Creative Tech · demo dispatch
Intro to motion graphics
Chris Linea · 35 minutes · beginner · free · 1 proofs · 0 saves · 0 reactions
One shape, two keyframes, and a move that eases in and out. This is the first hour of motion work, not a film set and not a software tour.
motion · keyframes · animation · after-effects
Tools and materials
- Any app that keyframes a shape: After Effects, Cavalry, or a free equivalent
- A 10-second timeline
Steps
1. Make one shape
A square is enough. Put it on the left of the frame at frame 0.
2. Keyframe a move
At two seconds, move it to the right. You now have a start and an end. Play it. The linear move will look mechanical.
3. Ease it
Ease both keyframes so the square accelerates and settles. If you cannot explain which keyframe does which, you are not done.
Safety
Save before you experiment. Repetitive previewing is hard on eyes and wrists. Stop when the move is clear. This is graphics practice, not a shoot, and it does not cover electrical or rigging safety.
Common mistakes
- Adding ten effects before the first move works
- Leaving the keyframes linear and calling it style
The same two keyframes work on opacity or scale. Learn the move before you learn the plugin.
Proofs
One square, two keyframes, eased. I can point at which keyframe starts the move. Saved the file.