After Effects is an animation program that can be used to create those snazzy-looking motion graphics & sermon intro title packages you see in churches & all over television. You can use AE to produce animated text, special effects, custom branding, and the list goes on.
If you’ve ever used AE before, you’ll know that everyone has that moment where their composition is all but finished, but it’s missing that little “something extra” to push it over the edge visually.
It’s not there yet.
My entire creative philosophy is, “When in doubt, add a vignette.” 
)
It may be just what your composition needs to punch up the color a bit.
Here’s how:
Interested in learning more about After Effects? For some creative inspiration, AETuts.com & CreativeCow.net have some great video “How To’s” to get you started.
If you use After Effects regularly, what are some quick fixes you implement to add something extra to your compositions?
I think tutorials to this site are nice addition. Thanks!
One thing I always do before I render out a comp is put motion blur on everything so that any fast moves look more real. I usually only turn it on right before the render because it takes so long to RAM preview with motion blur on.
I’m with greenhornet – more tuts.
I’m not a user of AE but this looks so easy to do that I’m tempted to test it out
A lot of general concepts from Photoshop (layers) & Final Cut (timeline) translate over to AE as well. Try it out!
Very cool.
Does AE have similar tools like Photoshop or Lightroom (actions/presets) where you can apply that automatically?
Absolutely. Plugins & Presets galore!
I have barely messed around with AE so these types of posts are super helpful…
…keep up the good work.
tight. been looking for something like this
i like that you guys are adding video tutorials! great job andrew.
AE has some pretty decent stock presets/plugins – especially for text effects. i use the light leak alot as well – great for quick transitions. if you add an adjustment layer on top of your other layers and put a marker on it, you can have one control for light leaks throughout your timeline.
the two links are dead-on too! they have been my second-greatest resource in picking up AE (first is experience).
That’s s sweet.
I need to try that out!
Andrew Great job, your voice reminds me a lot of Andrew Kramer
Good stuff
Awesome! Thanks for the Tutorial
very cool, I’m an Avid Final Cut and Shake User, but not Avid
– funny one.
But with Shake falling out the picture and AE coming on nicely I may need to make a switch,
although I would prefer switching to Nuke rather than AE (if I had the money).
otherwise, love the tutorials idea – I am not the best tutorial maker but I can offer some Shake, FCP and Motion stuff.
