After Effects - Motion Question

[stitch_uk]

Hi,

I'm trying to create a quick title in After Effects and would like to add some motion. I've attached a picture with a very quick idea of what i'd like to achieve.

I would like to start with something like step 1, then define a path as shown in step 2. I'd then like to have something solid follow along the path as shown in step 3 and finally end up completed like step 4.

I hope you can understand what i'm trying to achieve, and look forward to any ideas that people may have. I've followed a few tutorials on making things move along paths but none have helped achieve my goal.

Please let me know if anything isn't clear.

Thanks.

[guns1inger]

Here are a couple more you might not have seen. The first uses just AE, the second requires Trapcode's Stroke and Shine plugins (great plugins, well worth the asking price).

http://www.creativecow.net/show.php?forumid=2&page=/articles/velez_dean/glowing_stroke/index.html

http://www.creativecow.net/show.php?forumid=2&page=/articles/zandnerg_david/liquid_light/index.html

I'd suggest taking a good look around the 'Cow', as they have great tutorials and strong forums.

[stitch_uk]

guns1inger,

Thank you for the tutorial links. They look a great place to start.

Also, thanks for introducing me to the Cow.

Cheers.