When looking at tutorials on Youtube for inspiration for my project, I came across the Red Giant plugin ‘Trapcode Particular’. Using the software you can create organic 3D particle effects and complex motion graphics elements. Having never heard of the plugin before, I decided to have a look on the Red Giant website to find out more about its features and price.
Thinking about my project in terms of its style and design, I particularly like the complexity and futuristic style of Trapcode Particular. Having seen quite a few examples of components created with the software, I think it could work quite nicely with that ‘Christmas magic’ aesthetic I am hoping to portray. Having never used the plugin before I think it would be quite interesting to experiment using a new piece of software, however, I will need to assess whether the cost to purchase the software is worth the investment.
Although there is a trial version offered for free download, as expected, this does come with time restrictions and most likely a watermark on exported content. To purchase the full Trapcode Particular 3 suite it would cost $399.99 / £305.59 or $199 / £152.43 for an academic discount. I think at this stage I will most likely just download the trial and play around with the software to see what visuals I can create. Ideally I would like to create all of my assets on After Effects, so I think it will be best having a go at replicating this style without using the plugin.
Sticking with the theme of Christmas, I found a number of video tutorials for creating festive inspired assets using Trapcode Particular. I especially like the snowflake effect and am looking to try to recreate something of a similar aesthetic for my project.
Update: Monday 6th November 2017
After deciding to download Trapcode just to experiment and play around with the software, I was surprised to find out that exported videos do not come with a watermark. The trial is limited to just 14 days however, I have decided to export anything that I do create, so that I could potentially use these assets in my projection mapping piece. Below is a quick video of a Christmas tree particle effect that I created using the plugin. I exported the video with added music just to demonstrate what it could look like as part of my piece. Overall, I was quite pleased with its unique style and think it works well to capture the tone and essence of magic as portrayed in the my chosen music (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies).
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