to a Social Media Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

eLearning Developer

An eLearning Developer designs and creates online courses and training materials. The course may be useful for an eLearning Developer. The course's focus on motion video theory and the use of After Effects makes it easy to learn how to create visually engaging content. Knowledge of video size, resolution, and frame rate can enhance the quality of online learning materials. Projects such as logo animations and motion typography can add visual interest to eLearning modules. Developing skills in keyframes, compositions, and effects can elevate the visual appeal of eLearning content.

See salaries and explore the career path for eLearning Developer

Web Designer

A Web Designer plans, creates, and codes internet sites and webpages, many of which now have motion components. This course can be beneficial to a web designer. While focused on video, the course provides knowledge of motion video theory, resolution and frame rate. You will learn to create animations and motion graphics. You will learn After Effects essentials such as keyframes, compositions, and masks. Creating web headers and understanding animation principles allows the Web Designer to create more engaging and dynamic websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Graphic Designer

A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts to communicate ideas and messages, and motion graphics are now used in such designs. This course may be useful for any graphic designer. While the course focuses on motion video, understanding motion theory, frame rates, and resolutions enhances a graphic designer’s skill set. The course covers how to create stunning motion video projects which allow for the design of motion components. Learning After Effects essentials such as keyframes, compositions, and effects is beneficial for animation. This is a course that a Graphic Designer should consider.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates learning materials. The skills taught in the course may be useful for instructional designers. The course's focus on video theory, frame rates, and sizes can help create engaging educational videos. Learning keyframes, compositions, and effects can enhance the visual appeal of instructional content. Projects like creating explainer videos can be helpful in teaching concepts more effectively. This course may be useful for anyone hoping to become an Instructional Designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Adobe After Effects Crash Course for Creatives.

Adobe After Effects Classroom in a Book

Save

Is part of the official Adobe training series and provides a structured approach to learning After Effects. It includes project-based lessons that cover a wide range of topics, from basic animation to advanced visual effects. The book's step-by-step instructions and clear explanations make it an excellent resource for beginners. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

Adobe After Effects Classroom in a Book 2024 Release

Kindle Edition

ADVENTURES IN ANIMATION

Save

Is considered the bible of animation principles. It covers everything from basic timing and spacing to more advanced techniques like overlapping action and anticipation. While not specific to After Effects, understanding these principles is crucial for creating compelling motion graphics. This book provides a strong foundation for creating realistic and engaging animations.

Adventures in Animation: How I Learned Who I...

Hardcover

Adobe After Effects Crash Course for Creatives

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Fast-paced after effects for creatives

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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