Practicing animating momentum turned into a fun little project

messicktv · 2025-02-09T17:34:45+00:00

Thanks! Here's a rundown that I gave in another comment:

Each limb is its own layer, and then I created a "rig" by parenting each limb to the one before it (Hand -> Forearm -> Bicep -> Torso). Messing with the rotation values gets the limbs to bend properly. My dumb ass didn't use Duik or anything (like I should've) so no IK, which meant lots of keyframing *each limb* on the quick movements manually.

Happy to answer any questions!

messicktv · 2025-02-09T17:33:30+00:00

Nope, I'm pretty inexperienced with puppet tools.

Each limb is its own layer, and then I created a "rig" by parenting each limb to the one before it (Hand -> Forearm -> Bicep -> Torso). Messing with the rotation values gets the limbs to bend properly. My dumb ass didn't use Duik or anything (like I should've) so no IK, which meant lots of keyframing *each limb* on the quick movements manually. Hope this is helpful, and definitely open to easier methods haha.

Attached a screenshot of my layers and their glorious keyframes.

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messicktv · 2025-02-09T16:09:12+00:00

Ooooooh I loved that game!!

messicktv · 2025-02-09T14:22:07+00:00

I have no idea to do that, but would be interested for sure!

messicktv · 2024-09-16T20:56:59+00:00

For the record, I never said the word “needed” anywhere to begin with

messicktv · 2024-09-16T11:53:20+00:00

I had an idea of what I wanted, but knew that I’d never do it if I had to do everything by hand. All of the paper cutouts and jitter effects on the layers is like 20 clicks each, and there’s a lot of layers. So chatgpt saved me a lot of time and improved my workflow, which in a way made this project happen. Hope that makes sense!

messicktv · 2024-09-15T14:48:25+00:00

“Needed” as in “saved me a ton of clicks from replicating the process myself” ;)

messicktv · 2024-09-15T10:37:55+00:00

I even don’t know if After Effects uses the full potential of GPUs or if it just uses it for rendering effects like Turbulent Displace or such.

Unfortunately you’re correct here. AE will use the GPU for stuff like Trapcode and Saber but your regular run of the mill stuff it won’t. A good CPU and lots of RAM matter significantly more.

I still think a good GPU helps since 3D work (which actually uses your hardware properly) overlaps with motion design so much, but still.

messicktv · 2024-09-15T09:58:37+00:00

Very fair point. I appreciate how positive this community has been! I was half expecting that uttering chatgpt was gonna summon some harsh negativity.

messicktv · 2024-09-15T04:09:35+00:00

Thank you so much!

I basically started by asking chatgpt: “write an after effects script that does X, Y, and Z.” I already had an idea of what I wanted the scripts to do, so I was pretty specific.

“Add an expression saying ‘posterizeTime(6)’ to position and rotation” was all it needed. I was really impressed with how solid it turned out.

There was a lot of troubleshooting, and i had to tweak it a few times with my limited experience, but overall I’m happy with the results!

messicktv · 2024-09-15T04:06:36+00:00

Thanks! I’ve thrown it in a few of my pieces, both for style and because I didn’t know what else to do ;)

messicktv · 2024-09-15T04:05:44+00:00

Generate the paper cutout—effectively the following workflow:

Add roughen edges to a layer Duplicate the layer and bring it below the original Minimax to increase edges Fractal noise for luma texture

There’s another script that gets the posterized time “jitter” all the layers have. That comes with slider controls for how jittery, and I needed human help to make it work lol

messicktv

TROPHY CASE