Skip to main content
glydiot
glydiot
New Participant
January 22, 2018
Question

Single character source file that can be shared by both CH and AE

  • January 22, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 1175 views

Hi – This is a technical character design/layout question.

What are the best practices for setting up layered artwork files when you want to use the same file for both After Effects (AE) and Character Animator (CH).  Specifically the layer structure for .PSD and/or group structure for AI.  I want to streamline workflow between the AE & CH and this seems like the best place to start.  Having a single artwork source file is the most practical approach, especially when it comes to making changes to the art. Having to maintain two or more files for the same character becomes burdensome.

The CH Directory structure is stacked and the naming conventions facilitate autorig setup. However, the same structure does seem to work in AE as the sub layers don’t appear, so they cannot be manipulated on the timeline.

Character Animator File Structure for Animated Character:

+Charname

  • Head
    • Left Eye
    • Right Eye
    • +Nose
    • Mouth
      • Ah
      • D
      • E
      • Etc.
  • Body
    • Left Leg
      • Left calf
      • Left thigh
      • Etc.
    • R_Leg

Adobe After Effects File Structure for Animated Character:

Head

Left_Eye

Right_Eye

Nose

Ah

D

E

R_calf

R_thigh

Note that for AE everything is at the top level of the design file – no sub layers. 

Question:

Since the layered structure that works well in CH becomes a "brick" in AE - (unless I am missing something) then my assumption is that I should use the art file that works for AE rigging and bring that file into CH.  Problem is - the autorig doesn't work as it's missing some key components like Body and Mouth, etc.

So - is there a work around for this? Like setting up Nulls for the missing top level layers?  (ie. Body, Mouth, etc.)

Note: I do not want to bring rendered PNGs into After effects because I prefer keyframing.  I am interested in Visemes generation in CH (dynamic link) as well as future integration between the two programs.

Thank you!

Glennis McClellan

This topic has been closed for replies.

1 reply

alank99101739
alank99101739
Brainiac
January 25, 2018

Have you tried dynamic linking the CH puppet into AE (I drag the puppet icon from the CH window into the AE window). That is, don't load the illustrator file into AE, dynamic link the CH puppet instead. (I was not sure exactly what you were trying to do however, so sorry if this is off base.)

I find dynamic linking keeps everything in sync, but is sluggish on my little laptop. So I use it as a last resort, but it does work.

glydiot
glydiotAuthor
New Participant
January 25, 2018

Thank you,

I have been using dynamic link - but with the head only. I stripped the body out of that file and it seems to perform better - because yes - I have noticed performance issues with dynamic link.  It's the lip syncing and character expressions that I think are the real time saver. But I don't like relying on the actors motion for the body animation. Eventually I might just link the mouth shapes dynamically and keyframe everything else in AE.

CoSA_DaveS
Community Manager
CoSA_DaveSCommunity Manager
Community Manager
January 30, 2018

I'm using Illustrator. I'll have to try it again - The first time I did it  - I did not see the nested layers appear in AE. Also, I was researching plugins that might reveal the layers as well.  I'll keep at it.


Ah, yes, with Illustrator I think only the top-level layers (not nested layers) come across into AE as sub-comps.

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices