Magical Blob Animation in Adobe After Effects

Free Video Tutorial and Guide

Join Jerron Smith from Noble Desktop in this enlightening tutorial as he shares a quick tip in After Effects, demonstrating the process of creating a captivating “metaball” animation, resulting in a mesmerizing, blob-like, ethereal presence.

Join me, Jerron Smith from Noble Desktop, as I present an exciting quick tip in After Effects that will elevate your animation game.
In this tutorial, we'll delve into creating a captivating “metaball” animation. Picture a sequence of circles, gracefully maneuvering on a regular shape layer, ultimately forming mesmerizing blob like clusters. As we apply the transformative touch of rounded elegance, witness how these circles seamlessly merge, resulting in an otherworldly mesh that evokes a ghostly presence.

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The magic truly unfolds as we dive into the process. We begin with crafting a straightforward yet impactful shape animation using the Circle Tool. I've aptly named the primary circle layer "Main Circle," and it will be accompanied by its satellite companions. Together, they perform a beautifully orchestrated dance on a single shape layer thanks to a bit of the "wiggle transform" effect. These animated circles circles will then morph into captivating blobby formations with the help of the roughen edges effect, which are further enhanced through pre-composing and a clever application of the layer style, inner glow. The result? An ethereal, ghost-like animation that's sure to leave your audience entranced. Ready to embark on this animation journey? Let's dive in!

Jerron Smith

Jerron has more than 25 years of experience working with graphics and video and expert-level certifications in Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator along with an extensive knowledge of other animation programs like Cinema 4D, Adobe Animate, and 3DS Max. He has authored multiple books and video training series on computer graphics software such as: After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash (back when it was a thing). He has taught at the college level for over 20 years at schools such as NYCCT (New York City College of Technology), NYIT (The New York Institute of Technology), and FIT (The Fashion Institute of Technology).

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