[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Phil,

When you save your Illustrator CS2 file, try unchecking the compression box.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

No problem, Phil.

In Illustrator, select the text and from the text drop-down menu choose ‘create outlines.’ This turns the text objects into normal filled solids.

While we’re talking about text, tracing lots of letters is a big pain and it’s not as precise as figuring out what the original text is, adding that to your system and converting it to outlines. To help out, many font sites allow you to upload a small bit-mapped image sample of the text and will identify the font for you from that.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Phil,

Welcome to our Invigorated world!

ProAnimator and Invigorator need vector-based artwork. (Illustrator lets you create curves, lines and shapes using vectors, which amount to complex math equations behind the scenes.

Your church logo is bit mapped, meaning a sequence of colored pixels. Saving the file in Illustrator format doesn’t convert that bit mapped art to vectors. (Illustrator files can include pixel-based and vector-based art, but Invigorator needs the vectors.)

The best way to get ProAnimator or Invigorator to use pixel-based logos is to use Illustrator’s tools to remake the logo in a vector-based format. This can amount to placing your church logo picture in an Illustrator file, locking it down and using it as a template. Now use Illustrator’s tools to redraw the basic shapes in the logo. You can use autotrace functions available in Illustrator, but you’ll have to do some cleaning up. Remember to keep the shapes simple and convert any text you use to outlines.

This kind of file conversion is a common task for graphic designers around the world. It can be time consuming, but it’s worth the effort.

Before you begin, find out if someone has a the logo in Illustrator format. It’ll save you a lot of time.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Tim,

I haven’t used the Premiere version, so I can’t be 100 percent certain. Have you checked the documentation on the install disk?

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Tim,

You’ll get the quickest answer to your questions (including Premiere 2.0 support) by contacting Zaxwerks directly.

I think what you’re seeing is the different “flavors” of flag. Premiere Pro and After Effects versions on Windows and Motion and After Effects versions on Mac.

It’s not really an upgrade to get Flag for a different application…. if you want to be able to use the After Effects version, I suspect you’ll need to buy a seat in that flavor.

Hope this helps.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hello Ed,

This is one of the most commonly asked questions. In short, the answer is yes, you can manipulate the location of a pivot point.

Here’s the bare bones explanation:
A pivot point for a set (note I didn’t say object) is determined by the first object or objects added to an empty set. Objects added later do not affect a set’s pivot point unless you use the “recenter pivot” command.

Here’s what you need to do to get the most control:

Add a cube to an empty set. The pivot point for the set is now established as the center of the cube. Then, in a separate step, add the objects you want to control to the same set. At this point, the pivot point for the set follows the cube. When you have it where you want it, either turn off visibility for the cube (this allows you the option of repositioning the pivot point) or remove it from the set.

For more details, search the archives.

Hope this helps.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Jaime,

Please contact Zaxwerks for help with this. My guess is that you need a new serial when you move from 3.x to 4.x.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi JodyJo,

You’re on the right track. You can indeed get too close to objects and this can cause what you call clipping. In some cases, this is a desirable effect. For example, you can move the camera around inside an object for tunnel effects.

If you’re too close, you can move the camera back a bit. If you need the appearance of being closer, choose a different lens length setting.

Does this help?

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Lumpy,

Halfpipe is correct. To make the bubble look real you’ll want to use a reflection map which includes your product.. you’ll probably want to add some fake reflective elements.. You’ll also want to play with the highlight settings.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

A very simple explanation to go beyond the archives:

Create a small cube as a null object. Assign it as the first object to an empty set. That creates the pivot point for the set. Now add the clock hand to the set and position it so the null cube object is at the base of the hand.

Now, reassign the cube to another empty set to create the pivot point of that set. Add the second clock hand to the set. Now, either turn off visibilty of the null cube or remove it from the set.

The archive posts will explain why this works. If not, ask away.

Jon