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COW Library : Tutorials
Panasonic HVX - HPX (P2)
Native P2 Editing in Final Cut Pro with MXF4Mac Native P2 Editing in Final Cut Pro with MXF4Mac

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Jeremy Garchow will walk you through a potential P2 workflow complete with metadata and native DVCPro HD editing on a Mac using MXF4mac s MXF4QT Import and P2 Flow Contextual Menu (CM).  Editing DVCPro HD P2 with no log and transfer

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Jeremy Garchow
Adobe After Effects
Bleach Bypass Effect Bleach Bypass Effect

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Grant Swanson demonstrates a quick, easy and very high quality bleach bypass effect right inside of After Effects. Understand what the term refers to and how to simulate it in the digital intermediate process or on digital video, using After Effects.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Grant Swanson
Adobe After Effects
Simple Morph Simple Morph

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern will show you how to create a simple morph effect using time remapping and pixel motion.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe After Effects
Building a Cube World: Part 4 Building a Cube World: Part 4

In this tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Carl Larsen shows you how to track a lens flare onto a 360 degree camera-aware environment using Trapcode Horizon.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Carl Larsen
AJA Kona
Up-Converting SD for HD Projects and HD Cross-Conversion Using AJA Kona 3 Up-Converting SD for HD Projects and HD Cross-Conversion Using AJA Kona 3

Need SD upconversion for HD projects, and HD cross-conversion? Broadcast editor and Final Cut Pro community leader Shane Ross recently had a DVCPRO HD project shot with the Panasonic Varicam and HVX-200 at 23.98 that had to be converted to 1080psf 23.98 for delivery on HDCAM. After long research and experience with many FCP-compatible cards, he concluded that the AJA Kona 3 was the way to go. It even handles SD upconversion too, all in real time. Read why he chose this specific card, and how he got the job done.

Tutorial, Feature
Author: Shane Ross
Adobe After Effects
Building a Cube World: Part 3 Building a Cube World: Part 3

In this tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Carl Larsen shows you how to track a lens flare onto the surface of a 360 degree camera-aware environment without the use of a third-party plug-in.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Carl Larsen
Cinema 4D
Vector Logo to 3D Logo Vector Logo to 3D Logo

In this tutorial, Broadcast Designer Jason Brown will show you how to knock out a vector logo from Adobe Illustrator into a 3D logo in Maxons Cinema 4D. The tutorial also touches on basic texturing, lighting and animation.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Jason Brown
Adobe After Effects
Building a Cube World: Part 2 Building a Cube World: Part 2

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Carl Larsen shows you how to build a title sequence within the 360 degree environment created in part one of this tutorial series.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Carl Larsen
Adobe After Effects
Laser Eyes Laser Eyes

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern will show you how to create a fiery iris animation which has laser beams shooting from a girls eyes.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe After Effects
Building a Cube World: Part 1 Building a Cube World: Part 1

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Carl Larsen shows you how to create a 360 degree camera-aware environment in After Effects without the use of third-party plug-ins.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Carl Larsen
Adobe After Effects
Creating the Juno Opening Credits Look Creating the Juno Opening Credits Look

The independent film Juno featured one of the most distincitive opening credit sequences in recent memory. It has a wonderful handmade look - which it turned out was created by hand! Whether you have seen Juno or not, Cow leader Simon Bonner shows a much easier way to create unique, handcrafted looks, without the pain.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Simon Bonner
Adobe After Effects
Digits Man Revisited Digits Man Revisited

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern will show you a different technique to create the Running Numbers Effect using Trapcode Form plug-in.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe Illustrator
Radial Patterns with Adobe Illustrator Radial Patterns with Adobe Illustrator

In this video tutorial Creative COW leader Vince Rosati presents a simple technique to use an obscure function in the rotate tool to quickly create radial patterns in Adobe Illustrator. Use this technique with gradients or more complex shapes to create incredible radial patterns.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Vincent Rosati
Web Design
Full Page Overlay Window Full Page Overlay Window

In this tutorial you will learn how to create a full page pop-up window that overlays an existing html page. This technique is used often for displaying a video, movie file, picture, or form when a user clicks on an element in a web page.

