Trish and Chris Meyer share ten-plus years of real-world production experience in the critically acclaimed Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects. Learn how the program works and get firsthand experience with the features these award-winning artists use. This full-color guide is packed with visual examples, and the accompanying CD-ROM is loaded with projects that encourage you to practice their techniques.In this thoroughly revised second edition, Creating Motion Graphics has been divided into two volumes. Volume 1: The Essentials is for all users of the version 5.5 Standard bundle. It covers the core concepts and tools you need to tackle virtually every job, including keyframe animation, masking, mattes, and plug-in effects. Totally new chapters demystify the new Parenting and 3D Space features, and a fresh introductory tutorial ensures that even the newest user can immediately start enjoying this powerful tool.Topics include:* Mastering complex animation through keyframe and velocity control * Blending imagery using masks, mattes, and modes * Building groups and hierarchies through parenting and nested comps * Thorough coverage of 3D layers, cameras, and lights Includes a CD-ROM with a tryout version of Adobe After Effects 5.5 (Mac or Windows) as well as hundreds of movies, stills, objects, and audio clips, free plug-ins, and keyframe assistants from Boris FX, Walker Effects, Digital Film Tools, The Foundry, Digital Anarchy, and DigiEffects and inspirational footage from Artbeats, Digital Vision, and EyeWire.