After Effects Just Replaced Cinema 4D? (Here’s Proof)

👉 Join the Sports Masterclass Waitlist: https://www.cmdelavega.com/sports-gfx... This used to take Cinema 4D… now you can pull it off in After Effects. Now I’m not saying AE replaces C4D for everything… but for builds like this you might not need it anymore. In this tutorial, I’m breaking down how to build a full 3D sports matchup graphic using the new After Effects 2026 features — including 3D meshes, Substance materials, displacement, and real lighting with shadows. If you’ve been creating flat graphics… this is the upgrade. 🎬 What you’ll learn: How to build a 3D scene using AE’s new mesh system Using Substance materials for instant realism Adding displacement to create depth Lighting your scene using spotlights + environment light Creating subtle camera movement for production value 🏈⚽🏀⚾ Sports Mega Bundle: https://www.cmdelavega.com/sports-meg... 🚀 WANT TO GO DEEPER? If you’re serious about leveling up your sports motion graphics skills… 👉 Join the Sports Motion Graphics Masterclass Waitlist https://www.cmdelavega.com/sports-gfx... This is where I break down full workflows like this — from concept to final animation. 💻 TEMPLATES & COURSES: https://www.cmdelavega.com 🧰 TOOLS USED: Adobe After Effects 2026 (Beta) 3D Mesh Tools + Advanced Render Engine Adobe Substance Materials ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 00:32 Main 3 Takeaways 00:58 Lights 01:55 3D Meshes 02:13 Build Strategy 03:01 Team Wall Demo 04:02 Materials 04:47 Displacement 05:04 Master Comp 06:02 Camera 06:44 Template 🎯 WHO THIS IS FOR: Sports video editors Motion designers After Effects users Creators working with highlight edits