3D Animation

Modern Motion Vol.1

Unlock the full potential of native 3D in After Effects by bringing Blender into your toolkit. This comprehensive course takes you from beginner to pro, guiding you step-by-step to create a stunning promotional video.

Course by Denys Bondartsov

Modern Motion Vol.1 — public promotional artwork

What is this course about?

Learn how to leverage After Effects’ 3D features and boost your motion graphics by integrating the powerful, free Blender software into your workflow. You’ll model and texture in Blender, then import and animate 3D assets in After Effects to craft professional-grade promo videos.

We’ll cover After Effects’ native 3D capabilities, including 3D model import, Image-Based Lighting, converting 2D shapes to 3D layers, and the Advanced 3D Renderer. You’ll pick up tricks for compositing, using effects, and styling to get the most out of After Effects. Discover clever workarounds to overcome software limitations and create impressive visuals with available tools.

Animation is big in this course. You’ll learn how to apply key principles to 2D and 3D, master complex morphing, create smooth transitions, and breathe life into static designs. By the end, you’ll be crafting amazing scenes that mix 2D and 3D in ways you didn’t think possible in After Effects.

Level:: Basic to Intermediate
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You’ve just started your journey, and you’re ready to take your first big steps towards becoming a skilled motion designer.
Soft:: After Effects, Blender
Language:: English

Magical 3D in After Effects

Create, manipulate, and animate complex 3D scenes right in After Effects. No need to leave your favorite software.

Full Production Pipeline

Follow along as we guide you through the step-by-step creation of a professional-grade promo video, from concept to final polish

Motion skills that matter

With minimum tools, we’ll teach you how to create motion that looks great and works for all skill levels. We focus on animation basics and methods that make your work look pro.

Course curriculum

What will I learn?

6 lectures / 14h+

3D shapes and lighting basics

Jump into 3D in After Effects and Blender. Learn to model, make custom HDRIs, and set up cool 3D lighting in After Effects. You’ll get comfortable moving 3D objects around, setting up scenes, and creating lighting that makes your work pop.

Blending 2D and 3D Realms

Level up by learning Blender texturing and how to blend 2D and 3D modeling in After Effects. Create smooth transitions that catch the eye. We’ll cover key animation principles and show you how to set up your project to work faster and smarter.

Harmonizing Motion and Environment

Take your animation skills further with advanced techniques. Create transitions that look real and physical. Learn to put 3D environments and shadows together, and mix different lighting styles to make colorful, dynamic scenes that grab attention.

Mastering morphing and compositing

Unlock the secrets of morphing objects for smooth, organic transitions. Get good at compositing with Essential Graphics to blend everything seamlessly. We’ll show you how to integrate effects into your 3D scenes, adding depth to your designs.

Dimensional Harmony

Design complex 3D transitions that wow your audience. Level up your compositing with tricky masking, 2D textures, and displacement effects. Add moving backgrounds that fit with your main elements for a polished, pro look.

Pushing limits and polishing

Take your skills to the max with advanced transitions using complex morphing and animation principles. Learn post-processing tricks to make your visuals shine, and put the finishing touches on your project with color grading and effects that make your work stand out.

About the Author

Denys Bondartsov

Motion Design Generalist and Developer. I have experience working in Cinema 4D, Blender, Houdini, but I am keen on After Effects and creating new apps.

The creator behind courses Motion Pro, Expressions Trip, and UI Animation Essentials, passionate about automating processes and pushing software boundaries, has developed Crazy Shapes and Super3D.

Learn the whole 3D production process in After Effects

Based on a real pro animation project, so you know it works in the real world

Pro tips and tricks from years of experience

Our special multi-light technique for quick scene changes

Ways to work faster and keep your projects organized