• Adobe After Effects Expressions

  Random Layering

  Posted by Rafael Cruz on February 19, 2009 at 5:21 pm

  I am running some tests trying to come up with an animation style that is similar to the children’s classic “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.

  I am starting by layering some images of texture over one another. Each image is broken down into rectangular chunks (using masks), so that the images appear whole but are broken up.
  What I’d like to do is cycle through the layers for each chunk randomly.

  i.e. randomly reveal, say, 1 of 3 images that share a position.

  Once I’m able to generate this pastiche style animation, i plan to track matte the animated texture onto images of a variety of friendly animals. I might even try “Card Dance” to see if that adds to the effect.

  I’m excited, and would appreciate any help you can offer.

  Rafael Cruz replied 17 years, 2 months ago 2 Members · 2 Replies
• 2 Replies

• 

  Filip Vandueren

  February 20, 2009 at 4:31 pm

  I don’t know the cartoon you’re referring to.

  If I understand correctly, you want to have layers of texture, where randomly one of three layers is visible, so creating a shimmering/flickering texture ?

  One way is to create expressions for opacity, so only 1 layer is visible at a time,

  but I would sequence the textures in a pre-comp, and then use timeremapping with a random expression: no need to have three layers messing up the comp.
• 

  Rafael Cruz

  February 20, 2009 at 5:14 pm

  “Ohhhh right…”
  …Is what I just said. I actually started along this path, first by using random opacity expressions, and then by arranging the layers in a precomp. BUt I did not think to use timeremapping with a random expression.
  Such an obvious and simple solution.
  Thanks Filip! You and all the creative cowers are always a great help.

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