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APRIL 09, 2004 Revisiting Write-on Effects in Studio Artist 3 Last August we explored methods for using the advanced paint tools in Synthetik Studio Artist to create write-on and paint-on effects for use in motion graphics. (An example of a write-on effect would be a self-animating signature.) Back then Studio Artist was still in version 2.0, and it had some significant limitations in terms of which types of brushes could be used for these sorts of effects. Now, with version 3 out, the possibilities are much more extensive. So we'll take a look now at the new options available for creating these effects and also cover the method for setting up your alpha channel output for use in other motion graphics apps and NLEs. Write-on effects in Studio Artist are extremely simple. Unlike other programs, in which you have to use masks or adjust animating properties for your write-on effects, in Studio Artist these effects are generated instantly on the fly. The program simply records your strokes to a movie file as you paint them, and you can import the QuickTime file into another program (like Adobe After Effects, Discreet Combustion or Apple Final Cut Pro) later on for further manipulation. As an added benefit, you get to use any of Studio Artist's brushes and interactive functions in the process. [an error occurred while processing this directive] For example, maybe you want to use Studio Artist's paint tools to create a writing effect that creates the illusion of paint being absorbed into the canvas as you draw. (Click Play to watch.) Or maybe a simple chalk effect. (Click Play to watch.)
Or a dripping reveal. (Click Play to watch.)
All of these are created interactively in Studio Artist. No paths, masks or plugins to deal with. Sound easy? It is. But there is some initial setup and a few considerations you should take into account when doing this: alpha channels, movie encoding/processing settings and a few other, minor issues. Preparing the alpha channel Since the write-on effects you create in Studio Artist are likely to be imported into a motion graphics, compositing or editing application, generating a proper alpha channel is critical. In order to set up the alpha channel properly, you'll have to check your settings in three areas: application preferences, processing preferences and the settings for your individual brush. For the most part, these adjustments need to be made only once, unless you manually change them later or trash your prefs for whatever reason. In terms of application settings, there are three adjustments you'll need to make. 1. Choose File > Preferences > Layer Preferences. When the dialog box pops up, set the Default Save Alpha Output setting to "Layer Alpha."  2. Next choose File > Preferences > Movie Stream. Again, set your Out Alpha setting to "Layer Alpha."  Note, however, that if you're working with multi-layer images, the "Layer Alpha" setting will cause you problems. Whenever you switch layers during the recording process, the alpha channel will switch to the new layer's alpha, covering up the contents of your other layers. The workaround for this--and, again, this applies only to multi-layer compositions--is to set the Out Alpha not to "Layer Alpha" but to "Blanking."  However, if you use "Blanking" for your Out Alpha, you will, of course, have to make sure that the blanking settings for your individual brushes are correct. We'll get to this in the "preparing the brush" section below. 3. Finally, open up your Layer window (Canvas > Layer Window). Set the Alpha to "On." And, if you're using multiple layers, set the View option to "All Layers." 
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