What is the single layer challenge? Using only effects applied to a single layer in Adobe After Effects, make something awesome (or at least useful). We recently slapped together two examples, which we have here as free preset downloads.

One of the things we’ve had to do in the past is emulate “highlighted text.” You know, like when you mark something in your college textbook. Before when we put together something like this it required setting keyframes by hand on a solid mask or transition effect. Boo. You get none of the advantages of the nifty type layers in After Effects if you want to do a “type on” animation. From what we can tell, there’s no way to specify a “background color” for text objects.

There’s gotta be a better way. Or at least a single layer challenge way. Here it is, it all its single-layered glory. We’ve also included a double-layer-automatic version that allows you to make mods to the text and highlight separately (more easily). Paper texture courtesy of Mayang’s Free Textures. Font is the excellent Quicksand picked up from FontSquirrel. Here’s a sample of the preset in action. If you find a better way to handle this effect, we’re all ears!

A second preset, building off the great work by Mattrunks, a great French After Effects site (with some rad tutorials). This one’s an attempt to replicate the “neon text” effect found here, only using effects applied to a single layer of editable type. We <3 being able to make super-quick client changes. Font is also Quicksand. Download it here.

Hope you enjoy!

Dowload links:

automatic_text_highlighting_01.zip

neon_text.zip

Our recent work (designed and directed by Picturelab, produced at Transvideo Studios) for Blippy was picked up by TechCrunch on the 4th of July! Very exciting stuff – we’re avid readers of the web-centric blog, being located in the heart of the Silicon Valley and all. We’re starting to get booked up for the fall, so if you like what you see there and here, please do get in touch. We’re always looking for new challenges.

Loving these terrific custom labbits from Amanda Visell over at dailyDuJour!

http://dailydujour.com/?s=labbit

As you may have noticed, we’ve updated. We’re completely overhauled, from top to bottom, with a new look, new reel, new social-media-friendly set up and lots, lots more. We’ve made our sample work easier to navigate, started a proper blog, fired up the Facebook and Twitter engines, and opened up our about us section. Things have changed around here, but we’re still the same Picturelab at heart. We produce digital video content for all sorts of clients, big and small, and are always on the lookout for new opportunities to create moving pictures. Contact us and let us know what you think of the new site or give us a shout to kick off a project.

UPDATE: Also, we’re hiring!

What is Blippy? It’s a conversation-starter, a record of your purchases, a bit of a voyeur. “Blippy lets you communicate about and share purchases with friends by syncing already existing e-commerce accounts to Blippy such as iTunes, Netflix, Woot, eBay and more.”

We worked closely with the crew at Blippy to outline why you might wanna sign up for the service. Big ups to our designer/animator Brian Williams who manhandled the project from start to finish.

Design and direction by Picturelab. Produced at Transvideo Studios.

Credits:
Creative Director: Nate Whitson
Executive Producer: Rico Andrade
Producer: David Sabin
Director: Brian Williams
Design: Brian Williams
2D Animation & Compositing: Brian Williams
Audio: Brian Williams

A select edit of our recent past projects. We did all the design, direction, and animation. Includes work for Google, Facebook, Ustream, Mint.com and Box.net, as well as personal or spec projects.

Design and direction by Picturelab. Produced at Transvideo Studios.

Credits:
Director: Nate Whitson
Executive Producer: Rico Andrade
Producer: Dave Sabin
Design: Nate Whitson
2D Animation & Compositing: Nate Whitson
Editor: Jason Williams
Audio: Jason Williams

Responsibilities:
Designing and producing animation solutions that meet or exceed strategic objectives
Designing mood boards, storyboards, animation concepts, and motion for audio and tempo, including music and voiceover
Producing animated graphics, ranging from lower thirds, slates, tags, and bumpers to full productions
Providing quality assurance on creative deliverables
Building and maintaining a team rapport with creative team personnel and project managers

Requirements:
Strong design portfolio with 2+ years education, 3+ years motion design work experience
Ability to articulate creative ideas
Proven aptitude for quick creative thinking with serious attention to detail
Passion for design and eagerness to collaborate with other creative people
Expert knowledge of After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Cinema 4d. Moderate knowledge of FCP, Mac OS, and Quicktime.
Must be self-motivated, able to multi-task and work well with others and as part of a team.

Picturelab is the design, direction, and animation arm of Transvideo Studios. We’re a small team of artists, directors, and producers, and every team member has the opportunity to make a big impact. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about their work and plays well with others (especially us).

Please e-mail your resume, link and minimum salary requirements to jobs@picturelab.tv.  In the Subject line, please include “Graphics” followed by your initials.  Sample: Graphics AB

Love the old-skool visual style for this movie tie-in video game. Wish the old games looked this good.

Another (older) example of fantastic French student work. This time a very different tone and style. Understated, beautiful.

Un tour de Manège from Les Manèges on Vimeo.

Salesman Pete Trailer on Vimeo.