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Need advice on best AE training tool
Hi
I’m new to After Effects, and I need some advice on the best way to get some training – whether there’s a must-have book out there, or an excellent DVD tutorial (I found a link for totaltraining.com – looks pretty solid) or even if attending a class is the best thing to do – I need your wisdom! Thanks -Ryan
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8 Replies
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Best AE books on the planet: Creating Motion Graphics by Chris and Trish Meyer. There’s two volumes that cover the basics and more advanced stuff, plus the “In Production” book which shows how professional users created their projects in AE.
Here’s their web site:
https://www.cybmotion.com/As for video training, Total Training is the best I’ve seen. But not the cheapest by any means.
And if you’re looking for tutorials, look no further. CreativeCow/CreativeCalf has tons of them for AE. Just click on the “Tutorials and Reviews” link at the top of this page.
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Total Training is very complete and exhaustive.
Inside After Effects from Magnet Media is not as intense but can be a little friendlier to the new user:
https://www.digitalmediatraining.com/products/ae6/index.htmlTrish and Chris’ books are a must-have but can be overwhelming to teach yourself from. I find them much more valuable for someone who already is familiar with AE and wants to advance.
Visual QuickPro Guide from Peachpit is a 1-2-3 how-to reference that is useful in a pinch.
Bear in mind that books and dvds can’t answer your questions or look for alternate ways to explain things if you don’t grasp what they are saying. Classes vary in quality based on the instructor and some of us are better than others.
Jim Kanter,
Digital Film Institute
http://www.dfilminst.com -
TotalTraining is due to be at DV Expo in early Dec. And Adobe has been guiding for months now that the next generation video collection would release in the 4th quarter (only 30 days left).
Unless there is some delay related to the macromedia merger I would imagine that an announcement at or around DVExpo would be quite fitting. And TotalTraining would likely be pre-selling their new training series’ at that event.
The After Effects Total Training videos are a combination of 6.5 and older versions of AE. I’d imagine that there would need to be quite a hefty overhaul of the training videos given the possibilities of new features for AE 7 which was demoed at Max 2005 in October.
So if you plan on buying the Total Training videos, just be aware that if in fact Adobe releases or announces new versions, then Total Training prices will in fact be adjusted because the current sets will instantly become the “old” sets and usually get discounted.
Mike James
VFXpodcast.com -
In the 20 years I’ve been working with computers I’ve learned a few things including:
= Don’t count on announced release dates. Things don’t always ship on time and you can’t use it until it’s installed properly.
= If it will pay for itself within 2 months buy it NOW.
= If you need it now, buy it now; if you can wait, wait.
= Don’t buy things hoping they will make you money if you have them. They won’t, and something faster/better/cheaper is right around the corner. They’ll probably announce it with immediate availability the day after you install yours.
= All computer apps build on previous versions. Rarely do you see a total makeover. Most of whatever you learn now you can still use in the future.
= It’s never too soon to start learning, but be sure to practice regularly what you’ve learned so far. The sooner you learn it, the sooner you can use it.
Having said that, would it hurt to wait a couple of weeks to see what’s announced (if anything) at DV Expo?
Jim Kanter,
Digital Film Institute
http://www.dfilminst.com -
All good advice Jim. You’ve obviously been at it awhile based on the truths in your post.
Given that Adobe completely skipped NAB 2005 for their video collection (no new releases) and given they have been guiding wall street for months that it will be released in Q4 (30 days left) … I’m inclined to be patient until DV Expo and can’t help, but be verbal for others to do the same to avoid buyers regret (unless they are working on a current project).
Adobe has been much better with nailing release schedules than 90% of the industry and if vegas were making odds I’d wager some money on AE7 and a new video collection to be announced before christmass. I’ve never seen a major software announced in the last two weeks of December so if there is no new release at DVExpo, then Adobe will likely wait until a key event in early ’06.
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Mike,
What you say makes sense. DV Expo has been where a lot of new technologies are introduced for the desktop video set. Too bad I won’t be there.
Someone on one of the lists said that Steve Kilisky from Adobe previewed the new AE at the recent Macromedia Max 2005 and that the new version looked really good.
If it was shown, then I expect it’s gotta be close to release. Can’t wait to see what Adobe has up its sleeve.
Will Santa delight or disappoint?????
Doncha just love the anticipation?
Jim Kanter,
Digital Film Institute
http://www.dfilminst.com -
Regarding Total Training..I’m currently working through the series on Adobe After Effects…and I’m wishing I had done this much sooner! In fact it’s even inspired me to do the training for other titles such as Photoshop…to overcome some of my more fumbling moments in the program trying to figure things out by trial and error.
While I usually pick up things ok on Computers..I’ve now realised how much shorter the learning curve can be by having professional training instruction…
With Total Training and a notebook..and a bit of discipline to work through the lessons, it’s amazing how much can be learned…particulary in terms of the more efficient ways to do things.
The only thing I miss about an actual course with real people is the opportunity to ask those quick and easy questions..which can be a stumbling block on your own…but that’s where the great people on this forum come in!
I also eagerly await news of the new Video Collection and training series.
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Something that I’ve found over the years is that to learn a lesson well you should do it 4 or 5 times, one after the other.
The first time is to make sure you can follow the instructions and get the right result. Then start again while it’s still fresh in your memory.
Each time after that you will do it more easily and quickly and by the 5th time you should be able to do it without looking at the tutorial instructions.
Jim Kanter,
Digital Film Institute
http://www.dfilminst.com
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