Simulating typeface compression

Learn how to create dynamic typography animations inspired by Studio Kiln

Inspired by Studio Kiln's work on their campaign for the Royal Television Society RTS Cambridge Convention 2023, we invite you to create a similar rendering using Newton for After Effects and our "PrepareSoftBodies" tool.
Original work by Studio Kiln's

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kiln (@studio__kiln)

Note: PrepareSoftBodies is installed with Newton 4 if you have used the aescripts manager app. Otherwise, it is available in the Newton 4 archive (including the demo version). This tool is free of charge.

Get Newton for Adobe After Effects : https://aescripts.com/newton
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How to Create a Dynamic Typography Animation with After Effects and Newton

In this tutorial, we guide you through creating a dynamic typography animation using After Effects and Newton. Follow these steps to achieve realistic animations and seamless transitions:

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Setting Up the Scene

  • Create a new composition in After Effects with a resolution of 1920x1080 at 30fps, lasting 20 seconds.
  • Add your typeface (e.g., HWT Gothic Round) and convert it into a shape layer.
  • Use the PrepareSoftbodies tool to cut the shape layers or mask paths, adding vertices at a configurable distance.

Step 2: Preparing the Soft Bodies

  • Select your shape layers and click on "Prepare for Newton" to create a set of objects that define the contours of your object.
  • Add circular masks to each object to avoid snagging during the simulation.
  • Create walls using rectangles and animate them to compress and expand.

Step 3: Animating the Walls

  • Animate the rectangles to compress at two seconds and then expand.
  • Loop the animation using the loopOut("cycle") expression.
  • Set the walls to Kinematic in Newton to follow the animation defined in After Effects.

Step 4: Adding Realistic Physics

  • Select your objects and add Weld Joints to create a series of recursive joints around your object.
  • Adjust the tension and damping values for smoother simulations.
  • Add Piston Joints to link inner and outer paths of your objects.

Step 5: Enhancing the Animation

  • Add Blob Joints to maintain the volume of your letters during the simulation.
  • Adjust the position of the walls to provide enough space for the letters.
  • Export the simulation to After Effects and preview the result.

Step 6: Final Touches

  • Hide unnecessary layers and display the outline of your letters.
  • Add a stroke to enhance the appearance of your letters.
  • Group elements and add Round Corners to soften the edges.

Conclusion

Your dynamic typography animation is now complete! Download the project and source files from our website to get started. Follow us on social media for more tutorials and updates. Stay tuned for new content!