Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

It has been an awesome past year, so thank–you all for making this a great place to be. After the holidays we are planning to really get moving, so be prepared!

For now, here's a list of the 5 coolest gifts to give to that vfx enthusiast you know:

1) Adobe After Effects CS4

While not an entirely necessary upgrade, there are many new features that you can find interesting such as the new Flowchart view, Quicksearch, Importable 3D layers, and a full version of Mocha AE.

2)What would go along with your new software better than a new book on how to use it?
Adobe After Effects CS4 Visual Effects and Compositing Studio Techniques
may sound like a mouth–ful, but Mark Christiansen's previous books have been great, so I would highly recommend this read. As usual, it looks at AE through the eyes of a VFX artist, and explains useful tips on compositing, it's not just a second manual to the software.

3) Some new typography. One of my favorite fonts is available through veer.com. The font featured above is called Walbaum, and is perfect for professional work.

4)A Wacom Tablet.

If you've ad the opportunity of working with one of these in the past you know that they are worth every penny of the $400 you will spend on it. If you don't know when you'd use it, watch this tutorial for some jump–start ideas.

5) Evolution by Video Copilot.
This (in my opinion) is by far the best product offered by Andrew Kramer. He includes around 170 HD design elements that look absolutely wonderful. Never spend the time in Illustrator again designed these high–quality "flourishes." These are pre–animated and ready to use. Two thumbs up!