Tutorial
Author: Abraham Chaffin
Adobe After Effects
The Bourne Flashback: Creating a Flashback Look The Bourne Flashback: Creating a Flashback Look

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to create the flashback look as seen in the film The Bourne Ultimatum with some extra touches and hints.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe After Effects
Creating a Looping Particle System Creating a Looping Particle System

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz (Along with the help of his daughter Noa) shows you how to create a looping particle system in After Effects.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
MAYA
Pullback from Earth to Outer Space Pullback from Earth to Outer Space

Professional motion graphics artist, Greg Neumayer, shares his experience creating the zoom out from earth to outer space effect using Maya and After Effects. Greg walks you through how he solved the transition problems associated with this large scale effect where realism can be very difficult to achieve.

Tutorial
Author: Greg Neumayer
Adobe After Effects
More Of The Same Thing - Part 5 More Of The Same Thing - Part 5

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern shows you how to duplicate elements in After Effects using Trapcode Echospace plug-in.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe Flash
Simple pause and play AS2 script in Flash Simple pause and play AS2 script in Flash

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Tony Ross demonstrates how to add a simple pause/resume functionality to a scrolling image bar using Actionscript 2.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe After Effects
More Of The Same Thing - Part 4 More Of The Same Thing - Part 4

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern shows you how to duplicate elements in After Effects using the Clone Stamp Tool.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe After Effects
More Of The Same Thing - Part 3 More Of The Same Thing - Part 3

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern shows you how to duplicate elements in After Effects using the CC RepeTile Effect.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe After Effects
More Of The Same Thing - Part 2 More Of The Same Thing - Part 2

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern shows you how a neat way to duplicate elements in After Effects using the Puppet Tool.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
SANetworks
Build your own affordable SAN -- that works! Build your own affordable SAN -- that works!

Want to let everyone in your shop use the same media at the same time? The Cows Bob Zelin shares the secrets for affordable shared storage that you can build yourself, and that WORKS. Start with big, fast storage from your favorite pro vendor, then follow along. Bob even shows you a few hazards to avoid along the way.

Tutorial, Feature
Author: Bob Zelin
Adobe After Effects
More Of The Same Thing - Part 1 More Of The Same Thing - Part 1

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern shows you how to duplicate elements in After Effects using the Shape Tools Repeater function.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Apple Motion
Creating a Hologram Creating a Hologram

Looking to create your own holographic effect? Let CreativeCOW.net Contributing Editor Stephen Smith show you how. This Apple Motion video tutorial will teach you what you need to know to create a hologram effect.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Stephen Smith
Adobe After Effects
Shape Layer Tip #3: Trim Paths Shape Layer Tip #3: Trim Paths

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to use shape layers to easily create that Old-School look where a red dashed line animates over a map to indicate travel destinations.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe After Effects
Creating the Jumbotron Look in After Effects Creating the Jumbotron Look in After Effects

Its game time baby! In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to create the look of a giant monitor, such as the kind you might see at a stadium or concert.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe After Effects
Promo Breakdown - Part 2 Promo Breakdown - Part 2

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern continue to show you how he designed the 3D Titles for his DVD Promo using Zaxwerks Invigorator Pro and how the final composite was made.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe After Effects
Promo Breakdown - Part 1 Promo Breakdown - Part 1

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern takes you behind the scenes and show you how he created the background animation for his DVD Promo using Trapcode 3D Stroke and Shine.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe After Effects
Changing Shortcuts with After Effects Changing Shortcuts with After Effects

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to be an AE road warrior by changing the keyboard shortcuts to account for missing keys on a laptop - such as the Ram Preview key or the Audio Preview key.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe After Effects
Creating Digital Cinema Creating Digital Cinema

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Grant Swanson will explain how to simulate many elements to enhance your DV footage. Many techniques in this tutorial will show how to create effects similar to those in a popular software package.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Grant Swanson
Apple Final Cut Pro
Become replaceable. Have a life with better FCP project management Become replaceable. Have a life with better FCP project management

Sure, being replaceable can be scary -- but sometimes you NEED somebody to step in and help. Here are some of the tricks that Cow author Dustin Lau has learned for project set-up, file naming, and clear communication with other members on the team. These tricks will create smooth hand-offs from you to your temporary replacement -- and back to you when you return, without driving anyone crazy.

