What you'll learn

In this series of lessons, we will learn some unusual and outside-the-box ways to use mattes, masks, and blending modes to create one cohesive project. We'll start by showing you the best way to import files to have the most control as you progress through animating and compositing your layers. We will learn how to create a cylinder illusion with a few simple steps, how to animate a shape layer to look like a liquid, and also how to use a track matte to confine particles to an area. By the end of this course, you'll be prepared to take all of your new knowledge about mattes, masks, and blending modes and use it in your own projects. Software required: After Effects CC 2014.