Logo Animation Techniques

Introduction

• Overview of common logo animation techniques
• Emphasis on creativity and diverse approaches in After Effects
• Bonus tip at the end for animating ideas

Trim Paths

• Definition: Technique to animate lines
• Applications:
  • Animate text as if being drawn
  • Great for both sans serif and script lettering
  • Animate accent lines in logos
• Identifying Examples: Look for logos with lines that may use trim paths
• Implementation Steps:
  1. Create shape layer in After Effects with stroke only (no fill)
  2. Use Illustrator for easier design adjustments if needed
  3. Ensure each path has a stroke of consistent width
  4. Import logo as composition, right-click to create shapes from vector
  5. Add trim paths and animate properties for drawing effect
• Animating Dots:
  • Use a path for dots to travel along
  • Adjust trim path end value and offset for movement and smear effects

Mates (Masks)

• Definition: Control visibility of layers; allows cropping, intersecting, and excluding shapes
• Types of Mates: Various types exist; tutorial suggested for further learning
• Examples: Logos often use mats to crop parts of designs
• Combining Techniques: Use mates with trim paths for dynamic reveals, especially with textured effects

Animating the Path Property

• Purpose: Offers freedom to transform shapes
• Steps to Animate:
  1. Create shape layer or convert text to shapes
  2. Right-click to convert parametric shapes to bezier shapes for path property access
  3. Keyframe the path property for animations
• Examples: Logos with elongating shapes or expanding letters often utilize this technique

Morphing Shapes/Icons

• Definition: Unique way to animate logos by transitioning shapes/icons
• Examples: Brands visually representing their purpose through morphing animations
• Further Learning: Suggested class on animating morphing icons in After Effects

Common Practices for Logo Animations

• Many logos utilize basic transform properties
• Importance of meticulous timing in keyframes
• Graph Editor: Essential for adjusting motion curves
• Advanced classes recommended for further understanding of animation principles

Bonus Tip

• Technique: Scrub through cool logo animations in slow motion to understand them
• Important Reminder: Do not copy, but learn from existing works

Additional Resources

• Follow Pinterest board for more logo animation inspiration
• Links to resources and classes mentioned in the presentation are provided below the video.