How do I get this effect?

[Graham Quince]

I’d probably do this using masks and the Stroke effect.

Aaron Rabinowitz talks about animating a signature in his tutorial

http://www.YouTube.com/ShiveringCactus – Free FX for amateur films
https://shiveringcactus.wordpress.com/ – FX blog

[Joe Clay]

I’d split it up into pieces in AI, bring it into AE as a single layer (not a composition) and the create shapes from vector layer. Then hand animate the shapes. Maybe add some extra bounce with Ease and Wizz with curvaceous checked.

Joe Clay
Workbench.tv

[Rob Mason]

Thanks for the replies guys. I was able to mimic that effect quite well from your advise, however…I am a little stuck in regards to those shards/particles taking place on some of the movements.

I am guessing I would probably need Trapcode for this effect?

[Joe Clay]

I’d just make custom shapes. It’s usually easier, and you don’t have to bother with trying to make Particular make something you need (and you usually need custom shapes for those anyway).

Joe Clay
Workbench.tv