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Beginner looking for advice
Hey Guys, I am new here and I would like some advice. Currently I am working in a planetarium and multimedia theater at an office of education. I am there multimedia technician. I deal more with still photos than actual video. Eventually I want to edit television shows and/or commercials and/or movies. I want to learn how to use after effects. What tutorials or books or whatever should I get to learn After effects. What do I need to do right now in my life to proceed forward with this dream?? Also, I am not a mac user currently, is it the industry standard for my type of work. Thanks for any advice guys.
Ty -
12 Replies
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No, it’s not the standard. However, it is awfully handy to be familiar with both PC and Mac. I mean, you’re bound to run across both.
As far as taking steps towards a career goes, I’d learn the programs in and out. Learn everything you can. The more tools you wield, the more valuable you are.
Practically the Total Training series for After Effects is just amazing. Very thorough. It’s nice to have an instructor go through the entire app with you.
If they’re a bit pricy for you, buy an older set off of ebay. 90% of the info will still apply (just don’t go too far back).
There are also a decent number of fantastic tutorials posted up here.
Aside from that, the manuals are a pretty obvious source of knowledge. The best way to learn, by far, is too actually use the program. Always be working on something, even if it -
Post on the After Effects Basics forum.
Get the Adobe Classroom in a Book for AE for beginner training.
Get the books by Chris and Trish Meyer for reference. -
As Steve above said, the Chris and Trish Meyer books are a great way to go. They address all the training issues you are ever likely to run across, and the CD that comes with the book is packed with projects that will get you up and running quickly. If I had only enough money to get one thing, it would be one of the Meyers books:
Between the Meyers books and the tutorials on the Cow site, you should be able to be working comfortably in AE within a couple of months (given an hour or so a day reading and working out of the books with AE). Good luck!
Joe Bourke
Art Director / WMUR-TV -
i recommened Chris and Trish Meyer books this is the best for the beginner and the expert.
as Steve Roberts said it’s refernce for you.Good Luck
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Thanks so much guys, as soon as I get my paycheck I will be buying some of the meyers books and also after effects 7.0, thanks so much. Any other help that i should need????
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The Meyer books are reference — not for beginners starting from zero. I recommend you get the Classroom in a Book as well, or study the manual closely.
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What should I be doing now, as a recent high school graduate, if I wish to become an editor or motion graphics artist in Hollywood? Should I do film school or should I be doing internships or freelance??? I am located about 3 hours out of LA by the way. Thanks Guys
Ty -
You need a great reel, a great personality, and experience. I recommend interning to learn the ropes and make contacts, working on your reel in your spare time.
Nobody cares what school you went to — they want to see your reel. If school gets you a good reel, that’s good.
Try searching the “business” forum, or the “reels” forum. This has been asked a lot.
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how do I go about getting an internship and where do you suggest I intern at?
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Well, I can’t speak for L.A., being in Toronto.
Maybe you should try the Reels forum, searching for “intern”.
Or try mandy.com.
Or go to motionographer.com, look for motion graphics shops in LA, and drop them a line.Anybody else?
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