FlowTuts shows an easy way to get that grainy textured look to things in After Effects.

We’ve all seen that grainy textured look that adorns motion graphics these days. It’s a simple thing to pull off in its most basic form. Motion Design tutorial creator FlowTuts shows how to create the grainy look using a simple mask and blend mode in After Effects.

All it takes is a feather value to a mask, and the Dancing Dissolve blend mode, and you are pretty much good to go. Of course for more customized stuff, there are products out there to help you along. One is Peter Quinn’s Grit Kit 2 that has a bunch of high-resolution pre-animated textures for an excellent price. It’s also good to know that in a pinch, a simple blend mode might do the trick.