Character-Based Motion Graphics: Rigging and Expression Logic
Motion graphics explained through structured, sequential lessons — practical, direct, and built for distance learners.
Character animation in motion graphics sits in an awkward middle ground. It is not full-scale 3D rigging, but it is more structured than simple keyframe animation. Many motion designers avoid it because the setup time feels high relative to the payoff.
This session with Taras Wendt, a motion designer who has worked on explainer and brand identity projects for agencies across Central Europe, shows how a modest rigging setup in After Effects can reduce production time on repeating character sequences significantly.
The rigging workflow
The session opens with a pre-built character in Illustrator, then moves into After Effects where Taras assembles a functional rig using the Duik Bassel plugin. The goal is a rig that a working designer could build in an afternoon and reuse across projects.
Expressions get their own section. Even basic Javascript knowledge is not assumed — the focus is on copying, modifying, and understanding common expression patterns rather than writing from scratch.
Who this session is for
Designers who already animate in After Effects and want to add character work without committing to a 3D pipeline. Freelancers who produce explainer content regularly will find the reusable rig approach directly applicable.
- Puppet pin versus bone-based rigging compared side by side
- Duik Bassel setup and walk cycle basics
- Expressions for automated blinking, squash, and stretch
- Organizing a project file for client handoff
The webinar runs two hours. Taras shares his project files before the session ends so attendees can follow along or review the structure afterward.
Webinar Agenda
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Character Prep in Illustrator
20 minutesLayer naming conventions, limb separation, and how file structure affects rig behaviour in After Effects.
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Building the Rig with Duik Bassel
35 minutesStep-by-step rig assembly: bones, controllers, and linking hierarchy. Includes a comparison with puppet pin for simpler use cases.
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Walk Cycle Construction
25 minutesReference-based approach to timing a walk, adapting it to different character proportions, and looping cleanly.
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Expressions for Automation
20 minutesPractical expressions: loopOut, wiggle, and value-at-time applications explained without assuming coding background.
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Project File Organisation for Handoff
10 minutesFolder structures, pre-comp naming, and what to include when passing a rig to another animator or a client team.
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Q&A and File Sharing
10 minutesParticipant questions and direct download link for the full project file.
- Software required
- Adobe After Effects (2022 or later), Duik Bassel plugin (free), Adobe Illustrator for prep work
- Recording access
- Available for 90 days after the live session date