Tutorial
Author: Dustin Lau
Apple Final Cut Pro
Better Media Management in Final Cut Pro Better Media Management in Final Cut Pro

Looking for better media management in Final Cut Pro? TV producer and Cow contributor Dustin Lau says it all begins with better file naming. He shows how its working at ESPN/Star Sports Asia, as they manage their workflow across multiple teams, under the high pressure of episodic TV deadlines. It will work for you too.

Tutorial
Author: Dustin Lau
Apple Final Cut Pro
Get Fast in Final Cut Pro -- <i>FAST!</i> Get Fast in Final Cut Pro -- FAST!

It does not make you a better FCP editor, but no matter what kind of work you do, speed still matters. Cow author Dustin Lau shares some tips and tricks to accelerate your work in Final Cut Pro that even the old dogs can learn from.

Tutorial
Author: Dustin Lau
Apple DVD Studio Pro
Advanced Navigation Authoring with Apple DVDSP: The Chapter Skip Button Advanced Navigation Authoring with Apple DVDSP: The Chapter Skip Button

Creative Cow Contributor Jake Russell takes you deep into the advanced navigation capabilities in Apple DVD Studio Pro to show you how to take complete control over menu navigation. In this case, hell show you how to make the chapter skip button take you to a menu. It might SOUND easy, but if youve tried it, you might actually think its impossible -- but not if you follow Jakes direction.

Tutorial
Author: Jake Russell
Adobe After Effects
AE Quick Tips #6: Remove Color Matting AE Quick Tips #6: Remove Color Matting

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz adds to the concepts he covered in his tutorial Straight Vs. Premultiplied.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
MAYA
Particle Basics Particle Basics

Particles are a great world to explore. In this video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Alvaro Castaneda, well learn how to create particles in very simple ways. We also add collision objects gravity and render them in a liquid like mesh.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Alvaro Castaneda
Adobe Flash
Simple Text Animation in Flash Simple Text Animation in Flash

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Tony Ross demonstrates how to to create a simple text animation in Flash using Motion tweens and the Distribute to Layers command.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe After Effects
Crime and Chaos - Part 2 Crime and Chaos - Part 2

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern will show you how to project text on the floor using light transmission feature in After Effects.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
MAYA
Half-tone Effect Half-tone Effect

In this video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Alvaro Castaneda, we will create a nice looking effect in Maya that emulates the half-tone print effect. This tutorial shows that Maya can create looks not traditionally associated with 3D rendering applications.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Alvaro Castaneda
Adobe Flash
Creating Self-Writing Text in Flash Creating Self-Writing Text in Flash

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Tony Ross demonstrates how to create text writing itself via masking in Flash. Tools used include Brush tool, Selection tool as well as masking.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe After Effects
Crime and Chaos - Part 1 Crime and Chaos - Part 1

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern shows you a how to build a 3D scene using Photoshop CS3 Vanishing Point and re-light it inside After Effects.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
MAYA
Managing Projects Managing Projects

In this Maya video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Alvaro Castaneda, youll learn why is important to keep everything nice and organized into projects. Well also learn other ways to create folders by using the mighty command line / shell.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Alvaro Castaneda
Apple Final Cut Pro
Vee You: 8 Free Mac Plug-ins for FCP, AE and Motion Vee You: 8 Free Mac Plug-ins for FCP, AE and Motion

VFX artist Roger Bolton has worked on films including The Lord of the Rings, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and Kingdom of Heaven. He has also created effects for his own use -- in this case, a wide variety of 2D and 3D VU meters, automatically animated by the audio in your project. He now offers these 8 plug-ins to artists using Final Cut Pro, After Effects and Motion -- with no watermarks, no time limits, no price tag. Please note: these plug-ins are MAC ONLY.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Roger Bolton
Adobe After Effects
Shape Layer Tip #2: Complex Shapes Shape Layer Tip #2: Complex Shapes

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to combine several shapes to make a complex shape.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
MAYA
Maya Logo part 2 Maya Logo part 2

In this Maya video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Alvaro Castaneda, we add shaders to our geometry to later light and render our final logo. This is part 2 of a 2 part series Creating a Logo in Maya.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Alvaro Castaneda
Adobe After Effects
Motion Stabilizing Motion Stabilizing

