AI & AE Backgrounds

    • OverviewRead the information on creating backgrounds and use various techniques. It is very important you actually read and understand these principals because many students don't follow the advice. So read the info twice if needed.CreatingWhen I grade your backgrounds, I will be looking for the following:creative use of AI tools
    • a diverse array of AI tools used from the ones you learned
    • good color scheme that works well together, use www.kuler.adobe.com
    • do not make your backgrounds too elaborate but not too simple, make them just right
    • Illustrator SetupAI Layout SettingsWhen you create your first background in AI, use the following settings:File name classID bg# (e.g. ca2bill18 bg1)
    • 480 width x 810 height dimension
    • Color Mode: RGB (not CMYK)
    • This first background scene is your establishing shot and will pan down like these student examples in AE (Paris & Brazil)

Animated LayersWhen you create your backgrounds, you must arrange objects that you want to move in separate layers. For example, if you want the sun to move, it should be in its own layer. Make sure you label all layers appropriately. Posting BackgroundsWhen you are finished with each, post a screenshot to the Story Background MF Picasa album (type ca2bill14 bg1, ca2bill14 bg2, etc as the caption for each) and post each Picasa screenshot link to the spreadsheet. When you take a screenshot, make sure the kuler colors are showing neatly at the bottom left and your signature picture to the right of the colors. Take a neat screenshot and do not show white space.AnimationRead and watch the video; this will help give you tips for animation which you will later make for your characters. Then complete the directions on Animation. PostAfter you finish your backgrounds from class upload them following the directions.

Do not do:

intro example, ending example).

In the caption below the screenshot, type your classID and the background name (e.g. ca2bill14 bg1).

Then as separate comments below the image, describe the following:

    • Shots & Cuts: Refer back to what you learned about these previously
    • Animation: think of what objects in the background or foreground that can be animated well. View these examples to get ideas. Clouds and the sun/moon in the sky is simple and expected, make sure you add more but not too much that it is very time consuming.
    • Layout: Refer to the layout rules you learned in Page Layout Design
    • Illustrator: Indicate tools or effects that you did that are not obvious and simple to help me see them

1280 x 720

Copy the MF Picasa link where your image is located and paste it to the spreadsheet. No posting to your posterous necessary on these checkpoints.

Do not post the original file to posterous, but make sure you save the original in two places (e.g. USB and email to yourself).