How to create a custom shape extruder in After Effects

In this video tutorial, Jerzy Drozda Jr (aka Maltaannon) demonstrates how you can extrude any vector based layer to give it a real 3D look inside After Effects. Above all other features... it consists only of one layer. Not only can it be textured, but it can also reflect the world around it. And because it still is a Shape Layer you can apply any Shape Layer modifiers (like Offset Paths, or Round Corners) to create a custom look. This is a long video, but it makes a great Custom Effect. The second video is a follow-up tutorial that answers the most commonly asked questions from the first.