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Grant Swanson will explain how to use the After Effects Motion Tracker to remove unwanted jitter and movement while still retaining the original motion of the sequence through the use of an expression or manual keyframes in After Effects.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Grant Swanson
Adobe After Effects
A Walk in the Park: Tracking & Expressions A Walk in the Park: Tracking & Expressions

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern shows you a how to track objects that are moving out of frame using expressions and AE motion tracker.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
MAYA
Maya Logo part 1 Maya Logo part 1

In this video tutorial from CreativeCOW contributor Alvaro Castaneda, we begin by tracing the logo in a vector app, then use that to start building the logo, using Maya to bring it to life. This is part 1 of a 2 part series Creating a Logo in Maya.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Alvaro Castaneda
Adobe After Effects
AE Quick Tips #5: Perspective Offset AE Quick Tips #5: Perspective Offset

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you a cool tip for adding depth to your Fractal Noise animations.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe After Effects
Shape Layer Tip #1: Custom Shapes Shape Layer Tip #1: Custom Shapes

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you how to move beyond the Basic shape tools to create your own custom shapes.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe Flash
Build A Basic Site Using AS3 in Flash Build A Basic Site Using AS3 in Flash

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Tony Ross revisits the tutorial how to build a basic site about Colors in Flash. This version is created using Actionscript 3. The basic principles learned from this tutorial will enable the user to create a variety of simple websites. Elements covered are basic Actionscript 3, navigation, labels, button and graphic symbols.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe After Effects
Sin City Effect part 2 Sin City Effect part 2

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Grant Swanson will cover important and useful techniques for working with alpha channels that are specifically derived from certain color luminance values. He will explain how to extract the color of a certain area of the image, turn it into an alpha channel, and use it to manipulate the image.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Grant Swanson
Adobe After Effects
Tornado Text, part 2 Tornado Text, part 2

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Contributing Editor Eran Stern enhances the 3D ribbon text composition by adding a ripple effect to the floor plus a flock of fireflies that dance around the scene.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe After Effects
Tornado Text, part 1 Tornado Text, part 1

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern shows you a very cool way to create 3D ribbon text animation using After Effects CS3 Text tool.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe After Effects Expressions
AE Quick Tips #4: Copy Expression Only AE Quick Tips #4: Copy Expression Only

In this video tutorial, CreativeCow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you a menu item for speeding up the process of copying expressions to other layers, without typing or altering the current values.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe Flash
Action Safe:Title Safe Template Action Safe:Title Safe Template

In this video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Tony Ross, you will learn to create an Action/ Title Safe template in Flash. Use this as a guide when making animations or motion graphics going to DVD or TV. Using rectangle tool, transform window, saving layers as a guide, and learn to save a document as a template.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Apple Final Cut Pro
Using Automator for repetitive tasks in Final Cut Pro Using Automator for repetitive tasks in Final Cut Pro

Apple Automator is a tiny application included with Mac OS X with big power, quickly and easily creating custom workflows based on the work you actually do - no programming required. Its the perfect way to handle those pesky repetitive tasks in FCP. Do something once, then let Automator take it from there. This handy little tool can make the difference between keeping and losing your sanity -- and making or missing your deadline.

Tutorial, Feature
Author: Cowdog
Adobe After Effects
AE Quick Tips #3: Show Waveform AE Quick Tips #3: Show Waveform

In this video tutorial, CreativeCow leader Aharon Rabinowitz returns to the subject of Audio (Workflow tips #8) and shares a tip for working with audio waveforms that he got from an AE user via email.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe Flash
A Rainy Cityscape in Flash pt.3 A Rainy Cityscape in Flash pt.3

In this video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Tony Ross, you will add the rain to the cityscape via Photoshop. You will use a series of filters in Photoshop to create a single image to import into Flash, then create a 4-frame rain loop that can be animated at any angle. In addition you will add sound and lightning FX in Flash to complete the illusion of a thunderstorm. This is the last of a 3 part series, animating a rainy cityscape in Flash.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe After Effects
AE Quick Tips #2: Preserve Transparency AE Quick Tips #2: Preserve Transparency

In this video tutorial, CreativeCow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you an often-missed feature in AE that can help you when trying to create transparency in an image by using the layers below as the source of that transparency.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Apple Final Cut Pro
The Ultimate Real-world FCP FAQ, Part 3 The Ultimate Real-world FCP FAQ, Part 3

Creative Cow Leader Shane Ross is one of a very small handful of the worlds most respected FCP experts. Over the course of years answering questions, hes compiled a real-world list of the questions that are truly the most frequently asked. He calls them Shanes Stock Answers. We call them the information you really need for working with FCP. Here in Part 3, he covers QuickTime issues, timecode management, P2 tips and much more, including one of the most frequently questions of all: how to open new projects in older versions of FCP.

