Create Networks-Style Broadcast Graphics With Graffiti

Now is the time to start working on the style of our object. First we define the color of the fill. Switch to the Fill tab in the Control window.

We'll pick a bright red hue to highlight the spirit of the holiday season. Set opacity to about 50%. Most heavy broadcast graphics have the background video printing through. This is done on purpose and we'll use this technique throughout the tutorial.

Tip: Make sure to have your interpolation control set to Constant. This can be done via a pop box or by pressing the shortcut button that looks like a "key" at the bottom of the Control window.

Next tab is the Border. We can choose up to 5 strokes for any shape but we limit ourselves to one by pressing the T1 checkbox on the top left of the pane. To further define this border we choose a Bevel edge style, Outside Position, maroon Edge Color and most importantly, bright yellow highlight that will accent the shapes. And a northwest angle for the Hightlight.

Tip: an easy way to animate the backdrop would be to key-frame the Highlight Angle parameter. Expect somewhat slower rendering time because your graphics is no longer static in this case.

Next tab is the Shadow. It will add overall softness and a natural look to the scene. Again we choose just one shadow with the T1 checkbox and add Distance, Opacity and Softness as shown below.

Now all the heavy lifting is finished. We can easily create multiple shapes with a simple step-and-repeat technique.

Tip: Zoom out to 25% with a mouse wheel while hovering over the Composite window.

Let's position our circle in the lower left corner of the shot by simply clicking and dragging it with the mouse. The blue target signifies the center of the shape outside the screen. By dragging side and corner boxes of the outline the oval proportions may be changed. If you are happy with the first oval shape feel free to duplicate it in the Timeline window with the Control (Command on Mac) D shortcut. Resize it to a slightly smaller size and repeat the same procedure again to create the third oval.

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