Response to original post:
Jason,
I have used this technique before and the demo is a good start for beginning rather than advanced users. No knock here, so don't think of it as that. I have used technique or basic particle application as a Skywriter technique in the past, but couldn't tell you where that video clip is as it's been so long ago. I just want to add a bit more to extend the help a little bit further to others who are interested.
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One thing I noticed was you didn't mention which particle you actually started with. It does make a difference, and I usually start with a still particle such as (Puff) which works fine for the techniques you displayed. With that as a starting point, anyone should be able to use your demo as a guide.
One other thing that should be considered is the Starting "Life Frame". If you set it to Zero (0) frames and extend the Ending "Life Frame" to well beyond the project length (50,000) frames, it will start sooner and end whenever you like by turning the particle "Off" when it has reached the point where you want to see it fulfilled.
The Particle On/Off can be anywhere between the Start Life Frame and the Ending Life Frame. The visibility of the particles already produced will not disappear until it's set "Life Frame" ending, so stopping it in mid-stream does not erase what has been created.
Another point for people to consider in a scene is shadows of particles. Particles do not cast shadows. So, if other items in the scene do cast shadows, it looks more realistic when a particle used does also. They can be
exported as a PNG or TGA with Alpha sequence (32bit) option enabled. Then returning to the project by importing as popVideo.
-OR-Exporting and bringing back in as two AVI(s) (One with Alpha Only), or again, popVideo can be used to import the videos.
A sample of the shadows effect, or lack of, can be seen Here
http://www.box.net/shared/59vp1l1e9zOne Last thing:
The Particles created can also be saved as Custom Particles for later use, but may need tweaking for other projects. They rarely fit future projects 100% on re-use.
Ok, off the soapbox now...perhaps this thread will extend the knowledge of particles which are very easy to use once you try them.
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