week 4: 2.5d
Find at least 3 inspiration for 2.5D animations created in After Effects.
Assignment: 2.5D Photoanimation with Integrated 3D Element
Overview
This project challenges you to transform a still photograph (or a series of photos) into a dynamic 2.5D photoanimation using parallax, depth, and camera movement in After Effects. To push the creative boundaries further, you are required to integrate at least one 3D object into your animated scene. This could be a modeled object, a 3D element created in After Effects or imported from software like Blender or Adobe Dimension.
Objectives
- Learn how to break down a photo into depth layers for parallax animation
- Create depth and movement using a virtual camera in 3D space
- Integrate a 3D object into a photographic environment
Develop storytelling and atmosphere through motion and composition
Requirements
- Length: 10 seconds
- Format: 1280x720, 30 fps
Software
- After Effects (Photoshop, Blender, or Dimension optional for asset creation)
Content
- Animate at least one photo using the 2.5D parallax technique (multiple images allowed)
- Use multiple layers (foreground, midground, background)
- Include camera animation in 3D space
Include at least one 3D object integrated seamlessly into the composition (can be stylized or realistic)
Deliverables
- Final Video (.mp4)
- Project File (.aep) and assets
Tips for Success
- Choose a high-resolution photo with depth potential
- Carefully separate layers in Photoshop before importing to After Effects
- Use depth of field and camera easing to create realism
- Match lighting and perspective when placing the 3D object
- Subtle motion is often more effective than exaggerated movement
3d camera with parallax.
week 3: working smarter
- nulls
- parenting
- expressions
- loopOut()
- time * 15
- wiggle( frequency, amplitude )
- index * 10 [ applied to position or opacity? ]
- linear(t, tMin, tMax, value1, value2)
- pickwhip
MAPP submission
week 2: switches, 3d and compositing
week 2 tips & techniques
- use null objects
- experiment with 3D layers
- utilize pre-compositions for complex animations
- explore lights and shadows in 3D space
- practice compositing techniques (rotoscoping or object matte )
- manipulate camera aperature / depth of field, focus, zoom and aperture
- fractal noise for backgrounds
proposed projects
- Minute MAPP project with Robert
- 2.5D Photoanimation with Integrated 3D Element
- Modeling, Rigging, and Animating a Multi-Legged Creature with Physics Effects
- Unreal Engine / VR project ??
- LIA Assignment: Title Sequence?? 3d? video fx? interactive w/ generative animation and sound
- Personal Demo Reel
Review this to get back into the mindset Adobe site from the UK.
Be ready to share some ideas of what you would like to learn.
Bruce's inspo
2025 demo reels
motion graphics examples from a2024
some inspo
motion graphics inspo
Check out these resources
best of's
mg2/ homepage (index.html) 1.1
set up your mg2/ homepage
- your name
- main nav
- links to past motion graphics projects, demo reels etc
- nav for exercises and projects
- link to mg2 figma
- link to Capyskills
- add a micro interaction / motion graphics animation
due: week 2 (September 2-4)
Figma setup 1.2
set up a Figma team with the following:
use Team, Project or Pages to organize your stuff.
- your name i.e. Motion Graphics: Mickey
- organized to easily locate your exercises & projects
- organized to easily locate your Capyskills stuff
- link to your Figma from your homepage
due: week 2 (September 2-4)