[Jon Okerstrom]

Thanks for the update, Mark.

Glad to hear fixing the uv coordinates on your model worked.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Mark,

If you can post an image of the issue, we’d love to see it.

My guess is the construction of the plate is indeed contributing to the pinched texture map. Invigorator uses UV mapping to determine how the map is applied. That fact is likely the root of the problem and key to the solution However, I’m not familiar with Maya, so I can’t tell you how to make adjustments there.

From my point of view, you would probably have an easier time building and mapping the dinner plate as an Invigorator-native object. Depending on the complexity of the profile, you could use one of the default bevels or a custom bevel. Mapping the pattern to the face of the plate without distortion would be no problem.

Does this help?

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi CW,

Two things about your Illustrator file:

Convert any text to outlines.

Do not use any bit-mapped art in the Illustrator file. The flag shape needs to be vector-based. Invigorator likes filled solid shapes best.

Does this help?

Jon

PS… if you want a super-realistic flag, you might try 3D Flag. It’s really cool.

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Jay,

Yes, you’ll need to apply an image of the face of each chip. You may also want to consider applying a bump map to make the numbers appear raised. The basic rule is that Invig will stretch/squeeze the map to fit the face, so any border contained in the image will be part of the map. In your case, you should start with a perfect square image to avoid distortion on your chip.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Jay,

I’m not sure I understand completely what you’re doing to get the cut-off edges.

My advice would be to make your Invigorator solid the same size as your comp.

Then, rather than scaling your logo, why not create a camera move that accomplishes the same thing? It would probably be easier to control and you limit the possibility that any maps you’ve applied will look pixelated when you’re very close.

Does this help?

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

I have to agree with Serge on this one.

Lightwave, Cinema, Maya and lots of other apps are far better for character animation.

Invigorator and ProAnimator are the absolute best choices for the kind of anmation for which they were designed, but character animation is not one of those kinds.

As with everything else, choosing the right tool for the job will make your life a whole lot easier.
Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Mike,

In most cases, the AE layer with Invig applied should be left 2d, with the checkbox for use comp lights (and possibly camera) selected in the Invig control panel.

If you’re using the current version of Invig Pro AE, you might find the new 3D object tracking feature very helpful. John Dickenson has written a nice 2-part tutorial about that.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Justin,

The “other” Jon here…

Invigorator for After Effects uses a limited number of sets to contain and control objects. Each set can have a different motion path, but objects in each set all behave in unison. I’ve never run into a limit for the number of objects which can be included in a set, but have run into instances where I wanted more sets.

ProAnimator uses object tracks to contain and control the motion of objects. Unlike what happens in sets, objects contained within an object track do not necessarily move in lock-step. Instead, they all move in relation to eachother based on the poses and transitions you set up. You can add many object tracks to your project, if you desire. Normally, you would add object tracks to a project to apply different animation variables (poses and transitions) to some objects in the scene, than you would apply to others. One of ProAnimator’s many strengths is its ability to easily create complex motion with a large number of ojbects.

I suspect any limiits on the number of objects in either Invig AE or ProAnimator would be a function of how much RAM you have, and that’s never been an issue for me.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Okay, the multiple post thing is really weird.

Sorry about that.

Jon

[Jon Okerstrom]

Hi Scenecutter,

The half pipe bevel will give you rounded edges. Combining that with very thin, stick-like text should work for you. You can easily create tubular neon lights by using the pen tool to do a continuous line word… try a stroke weight of 1 point. Then select the object, and use path>outline, to create a solid filled object. Apply the half-pipe bevel and adjust to taste.

Does this help?

Jon