Logo to globe with dots

[Matthew Mccarter (macattack)]

Try Trapcode Particular… it should help.

Joe Chao has a good tut on this as well using particular.

[Scott Bush]

Thanks for the info – looked at the tutorial. The client I think wants to stick with the design they have, so is there any way to integrate my intermediate drawings in the mix? How about if I tried to autotrace and then paste the mask values as mask shape keyframes? This would keep it 2D but that’s fine I think. Or is using the limited artwork that I have not a possibility? I think I can post it as long as I remove our logo from it – if you think that would help.

[Ron Lindeboom]

This is an insane request and if they want their finished images integrated into the mix, then they should give you the elements as separate and distinctly isolated objects/elements that you can then match to look like their “roughs” — as that is all those images are, no matter how pretty they may look to themselves.

Otherwise, you are going to have a rough time — no, an impossible time — matching the chroma/luma values and the size/placement of the objects.

Tell them that I said they are crazy and need to have their heads examined for even making such a request.

Also, if you can get the objects and elements they want used … think backward.

Create the finished look you want to end up with and then “deconstruct” the look into the various levels of target element placement that they want to see.

Then just remap the thing to play backwards.

It is way easier to start with the finished look. It is far harder to guess which objects should be where, when, so that you end up with a smooth animation and the look you want in the end. That is a far rougher ride.

But the best way to work is to use their images as an inspirational starting point and/or storyboard and build the elements yourself using AE’s tools and plug-ins.

Best regards,

Ron Lindeboom
creativecow.net
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[Scott Bush]

Haha thanks, Ron – and trust me, I tell them that all the time. This kind of craziness is certainly the norm rather than the exception. As long as I can show what they consider “due diligence” I am usually able to convince them that we need to take another route.

That said, what would you suggest as far as which tools to use? I don’t have particular, and doubt I’d be able to convence them to buy it (although I can try). Is a particle generator the way to go? I’m not very experienced with them – always seem to have trouble when it is something that requires a very specific shape. Would creating the dots as solids and then arranging them work better you think?

Any way I look at this it appears to be quite a job – I doubt they are going to want to out the time in that it seems this will take. What could I/should I ask the graphic designer for to help me further?

Thanks again,
Scott

[Ron Lindeboom]

If you are having trouble with AE’s particle tools, then you must have either Trapcode’s Particular or particleIllusion from wondertouch.

There is a reason that both of these tools are so popular and sell so well, in spite of the fact that AE has its own built-in particle tools.

Tell ’em I said they’re both crazy and cheap — if they won’t buy you what you need.

Man, I am glad they are your bosses and not mine.

:o)

Best regards,

Ron Lindeboom
creativecow.net
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