Chris Koelsch shows a simple method for creating tapered strokes in Adobe After Effects.

One thing that artists miss in After Effects is an easy way to create a tapered stroke. Over the years, people have come up with a few workarounds and even free presets. Some techniques involve a web of expressions, while some are more simple. Check out this new tutorial from Motion Designer Chris Koelsch which shows a simple one.

Chris shows how you can create a tapered stroke in After Effects by using animation and the Echo effect. It’s a simple way to get a variable-width stroke. However, the echo effect is none too efficient with the computer system. Still, the outcome is a flexible one, even allowing you to draw on type without too much trouble.