Learn how to create a write-on style text or hand lettering animation using Adobe Illustrator and After Effects.
<img src="https://static.skillshare.com/uploads/discussion/tmp/493c0a0a" class="zoomable rounded-image-wrapper" alt="493c0a0a">
Lettering such an expressive form of art. Adding animation can really take your lettering to the next level. 
Animated lettering is not just for hand letterers. Animated text can be used in so many ways...
<ul>
<li>explainer videos</li>
<li>kinetic typography videos</li>
<li>music lyric videos</li>
<li>logos</li>
<li>lower thirds</li>
<li>title sequences</li>
<li>digital greeting cards (gifs to text to your friends)</li>
<li>websites</li>
<li>make your hand lettering stand out on social media</li>
</ul>
Not only is animated lettering a super useful technique, but its a great way to learn animation in Adobe After Effects. This class is designed for total beginners. You don't even need to be a hand letterer!
You'll learn how to:
<ul>
<li>use the pen tool to draw or trace a lettering design</li>
<li>add a texture to your lettering</li>
<li>prepare your lettering for animation</li>
<li>animate your lettering using trim paths</li>
<li>animate lettering with a texture using trim paths and masks</li>
<li>animate letter connections and extensions for a more interesting animation</li>
<li>quickly and efficiently animate your lettering out</li>
<li>add multiple color layers to your lettering animation</li>
<li>export (render) your lettering animation as a .mov, .mp4, and .gif so you can show off your work</li>
</ul>
Plus tons of time-saving tips!
If you've never used After Effects before, you may find it helpful to check out my free <a href="https://aeorientation.ck.page/a0b320dfb8" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">After Effects orientation video and guide</a> first.
What you'll need:
<ul>
<li>Adobe Illustrator</li>
<li>Adobe Photoshop (if you want to add a texture to your design)</li>
<li>Adobe After Effects</li>
<li>Adobe Media Encoder (if you want to export a .mp4 or .gif)</li>
</ul>
Bonus video:
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After this class, check out:
<iframe src="https://www.skillshare.com/embed/video?sessionId=3394053&amp;width=600&amp;height=337.07865168539&amp;authToken=" height="497" width="600" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-forms allow-same-origin allow-popups"></iframe>
<iframe src="https://www.skillshare.com/embed/video?sessionId=3574741&amp;width=600&amp;height=337.07865168539&amp;authToken=" height="497" width="600" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-forms allow-same-origin allow-popups"></iframe>
Find me online:
<a href="https://www.meganfriesth.com" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">My website</a>
<a href="https://www.meganfriesth.com" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/explanimated/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChf4MDszi2Jejbfx0XV_PHQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">YouTube</a>

Welcome

Inspiration

Class project

Getting started in Illustrator

Tracing letters

Adjusting the path of your letters

Getting ready for animation

Adding connectors and extensions

Importing AI files into AE

Trim paths

Non-script lettering

Easing

Animating connectors and extensions

Adding a texture

Importing .psd file

Animating textured lettering

Masking

Adding colors

Animate out

Exporting (rendering)

Wrap-up

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Animated Lettering in Adobe After Effects

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Animated Lettering in Adobe After Effects

Project Example by Megan Friesth

Project Example by Megan Friesth

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