In After Effects, a logo isn't the only thing you can do. There are countless projects you can give a unique finish to, something you can only achieve with this program.
But how to make a logo with After Effects? What is this program? If you are wondering, then we give you the keys so that you can make one.
What is After Effects
Source: Domestika
The first thing you should know before launching into this tutorial is what After Effects is, the program that we are going to use. If you already have it installed, surely you know perfectly what is the use that is given to it, but if it is not like that and you have only heard about it, then this interests you.
After Effects is actually a professional graphics application used to create moving images, videos, and other visuals with special effects. In other words, it's used to create designs with motion.
In the case of using After Effects for logos, you will find a much more attractive result, because that logo will have special effects (it will shine, move, etc.), something that, in other cases, is not possible.
And this is good? Taking into account that today the attention of people on the Internet (and social networks) is only 3 seconds, the fact of creating a design that can change shape or move, has special effects, will make it more attractive.
But how to make a logo in After Effects?
It is not easy to find people who dedicate themselves exclusively to this program. The fact that it is paid and that it is also not easy to use if you do not have previous knowledge (even with the tutorials you find on the Internet) means that not many are launched.
But if you are not worried about the time you are going to dedicate, and you want a modern result and above all that makes an impact, then you should try it. In addition, we leave you this tutorial so you do not have a problem.
The steps you need to take in After Effects to create a logo are:
Prepare the logo file
Why do we talk about a logo if precisely what you want to do in After Effects is a logo? Well, because the program itself needs a base to be able to animate. In other words, you need to create a logo before you go through AE's "magic tools" and bring it to life.
For this, we recommend using Adobe Illustrator or any other image editing or logo design program. However, you must ensure the result is in vector format, as this will allow you to alter the image and everything within it without losing quality. Also, you must use RGB color mode, not CMYK.
Import the logo into After Effects
Now that you have the logo done (well, just the base), it's time to start the program. To do this, open After Effects. At the beginning it is very common that, if you have never used it, or very little, it overwhelms you a little, but then it is easy to use.
What you need to do is import the logo. To do this, go to File/Import/File. Your folders will appear; just go to the one where your logo is located, select it, and click Open. That's it.
Work with composition
We are going to work on the file. To do this, you are going to superimpose, edit and apply animations, and you will do it according to what you want to achieve with the logo. Of course, keep in mind that a logo animation should not last more than five seconds, and that implies that you do not have to do many compositions.
It is true that the first time you can spend a lot of time (for a result of five seconds) but after you do it several times that time will be significantly shortened.
For example, if you want a simple background, you would just right-click in the composition panel and choose New/Solid. If your logo is white, you can use a black background, but you could actually use any color you like.
Next, you name that color and click Make Comp Size. You give Ok and you have to drag your logo from the project panel to the timeline. This way you will see a preview of how it looks. If you only see the background, you have to interchange the layers, so that yours (of the logo) is visible first.
A very effective trick for After Effects is to convert to layered composition (you can do this with the right button on the logo file (in the composition panel) and Create / Convert to Layered Comp).
Animate with frames
After Effects, and many other animation programs, work with frames. These act as a kind of markers that identify times when the animation can start and end.
A very simple effect you can create here is a gradual appearance . All you have to do is focus on the opacity, which will be at 100% because the logo is fully visible. However, if you click the stopwatch button next to the Opacity button, you'll see a marker where you can set a timeline, making it appear and disappear in an animated way. For example, you could set the opacity to change from 0 to 100% every two seconds.
There are many more ways to animate with frames, you just have to find the one you like the most and apply it.
Animate with shape layers
Another animation option (which can be combined with the previous one) is layered shape animation. This is more advanced, but it allows you to create much more professional and interesting results, so it's worth exploring. For example, you could make text draw itself, or have flames or ice appear from it, and so on.
Adjust animation timing
As we mentioned before, a logo animation shouldn't exceed five seconds. But in that time, everything needs to work, and at the same time, the logo needs to be clearly visible and its message easily understood. Therefore, it's best to avoid overloading it with too many elements.
Look for simplicity and, from there, give something that enhances the essence of the logo. No more.
Export the animated logo
Once you have finished, you will have your animated logo, and you will only have to download it.
To do this, we recommend that you go to File / Export / Add to Adobe Media Encoder queue. Thus, you will have it in an mp4 file. If you want it in GIF, you just have to go to the Media Encoder screen and select that format.
Our best recommendation
After Effects is a program that can help you achieve great results. But you'll need to do some research. If you want to create a simple logo, there are video tutorials that can guide you. You can even combine them depending on the effects you want to achieve.
Do you dare to make a logo with After Effects? Maybe something more ambitious like a trailer?