Zaxwerks Blog

Ever wondered how the pros get their work looking so sharp? The popular and proven Making It Look Great™ video workshop series has been designed to answer that question. Throughout these in-depth DVD workshops, professional motion graphics designers demonstrate techniques essential to their daily work and give the design decisions and rationale that support them. The featured projects are demonstrated step–by–step from start to finish, giving priceless insight into what it takes to design and produce professional broadcast motion graphics.

Presenting Making It Look Great™ 2 and Making It Look Great™ 3, two brand new, full length video workshops available soon on DVD and by download.

Making It Look Great™ 2: Design and Production Techniques for Adobe After Effects and Zaxwerks 3D Invigorator Pro.
In this full–length video workshop, sit with freelance artist and After Effects pro Alan Shisko as he walks you through his favorite techniques, tips and tricks for creating a stunning broadcast news animation sequence.

Topics include:
• Learning how to think like a designer.
• Secrets of effective project workflow.
• Pro-level modeling and texturing with Zaxwerks 3D Invigorator Pro.
• Advanced techniques for transforming and deforming 3D Invigorator objects.
• Building dynamic transitions using text.
• Beyond–the–ordinary background design.
• Creative color grading with Blend Modes.
• Quick and easy lower third design.
• Mastering the After Effects Graph Editor.
• Tips and tricks for taking control of masks.

Making It Look Great™ 3: Design and Production Techniques for Adobe After Effects, Zaxwerks 3D Invigorator Pro, Trapcode Particular and Form
In this in–depth video workshop sit side–by–side with motion graphics designer and After Effects expert Harry Frank as he guides you step–by–step using real–world techniques, tips and tricks for creating a beautiful and organic broadcast promotion.

Topics include:
• Understanding and working with consistent color palettes using Adobe Kuler.
• Advanced animation and texturing with Zaxwerks 3D Invigorator Pro.
• Generating realistic clouds with Trapcode Particular and light emitters.
• Creating life–like 3D grass with CC Hair.
• Animating with expressions to save time.
• Using gravity and turbulence to create realistic 3D falling leaves.
• Advanced type animation plus an in–depth study of After Effects’ type animation tools.
• Addressing critical details such as type weight, tracking and kerning.
• Creating organic, flowing design elements.
• Finishing touches to add color and mood.

Both titles will be available from early April for $49.95 each.