In a comprehensive After Effects course, whether free, you can expect to learn a wide range of topics and techniques. Here are some of the key concepts and skills you can expect to learn from basic to advanced levels,

1. User Interface and Workflow

• Familiarizing yourself with the After Effects interface, panels, and tools.

• Understanding the project structure, compositions, and layers.

• Navigating the timeline and understanding keyframes.

• Managing assets, project organization, and file management.

2. Animation and Keyframing

• Creating and manipulating keyframes for animation.

• Understanding different interpolation methods (linear, bezier, ease in/out, etc.).

• Working with motion paths, position, scale, rotation, and opacity.

• Animating text, shapes, and masks.

• Using parenting and null objects for complex animations.

• Exploring advanced techniques like expressions and scripting.

3. Effects and Transitions

• Applying and customizing built-in effects and presets.

• Working with adjustment layers and blending modes.

• Creating and animating masks for targeted effects.

• Exploring advanced effects like particles, lights, and 3D layers.

• Applying and controlling motion blur.

• Creating and animating transitions between shots or scenes.

4. Compositing and Visual Effects

• Combining multiple layers and assets to create composite shots.

• Using green screen and chroma keying techniques.

• Tracking and stabilizing footage.

• Creating and animating visual effects like explosions, fire, and smoke.

• Using color grading and color correction techniques.

• Exploring advanced compositing techniques and layering effects.

5. Motion Graphics and Titles

• Designing and animating motion graphics elements.

• Creating and animating text titles, lower thirds, and typography.

• Using shape layers and vector-based graphics.

• Exploring techniques for kinetic typography and logo animations.

• Incorporating graphics into live-action footage.

6. Workflow Enhancements and Output

• Using shortcuts and time-saving techniques.

• Working with presuppositions and nested compositions.

• Understanding rendering settings and output formats.

• Exporting for different platforms and devices.

• Integrating After Effects with other software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop

Keep in mind that the specific content and depth of these topics may vary depending on the course or tutorial you choose. It's recommended to explore multiple resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of After Effects and its various applications.

In graphic design free courses, you can learn a variety of fundamental skills and concepts related to graphic design. While the specific topics covered may vary depending on the course and its duration, here are some common areas of learning you can expect:

1. Design principles: Understanding the core principles of design, such as balance, contrast, alignment, hierarchy, and color theory. These principles serve as the foundation for effective visual communication.

2. Typography: Exploring the art and technique of selecting, arranging, and using fonts in design. You can learn about different typefaces, their characteristics, and how to create visually appealing typography compositions.

3. Layout and composition: Learning how to arrange elements on a page or screen to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional design. This includes understanding grids, spatial relationships, and the use of whitespace.

4. Color theory: Exploring the psychological and emotional impact of colors, as well as color harmony and contrast. You can learn how to use color effectively in design to convey meaning, evoke emotions, and create visual hierarchy.

5. Image editing: Developing skills in manipulating and enhancing images using graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. This may include tasks like retouching, resizing, cropping, and adjusting colors.

6. Logo design: Understanding the principles and techniques involved in creating memorable and effective logos. This may cover topics such as symbolism, typography in logos, and creating a brand identity.

7. Branding and identity design: Learning how to develop a cohesive visual identity for a brand, including designing logos, selecting colors and typography, and creating brand guidelines.

8. Digital design: Exploring design principles and techniques specific to digital platforms, such as web design, user interface (UI) design, and social media graphics.

9. Print design: Understanding the principles and practices of designing for print, including layouts for brochures, flyers, posters, and business cards. This may also cover topics like print specifications, file formats, and preparing files for printing.

10. Design software: Familiarizing yourself with graphic design tools like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, or Canva. You can learn how to use these tools to create and manipulate designs, as well as work with various file formats.

Remember that the depth of learning and specific topics covered will depend on the course's duration and curriculum. Free courses may provide a good introduction to graphic design, but for more comprehensive and in-depth learning, you may consider paid courses or pursuing a formal education in graphic design.

The design thinking process typically consists of the following stages:

1. Empathize: This stage involves understanding and empathizing with the needs, desires, and challenges of the people for whom you are designing. It requires active listening, conducting interviews, observing behaviors, and developing a deep understanding of the users' perspectives.

2. Define: In this stage, you synthesize the information gathered during the empathize stage and define the core problem or challenge you are trying to solve. It involves reframing the problem statement in a way that is actionable and focused.

3. Ideate: This is the stage where you generate a wide range of ideas and potential solutions. It encourages divergent thinking and creativity, using techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, sketching, and rapid prototyping. The goal is to explore as many possibilities as possible without judgment or limitation.

4. Prototype: In this stage, you create tangible representations of your ideas. Prototypes can take various forms, such as physical models, digital mockups, or storyboards. The focus is on creating a low-fidelity version of the solution that can be shared and tested.

5. Test: The testing stage involves gathering feedback and evaluating the effectiveness of your prototypes. You engage with users and stakeholders to understand their reactions, thoughts, and experiences. This feedback helps you refine and improve your design concept.

6. Iterate: Based on the insights gained from testing, you go through a cycle of refining, redesigning, and retesting your ideas. This iterative process allows you to continuously improve and make adjustments until you arrive at the best possible solution.

It's important to note that design thinking is not a linear process, and the stages may overlap or be revisited multiple times. The emphasis is on flexibility, collaboration, and learning from failures. The ultimate goal of design thinking is to create human-centered solutions that address real needs and provide meaningful experiences for users.

 Here are some key aspects to consider when using video editing for storytelling,

1. Establish the narrative: Determine the story you want to tell and the message you want to convey. This could be a personal story, a brand story, a documentary, or any other form of storytelling. Clearly define your objectives and the desired impact on your audience.

2. Plan and organize: Before diving into editing, organize your footage, audio, and any other media assets. Review your material and identify the key moments, scenes, or interviews that will contribute to your narrative. Create a storyboard or outline to guide the editing process.

3. Structure and pacing: Consider the flow and structure of your story. Decide on the order of scenes, transitions, and the overall pacing of the video. Use editing techniques like cuts, fades, and transitions to create a smooth and coherent progression. Vary the pace to build tension or create emotional impact when needed.

4. Visual storytelling: Select the most compelling visuals that support your narrative. Use shots that capture the essence of the story, evoke emotions, or highlight important details. Consider the framing, composition, and color grading to enhance the visual impact. Sequence the shots in a way that supports the narrative flow.

5. Audio and music: Sound plays a crucial role in storytelling. Choose appropriate background music, sound effects, and ambient sounds that enhance the mood and emotional tone of the video. Pay attention to audio editing, such as adjusting levels, adding voiceovers, or incorporating interviews to strengthen the storytelling.

6. Timing and rhythm: Pay attention to the timing and rhythm of your edits. Use cuts and transitions to create a sense of continuity or emphasize specific moments. Consider the timing of music cues, dialogue, and visual cues to enhance the overall storytelling experience.

7. Emotional storytelling: Use editing techniques to evoke emotions and create a connection with your audience. This could involve close-ups on characters' expressions, juxtaposing contrasting shots, or using slow-motion or time-lapse sequences. Create a coherent emotional arc that resonates with your viewers.

8. Feedback and iteration: Share your edited video with others to get feedback and insights. Listen to their reactions and make adjustments as needed. Iterate on your edits to refine and strengthen the storytelling elements.

Remember, effective storytelling through video editing requires creativity, careful planning, and attention to detail. Experiment with different techniques, trust your instincts, and always keep the audience in mind. With practice and experience, you can develop your own unique style of video editing for storytelling.