Particle Animations
Trapcode Particular Animations
Below, you'll find examples of particles I created using the Trapcode Particular plugin in After Effects. Each entry includes a brief description to provide insight into the creation process.
Export and Optimisation:
Since symbols are typically 320x320 pixels, I often work on a 640x640 canvas to ensure detail. Once the animation is complete, I export it at half resolution to optimise file size. The export is done in PNG format, after which I use an online tool like TinyPNG to further compress the images. Once compressed, I import them into Spine, often deleting every second frame. Despite the reduction, animations remain smooth and visually appealing, even at 30 frames per second.
Particles for Archer Elven Riches
I crafted the particle animations for the Archer in Elven Riches, beginning with the ‘Arrow Fire’ around the arrowhead to indicate the charging phase. The sequence then transitions into the ‘Spark Emitter,’ symbolising the readiness to shoot, and finally culminates in the ‘Backfire’ effect that triggers once the arrow is launched.
Spark Emitter: A point emitter utilising glow spheres with dynamic changes in size and colour over the particle's life, enhanced by turbulent gravity for added realism.
Arrow Fire: This effect combines presets like rocket fire and fireplace, recoloured and layered using multiple systems in screen blend mode for a rich, fiery appearance.
Backfire: A point emitter with cloudlet particles that expand and fade over time, with turbulent fields added to mimic the chaotic recoil effect after the arrow is shot.
Additional Animation
I created the ‘Clash’ animation for when the warrior strikes his sword against the gauntlet and ‘Magic’ for the Queen symbol casting a spell on the highest-paying symbol.
Clash: This animation begins with all particles gathered at the centre. Using a point emitter, it features an explosive motion with spherical particles in blue and teal gradients. Wind motion effects and flocking simulations add complexity, with one frame added in After Effects to fine-tune the pre-explosion timing.
Magic: This animation was crafted using Trapcode Particular in After Effects. It begins with two cloudlet systems converging towards the centre, simulating an energy buildup. I applied a smoke magic preset, followed by a central explosion using a spherical emitter. The particles, set to an additive blend mode, expand outward with a slight swirl, enhanced by turbulence and flocking simulations. The effect was finalised by compositing multiple particle layers in After Effects, applying a circular mask, and adjusting blending modes and opacity for a smooth, glowing finish.
Optimisation and Final Notes
The resolution was halved, and TinyPNG compression was applied. Additionally, the frame count was reduced by removing alternate frames, and the animation speed was increased to enhance performance without compromising visual quality.
These examples demonstrate my proficiency with Trapcode Particular, showcasing how I combine technical precision and creative flair to produce captivating particle animations that enhance visual storytelling.