Tutorial, Feature
Author: Shane Ross
Adobe After Effects
Mystic Text Mystic Text

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Grant Swanson will take you through an effective way of tracking Mystic Text onto a wall or screen. This technique can be used in horror films, commercials, or promos. He will cover the basics of the After Effects paint tools, some basic 2.5D motion tracking, and some simple yet effective compositing techniques.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Grant Swanson
Adobe After Effects
AE Quick Tips #1: Grow Bounds AE Quick Tips #1: Grow Bounds

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Leader Aharon Rabinowitz shows you an often-missed tool that can help you out in a pinch, by expanding the boundaries of your footage.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe Flash
A Rainy Cityscape in Flash pt.2 A Rainy Cityscape in Flash pt.2

In this video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Tony Ross, you will build a multiplane by animating a second set of buildings as the foreground. Tools include the Rectangle Tool, Oval Tool, Selection & Subselection Tools, in addition to Motion Tweens. This is part 2 of a 3 part series, animating a rainy cityscape in Flash.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe After Effects
Igniting a Soccer Ball, part three Igniting a Soccer Ball, part three

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Leader Jeff Bellune demonstrates how to use the tools available in particleIllusion and After Effects to get a particle emitter source to track an element in a video clip. Part Three shows how to mask the emitter layer in an After Effects composition, so that the emitter appears to be placed properly in the scene relative to the other video elements.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Jeff Bellune
Adobe After Effects
Afterista: part two Afterista: part two

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern continues to animate the vector shapes using After Effects and finalizing the design for our Telenovela opener.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
particle Illusion
Igniting a Soccer Ball, part two Igniting a Soccer Ball, part two

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Leader Jeff Bellune demonstrates how to use the tools available in particleIllusion and After Effects to get a particle emitter source to track an element in a video clip. Part Two concerns the animation of the emitter itself so that it accurately tracks the video element.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Jeff Bellune
Trapcode
Creating Advanced Glitter using Expressions with Trapcode Particular Creating Advanced Glitter using Expressions with Trapcode Particular

In this tutorial, Creative Cow leader, Michael Park, demonstrates another, more advanced method for creating shimmering glitter particles using Trapcodes Particular. The main advancement is the implementation of 3d rotation of the glitter particles, as well as using expressions to convert the rotation of the particles in all 3 axis to drive a greyscale map, which in turn is used to color the particle using colorama and create the shimmer effect when the particles face the camera.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Michael Park
Adobe Flash
A Rainy Cityscape in Flash pt.1 A Rainy Cityscape in Flash pt.1

In this video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Tony Ross, you will create a seamless, looping background of buildings against a night sky. Tools include the Rectangle Tool, Oval Tool, Selection & Subselection Tools, in addition to Motion Tweens. You will also learn to work in Flash using the Duplicate Window option. This is the first of a 3 part series, animating a rainy cityscape in Flash.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe After Effects
Afterista: part one Afterista: part one

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern demonstrates a cool way of designing a text title for a Telenovela soap opera opener using Illustrator open type font.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
particle Illusion
Igniting a Soccer Ball, part one Igniting a Soccer Ball, part one

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Leader Jeff Bellune demonstrates how to use the tools available in particleIllusion and After Effects to get a particle emitter source to track an element in a video clip. Part One details how to animate the Layer Offset in particleIllusion to eliminate motion in the clip that is caused by movement of the camera that filmed the scene.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Jeff Bellune
Trapcode
Creating Shimmering Glitter using Trapcode Particular Creating Shimmering Glitter using Trapcode Particular

In this tutorial, Creative Cow leader, Michael Park, demonstrates how to simulate shimmering glitter particles using fractal noise, colorama effect and Trapcodes Particular plugin.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Michael Park
Adobe Flash
Draw a Flower Pot in Flash Draw a Flower Pot in Flash

