-
Good Places to Learn?
I have what I assume to be a pretty dumb (yet necessary) question. I’m new to the forums so if I’m posting this in the wrong spot, I apologize. Please don’t flame me.
I have a bachelors degree in film/video. My degree is really focused on pre-production, production. I do have experience in post, but mostly just editing on FCP, Premiere, and Avid. When I got my degree I wasn’t sure what aspect I really wanted to do. I loved the process, and so went with a more general degree to provide me more options. I really focused mostly on screenwriting, which I’ve since found to be a better hobby. I’m currently working in production and it’s ok, but have found that motion graphics is what I am really loving.
I have limited experience in it and so my question is this:
Without having to go back to school for a whole additional degree (and mountain of debt), are there good classes, dvds, certifications, etc that one can get that REALLY provides sufficient education to start getting basic work? Any specific ones you’d recommend? I have no problem with starting small if it means doing things the right way.
Additionally, once one is ready to start trying to get freelance work, what are the best ways to find it? Is it better to work for a studio, or for yourself?
Thanks in advance. I appreciate any help you can provide me.
Rich
-
5 Replies
-
Get the Creating Motion Graphics book series by Chris and Trish Meyer. There is an Adobe Expert Certification but I don’t know how useful it is, one could know everything about AE and not have any creative ability so it would be useless, I dunno.
As far as freelance I have been enjoying myself more with a studio than freelance. Too much business involved otherwise. It’s a personal preference though and you’ll have to figure it out for yourself.
-
Check out Aharon Rabinowitz’s free After Effects podcast that he does for Creative COW. There are what seems like 100 or so free two to five minute video tutorials that unlock many areas of After Effects. He also illuminates many fundamental principles that are core to working in animation and motion graphics.
The podcast is at https://www.creativecow.net/podcasts
— charles
-
Essentially, there are four ways for you to pick up AE –
1) Online Tutorials
2) Books
3) DVD Training Materials
4) ClassesTo get up to speed quickly, classes are the best – provided you have a good trainer and his course outline have been well-planned. They are also more costly. The great thing is that you can start doing stuff in AE and know what the heck you’re doing and why you’re doing certain things. Folks who just jump in almost always have no clue as to why they’re doing what – they just do it.
But for AE, it’s best to know what you’re doing.
The Meyers’ CMG books are great, especially the Creating Motion Graphics series. They are essentially the encyclopedia on AE. AE Studio Effects is an excellent book for tutorials.
TotalTraining’s DVD and now online tutorials sort of compete with books in the manner that the lessons are planned.
Then there’s the COWs Master Series to get you in-depth on a select number of very-good-to-know topics/plugins. And Andrew has some pretty good topicalised tutorial DVDs.
And you shouldn’t forget the COW’s AE tutorials. It’s definitely the largest collection on the Web.
HTH
Roland Kahlenberg
https://www.broadcastGEMs.com
https://www.myspace.com/rorkrgbspace -
Thanks for all of the advice guys. I’m thankfully familiar with graphics as a whole. I’ve been using photoshop for a while, which certainly helps. I’ve been doing some of the tutorials and you’re right, I don’t really know WHY i’m doing what I am, I just copy. That’s my problem. I did get the initial Meyer book, so hopefully that will help.
Any more suggestions?
-
Another great resource is Angie Taylor’s book. She really showcases the “why” of After Effects and not just the how. She gives users a real sense of how all the pieces fit together and why.
Mark
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up