After Effects: On-Screen Graphics v2 (Audio Visualisers)

In this session we focused on creating more advanced audio visualisers in After Effects. This built on our earlier workshops but went deeper into the technical side of motion graphics. Instead of using a basic audio spectrum, we explored how to customise it by adding additional layers, effects, distortions, and blending techniques to make the visualiser feel more reactive and polished.

We looked at how audio frequencies can drive movement in graphics, and how adjusting sensitivity, amplitude, thickness, colour and shape can completely change the style. We also experimented with layering multiple spectrums and adding glow or distortion to give the visuals more impact. It was one of the more technical sessions we’ve done, but it was enjoyable because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me think differently about building visuals.

One major skill I learned in this workshop was problem-solving inside After Effects. When something didn’t work like the spectrum not reacting, or layers not syncing we had to troubleshoot step-by-step to figure out what was going wrong. Understanding how to fix these issues is actually one of the most useful skills in motion work, because once you know how to break problems down, you can basically create anything you want.

This workshop also reinforced how important it is to be patient when working with technical tools. A lot of the effects we were exploring required small adjustments to get the right result, and it showed me how much detail goes into building something that looks simple on screen.

Overall, this session added a lot to my After Effects skillset. Even though I don’t focus heavily on motion graphics in my main design practice, learning these technical tools gives me more flexibility and more ways to elevate my work when needed.