In this video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Tony Ross, learn to use Flash as a drawing tool, while making several pseudo-3D shapes, including a flower pot. Tools include the Rectangle Tool, Oval Tool, Paint Bucket Tool, and Free Transform Tool.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe After Effects
An Introduction to Shape Layers An Introduction to Shape Layers

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow Leader Aharon Rabinowitz introduces you to Shape Layers, one of the most powerful features in Adobe After Effects CS3.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe After Effects
Creating a Shotgun Blast using 3ds Max and AE: Part 2 Creating a Shotgun Blast using 3ds Max and AE: Part 2

In part two of his shotgun tutorial, Michael Park will demonstrate how to incorporate the 3d footage together with 2d footage in After effects and use different filters to create the distortion surrounding the blast from the barrel of the shotgun and the air distortion trailing the individual shotgun pellets as they race towards the camera. He will also cover some time remapping techniques to add some more interest to your shot.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Michael Park
Adobe After Effects
Creating a Shotgun Blast using 3ds Max and AE: Part 1 Creating a Shotgun Blast using 3ds Max and AE: Part 1

Many people are interested in creating and incorporating 3d generated footage into live action. In this 2 part tutorial, Michael Park will demonstrate how to create a shotgun blast at the camera using 3d rendered particles and distortion trails along with some 2d footage to create a convincing effect. In part 1 of this tutorial, we will create the 3d shotgun pellet geometry and material, as well as the distortion trails to be later used in the after effects composition.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Michael Park
Adobe Flash
Custom Swatches in Flash Custom Swatches in Flash

In this video tutorial from CreativeCOW leader Tony Ross, learn how to create and save a custom swatches palette in Flash. Tools include the Eyedropper tool, the Paint Bucket tool, and the Swatches window.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Apple Motion
Apple Motion - TV Screen Part 4 Apple Motion - TV Screen Part 4

In this Apple Motion tutorial Ben Scott shows you how to create a TV screen effect inside Apple Motion. This is part four of a series that can be found in the Creative COW Final Cut Studio Tutorials Podcast.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Ben Scott
Adobe After Effects
Invisible Cape Invisible Cape

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern with the help of his brother Yuval will show you a simple method to create the famous invisible look inspired from the movie The Predator.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe Photoshop
Designing a Website in Photoshop Designing a Website in Photoshop

This Adobe Photoshop tutorial will show how to use Photoshop to design a website that will be exported as HTML and image slices. The web page can be brought into an HTML editor program such as Adobe Dreamweaver to be modified. This is an Adobe Photoshop web design tutorial showing how to design, create and save a web page with Photoshop.

Tutorial
Author: Abraham Chaffin
Business & Marketing
Starting a Business: Four Points to Consider Starting a Business: Four Points to Consider

In this article, Brendan Coots addresses some of the points that users need to consider when asking ''What do I need to do to go into business for myself?''

Tutorial, Feature, Business
Author: Brendan Coots
Adobe After Effects
Creating the Sin City Effect Creating the Sin City Effect

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Grant Swanson will take you step-by-step through the easiest and fastest (and extremely effective) way of creating the popular Sin City effect - colorized objects in a black and white world. You will learn basic techniques when working with color, and some useful masking/rotoscoping techniques.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Grant Swanson
Adobe After Effects
After Effects Text Tips 3 After Effects Text Tips 3

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz explores a few ways to correct some common problems experienced when creating text animators.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe After Effects
After Effects Text Tips 2 After Effects Text Tips 2

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz explores creating Text animators, and talks about why you might animate properties together or separately.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Softron
IPTV: How To WebCast Using Softron OnTheAir Video IPTV: How To WebCast Using Softron OnTheAir Video

In this article, technology guru Mike Skibra discusses both IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) and the way that tools like Softron's OnTheAir system webcasts digital television over broadband network connections. IPTV is television content that, instead of being delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats, is received by the viewer through the technologies used for computer networks. At the forefront of this new evolution in distribution, Softron OnTheAir enables the delivery of content using these internet enabled computers to become new broadcast channels. The OnTheAir system is Mac-based and in this article, Mike Skibra explains many of the basics you need to know for set-up and successfully broadcasting your content.

