This class is part of a trilogy, which builds upon one other. You can follow along the whole series, or just take a class on its own. Check out Part 1 of this Class Series.

This class will teach you how to add texture and a drop shadow to animated 3D objects in Adobe After Effects. I will take you through the process of creating and tweaking a grain texture, using the effects within After Effects, adding a drop shadow and applying it all to an animated 3D layer.

Who This Class Is For

This class is perfect for intermediate learners. Some prior knowledge of After Effects, its 3D renderer, of creating keyframes and manoeuvring the software will be necessary. No previous knowledge of effects or textures, however, is needed.

What You'll Learn

• Texturing 3D Objects

  • I will talk you through extruding a shape in After Effects

  • You will learn how to position your object in 3D space

  • You’ll use the rotation and position properties

• Adding a grain texture

  • You will learn how to use the roughen edges effect

  • You will use the slider control to link properties via expressions

  • You will play with the path or a shape layer

  • You will use the Set Matte effects to mask the grain to your object

• Adding a drop shadow

  • You will learn how to use the drop shadow effect

  • You will change the colour of your drop shadow

  • You will learn how to adjust and refine the drop shadow properties

Why You Should Watch

By the end of this class you will have a solid understanding of textures and how to use effects and presets in After Effects.

You will be able to add some creative detail to your animation in After Effects. You will be able to make your animation stand out and give it depth. You can also use this knowledge to create a textured character animation.

Materials / Resources

We will be using effects within After Effects and adding them to an existing asset. Check the project gallery for assets I have provided, use your assets from part 1 of this class series or follow the first lesson on creating a simple 3D object. You will not need any other software to follow this class apart from Adobe After Effects.

Upcoming classes

This class is part of a trilogy, which will build upon one other. You can follow along the whole series, or just take a class on its own. Each class has a unique outcome and can be taken independently from the series.