Week 5: Sep 22

Blending Modes:
To reveal the Blending Modes column in the timeline, expand the timeline by clicking on the middle button in the lower-left corner. Use the Blending Modes pull-down menu (to the left of the layer name).

Shape Layers:

Think of shape layers as containers for multiple vector shapes that come with a set of unique effects and animation tools. When animating shape layers, you will mostly be using these effects and animation tools, NOT the transform properties of the layer itself.

To create a Shape layer, use the geometry or pen tool and start drawing your shape without having any layer selected (if a layer is selected, you will create a mask)
To apply more shapes to the same layer, make sure it is selected, and begin drawing
Everything you need to adjust and animate the shapes within each shape layer is in the Content menu (above the overall Transform properties)

Keep your individual shapes organized by renaming (select the shape name, hit "Return" and type)
Shape layers (similar to Illustrator) have an independently adjustable fill and stroke

To apply a keyable effect, use the "Add" menu (to the right of Content). These effects can either appear as an independent item within the Content folder, like the individual shapes (this happens if no shape is selected when adding a property) or become part of a shape property (this happens if a specific shape is selected when adding a property)
The order of shapes and effects within the shape layer is important:

items on TOP of an added effect/property will be affected
items BELOW it will not be
when an effect/property is added to a specific shape, only that shape is affected, regardless of the order

Shape Layer Tutorials:

https://library.creativecow.net/articles/devis_andrew/AE-Basics-17-Shape-Layers-1/video-tutorial

Rigging a Character

In Photoshop or Illustrator:

Separate all parts of the character that you want to animate into individual layers. Make sure to name all the layers

In After Effects:

Import as Composition > Retain Layer Size
Open the composition that gets automatically generated during the import
Use the Pan Behind (Anchor Point) tool (shortcut "y") to move the anchor point of each layer to where you imagine the join to be (the spot around which your layer will rotate: shoulder, elbow, hip, neck, etc)
Create a null object and place it at the center of your character. This will be your main control.
Begin parenting layers:

hands to arms
arms to torso
head to torso
torso to Null Object
feet to legs
legs to Null Objec

To animate:

Set keys to the transform properties of layers you want to animate
Use the Null Object to move your character around
Use the Torso to make the upper body swing at the hips

For reference, use the project from our Sep. 22 class, which you can access via the Class Share server (mounted to the desktop of the EDS labs computers) in EDS Labs > 411-01 > Class Materials > 2014.09.22