Need advice on replicating this magma cracks "expanding flow" effect.

Question

Currently I'm trying to replicate this flowing magma in After Effects: http://i.imgur.com/u3OsUBJ.gifv

What I want to do is have the animation start at the bottom of the composition, with the cracks closer together, then flow up to the top while the space between the cracks expands. Here is a sloppy example I made: https://i.imgur.com/dR7TnVS.png

It doesn't need to be as intricate as this. I would also like to find a way to loop the animation (15 seconds), so the "texture" should repeat.

Any ideas on how I could achieve this? I was thinking fractal noise of some kind and simply warping it so it becomes larger at the top, but after messing around for a bit I couldn't figure out how to make the fractal noise into cracks.

Jose Panadero · Accepted Answer

You have an effect called Cell Pattern. I think it is a better option than fractal noise or maybe a mix if the 2 effects could be the solution.

Rick Gerard · Answer

Please just drag your screenshots to this forum. It's easier than uploading and posting a link and we can see them.

Fractal noise would not be my first choice. To make a loop you'll need identical first and last frames. That is probably easiest to do if you create an animation that is longer taller than the main comp and then use offset to find the part where the seam is and use a feathered mask to hide the seam. I don't have time to show you an example right now. If I get to it later today I'll let you know.

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