Expert: Andre Hickman - 7/29/2010

Question
Hello Andre,
First of all, I would like to apologize for the rather rudimentary question. I am new to the world of motion graphics and would like to learn After Effects. I have a copy of Chris and Trish Meyers After Effects book on CS4 and was wondering if learning from a book on After Effects CS4 while using CS5 will cause me any problems. I know that they will be coming out with a version for CS5 soon, but since I have the one on CS4 I saw no need to wait before dipping in!
Also, do you feel that it would be wise for me to become very proficient in photoshop before attempting to tackle After Effects?
I know that it is really two questions, but I thought I would take advantage! ;-)
Sergio

Answer
Sergio,

Don't think that any question is a bad question! You are seeking to move into an area that you have never been before, and that is more than most people do in their existence.  I applaud anyone trying to learn something new...

Don't ever think that old resources will hinder your learning.  The new version of the software may have some new features or easier way of doing things, but the fundamentals are still the same.  Heck, you could have an After Effects 6.0 book and still learn a lot from it, even using CS4/5.  Some of the menus may change, and location of tools. Some things that you had to do in a series of steps may now be automated.  But you can learn an old way of doing it, and then apply it to the new version later.

Photoshop and After Effects can probably be learned in tandem (side by side). It would definitely help to understand Photoshop well before diving into AE.  One, because for the most part in Photoshop, you are primarily dealing with 2-dimensions...vertical y-axis, and horizontal z-axis.  With AE, many of the principals and tools are the same, but you are now adding what I consider 3 more dimensions...that being time, motion, and sound.  You will also find 3D-space useful in AE, which adds a z-axis to the space.

The book that you have is a great tool to learn from.  I have it on my bookshelf, although a much earlier version.  You should also do google searches on "photoshop beginner tutorials" and "after effects beginner tutorial", etc.

A good way to learn is to not go straight through a book, but instead come up with a project (real or made up) and then try to find the resources to help you accomplish it.  For example,  you may want to create a movie poster that has the "300 Movie" style and effect.  Do a google search on something like "Photoshop tutorial 300 effect" or "Photoshop tutorial movie poster"...you'll find tons of information.  Those same types of searches can also be translated to After Effects. Doing real-world projects gives you a feel for a real-world workflow, and it may help you accomplish projects that you needed to get done anyway.

Good luck with your learning! I'm always around.  Just do your due-diligence first, and I'll be glad to help you when you get stuck.

Cheers,
Andre
Andre