Universe

[Eake4]

My abilities in After Effects want to grow so I might as well put it up here. I've had much thoughts lately on building a whole universe in 3D (2.5D technically) within After Effects.
I know CC sphere could help make some planets. other Cycore FX could make star burst, change colour and all that.

1. But what I'm stuck is with the positioning of the system as a whole and how I could perhaps increase the "attractiveness" of my space and planets (what elements is good and natural looking to add e.g. space clouds)

2. If I wanted to make the entire universe brighter would an adjustment layer be a good choice? or a few flares? or something else completely that I didn't think of? Maybe I could use an adjustment layer within each .

[Ryvannis]

My abilities in After Effects want to grow so I might as well put it up here. I've had much thoughts lately on building a whole universe in 3D (2.5D technically) within After Effects.
I know CC sphere could help make some planets. other Cycore FX could make star burst, change colour and all that.

1. But what I'm stuck is with the positioning of the system as a whole and how I could perhaps increase the "attractiveness" of my space and planets (what elements is good and natural looking to add e.g. space clouds)

2. If I wanted to make the entire universe brighter would an adjustment layer be a good choice? or a few flares? or something else completely that I didn't think of? Maybe I could use an adjustment layer within each .

Can't add too much to your first question but for your second I have an answer. An adjustment layer for each layer within pretty much defeats the purpose so adjustment layers save the problem of applying to multiple layers, this is where composition layers come in if you plan to follow that path. As for making the entire universe brighter, could clarify that a bit further?

I'm also going to assume that you are using this for a video?

[Eake4]

basically just by changing brightness of the universe as a whole without glow or any singular effect.

and yes this is for a video

[Ryvannis]

Then I would just recommend an adjustment layer. If your going as a whole then that would be the effect instead of applying it to every layer. The adjustment layer allows the effect to pass through all layers below it, I also believe that you do have the ability to make multiple adjustment layers to cut off or make necessary adjustments as well. It also helps with rendering as AE won't have to reprocess every layer, instead it will be rendering from one source.

[MillenaryWish]

Hmm, you should consider adding some flares in the distance, make them look like they are stars really far away. You should also play around with the curves tool, probably add some glow as well, try to make the dark a little darker and the brights a little brighter, and Yes! Adjustment layer would be good, That's one of the main reasons they were created. Just try to use your imagination. Look for some space pictures on Google and try to recreate elements you like

[Eake4]

Isn't there a faster way for a lazy guy like me?? (yes, adjustment layers aren't fast enough)

[MillenaryWish]

there are faster ways but that doesn't mean they're easy I'll try to create a quick script for you and send it to you on skype