Tutorial, Feature
Author: Mike Skibra
Cinematography
Looking for film look? Shoot like film! Looking for film look? Shoot like film!

Film look software will never offer the same impact on your work that film-style shooting will. Software will also always take longer than shooting right the first time. Longtime film shooter Kim Segel shows you the tools and techniques to maximize film looks, even on paupers budgets.

Tutorial, Feature
Author: Kim Segel
Apple Motion
Creating Customized Motion Templates Creating Customized Motion Templates

If you thought the pre-built templates that came with Motion were cool, how about building your own? This Apple Motion video tutorial by CreativeCow.net Contributing Editor Stephen Smith will show you what you need to know to create your own custom Motion templates.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Stephen Smith
Adobe After Effects
Digits Man, part 2 Digits Man, part 2

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern will continue to finesse the design of the Digits Man promo. Learn how to create a subtle background using the Shape Tool and spice it further with additional effects and Text animations.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe Flash
Optical Illusion, part 3 Optical Illusion, part 3

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Tony Ross demonstrates part 3 of a 3 part series, creating optical illusions in Flash. Create a more complex spinning illusion of two sets of concentric circles using Motion Tweens, Rotation Options, and Blend Modes. Tools used include the Oval Tool, Free Transform tool, Gradients, and the History panel.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Apple Final Cut Pro
Stephens Five FCP Time Saving Tips Stephens Five FCP Time Saving Tips

Want to save time while using Final Cut Pro? CreativeCow.net Contributing Editor Stephen Smith will show you how. His video tutorial has five must use tips: Motion Templates, Swap Edit, Audio Levels, Ripple Delete and Transitions Time Saver.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Stephen Smith
Adobe After Effects
Digits Man, part 1 Digits Man, part 1

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern will show you a cool technique for filling an image of a human head with animated numbers using After Effects CS3s Text tool.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Adobe Flash
Optical Illusion, part 2 Optical Illusion, part 2

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Tony Ross demonstrates part 2 of a 3 part series, creating optical illusions in Adobe Flash. Create a tunnel illusion using Motion Tweens and Masking. Tools used include the Oval Tool, Free Transform tool, Gradients, and the History panel.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe Flash
Animate a Movie Clip as a Rollover Animate a Movie Clip as a Rollover

In this Flash video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Tony Ross answers a forum question: I want to animate the movie clip as a roll over. so as the mouse is hovering over the MC it plays the animation in a loop, but when the mouse is moved away it finishes the animation then stops. This will be done using a movieclip, an invisible button, and Actionscript.

Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Adobe After Effects
Using the Echo Effect with Animated Layers Using the Echo Effect with Animated Layers

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow leader Aharon Rabinowitz shares some tips and tricks for working with the Echo effect.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Adobe Flash
Optical Illusion, part 1 Optical Illusion, part 1

In this Adobe Flash video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Tony Ross demonstrates the first of a 3 part series, creating optical illusions in Flash. Create a spinning illusion of circles with cycling gradients using Motion Tweens and Rotation Options. Tools used include the Oval Tool, Free Transform tool, Gradients, and an introduction to the History panel.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Tony Ross
Apple Final Cut Pro
Compressor Custom Settings: A Creative COW Final Cut Studio Video Tutorial Compressor Custom Settings: A Creative COW Final Cut Studio Video Tutorial

Final Cut Studios Compressor has many pre-existing settings that allow you to start compressing your project immediately. If you find yourself making the same alterations this tutorial can save you time. CreativeCOW.net Contributing Editor Stephen Smith will show you how to: create custom settings, create custom settings from scratch, create groups of settings and how to delete settings.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Stephen Smith
Adobe After Effects
Blend and Bend Time Blend and Bend Time

In this video tutorial, Creative Cow contributing editor Eran Stern demonstrates how you can create the illusion of time bending with a special focus on the correct way of using the CC Time Blend FX.

Tutorial, Video Tutorial
Author: Eran Stern
Web Design
Start Using MySQL with PHP Start Using MySQL with PHP

Learn about MySQL and how to implement its functionality into your web site allowing you to create dynamic content built from databases. In this tutorial you will learn some basics of using MySQL, PHPMyAdmin, Database Management Systems, and how to display MySQL content in a web page.

Tutorial
Author: Abraham Chaffin