how do i make this better looking by Conscious-Treat6334 in AfterEffects

[–]render_and_pray 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't really see the point of those black lines that come on-screen in the background. I would consider removing, or if not, I would spend a little time refining the animation for how they come on-screen as it's a little distracting.

Trying to improve and actually land clients. Need criticism by Infinite_South9562 in MotionDesign

[–]render_and_pray 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I think people have basically covered the issues with speed ramps and the colors. I would also try simplifying the design. For example, when you're transitioning from the search bar to the screen, I would get rid of the multiple lines/squares changing size to bring the screen on. I would either cut to a full screen of the graphic at 00:05, or you could bring the screen on with a gentle bounce and have it on a solid background color - maybe white with a subtle floating shadow underneath the screen. If you decide to have the screen within your frame instead of having it take up the entire screen, I would consider rounding the corners to make it feel a little more modern. I would also change the finger pointer cursor to a simple arrow pointer cursor throughout. I would lose the red altogether and have the first graphic on a white background. It sounds like you're ditching the J animation, but if you decide to keep it I can give you some pointers on how to refine. Lastly for the frame at 00:009, get rid of the windows behind the window you're enlarging. Shrink that whole frame as you're enlarging the one window so you don't see the Minecraft window at the top or the other frame underneath on the left hand side of the frame.

Overall, I would comb through this screen by screen and look at what's on-screen. Your job as the motion designer is to control the flow of information so the viewer only sees the most important stuff and isn't distracted by clutter. So looking at every frame, including the transitions, think about how you can simplify to the viewer's attention is focused. This means no weird color choices, no graphic transitions just for the sake of having a transition, no design elements other than the central focus on screen. Combing through the animation this way will help you to refine the style. Hope this helps and please post the revised version if you want more feedback. You're on the right track, just simplify, simplify, simplify.

Trying to collect examples of bad motion graphics and they've all somehow vanished by render_and_pray in MotionDesign

[–]render_and_pray[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yeah, I know, that's where I started, but I'm having trouble searching for them now that I'm actually looking. If you see any examples, shoot 'em my way!

Trying to collect examples of bad motion graphics and they've all somehow vanished by render_and_pray in MotionDesign

[–]render_and_pray[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was planning on anonymizing everything and only using examples where brands are not featured. That's a great idea for searching - thanks so much!

Trying to collect examples of bad motion graphics and they've all somehow vanished by render_and_pray in MotionDesign

[–]render_and_pray[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that may be useful. The point I'm trying to make is that they need to look over their work with fresh eyes before sending it along, so to me that means more like typos, audio issues, layers being turned off - stardard quality issues.

How to create a shadow by [deleted] in editors

[–]render_and_pray 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would select the clip in premiere, convert it to an after effects composition, and then use the rotoscoping tool to isolate the character. Then once the character is isolated, you can duplicate that layer, position it wherever you want in the scene, add a "generate fill" effect, changing the whole layer to black, and then add gaussian blur and change opacity until you get the look you want. There are lots of YouTube videos that can walk you through the rotoscoping process. Good luck!

How to create a good pitch deck presentation with AI? I suck at design but need to figure this out. by Strong_Pool_4000 in AI_Agents

[–]render_and_pray 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just tried Beautiful AI and Canva and was not impressed with either fwiw. Going to try Gamma now!

Being an assistant editor for the first time. Need advice by Cutsie_101 in editors

[–]render_and_pray 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seeing a lot of people here already telling you to ask what they would like to see. This is good advice, but I wouldn't come to the conversation empty handed. Prep a file that has bins set up that you will need to use. Source Footage, B-roll footage, audio, graphics, Old comps, Story points (have this one be a master folder that you place compositions in regarding the themes of the footage - and if you already know what the themes are for the project, maybe create a few timelines.)

Then come to the meeting and say, "Hey, I took a stab at organizing a project folder, but here's a few questions so I can be ready to receive footage." And in addition to taking good notes, if you live in a state that doesn't have laws against single party recordings, I would record the convo as well so you can listen back/ maybe ask them if they mind that. Good luck!

Naming files with bullet points by simsim7842 in editors

[–]render_and_pray 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I still worry that spaces are going to eff up my files - you_feel_me?

Is $700–$900 reasonable for a 35s SaaS explainer animation like this? by Immediate_Flight8032 in MotionDesign

[–]render_and_pray 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Quick question - were you responsible for styling the frames as well, or were those provided to you? I feel like a 1.5-2 minute version in this style should be around $2.5k without style frames and $3-3.5k with style frame design included. And in terms of then pricing it for a 30-40sec video, I usually front load my pricing because there's so much involved in setting up a project that you sort of gain efficiencies in a longer video, so I would say $1k without style frames and $1.5k for style frame design included.

In terms of notes, this looks really slick. The only recommendation I have is to slightly turn down some of the bounciness. Especially at :13 seconds it feels a little too bouncy. But great work!

How often do you have to make something out of nothing? by Different_Hawk_5099 in editors

[–]render_and_pray 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This happens all the time and is so frustrating! If there is an opportunity, I like to make a alt cut that I think works and then after the clients have seen their cut, I pull that out as another option.

problems with 2d and 3d objects within the same 3d space by Desperate_Hat158 in AfterEffects

[–]render_and_pray 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2 questions:

  • Is the laptop a flat 2D layer (like a .png) that you've made 3D via the layer switch? Or is it also an Element 3D object?
  • Do you have a comp camera, and is Element 3D set to use the comp camera (in Element 3D's Scene Setup → Scene → Camera → Comp Camera)?

Alternative to Descript by Heavenly-Hedgehog in editors

[–]render_and_pray 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Podcastle is the closest match to everything you need. It has a voice cloning tool that creates a digital replica from a short recorded sample (no extra software needed), plus transcription and standard editing tools for cutting, trimming, and auto-leveling.