Advanced After Effects: Coding for Motion Design

Expressions are snippets of code in JavaScript that allow you to create animations that would be impossible to design manually, and they’re one of the most efficient motion design tools in Adobe After Effects. Motion designer Desmond Du has been using expressions while collaborating with the NBA, Turner Classic Movies, Adobe, and Cartoon Network.

In this online course, Desmond teaches you how to code expressions to create complex animation rigs with style and ease. Learn to use a variety of techniques to make a series of abstract geometric animations that will be assembled and composite into the final project.

Meet Desmond Du, a motion designer based in Savannah, Georgia, and your teacher for this course. Hear his creative journey that led him into the world of the motion design. He also shares his major artistic influences and their work.

Desmond starts the course by giving a detailed overview of the final project so that you understand the assignment. Get familiar with the basics of coding expressions and animation techniques.

Next, learn about procedural design. Desmond teaches you the step repetition technique for creating interesting patterns. Learn how to simplify the animation process with minimal keyframes, and implement fractal noise textures in your pieces.

Move to a higher level of coding and work on complex animations using randomization. Explore working with 3D space, loops, and abstract compositions based on mathematical equations.