This project introduced us to the Flash program. We learned different concepts to make a moving animation such as adjusting stage settings in the property inspector, adding layers to the timeline, and managing key frames in the timeline. The direction we were given was to use flash to create moving pictures on the Snackbelt of Pennsylvania. I liked how we did this project to introduce the flash program. We also did this together so it was easier to learn how to use certain properties in Flash. I didn't like how it was really simple. I felt like we could have made it into a more complex animation.
This is the flash intro animation project. It utilized what we learned during the flash intro handout to create a motion graphic. I created a motion graphic that includes three modified photos of myself using Photoshop and Flash. I created a textured background to the photos to add effect. We were supposed to create something similar to the Snackbelt moving animation but incorporate images of ourselves and make it creative. I used a spiral background to reflect off the pictures. I organized the pictures into a triangle form to take up most of the space in the animation. I liked how we were allowed to take control on how we wanted it to animate. I didn't like how we had to add texture on the pictures. I think the pictures of myself would look better without any texture.
The Aqua Zero project introduced working with graphics in Flash. This project helped us introduce the difference between drawing modes, create and edit text, apply gradients and transparencies, and modify shape, color, and size of drawing modes. We did the aqua zero project together in class which introduced on how to adjust graphics and edit something to make it look real. I liked how we learned how to edit different things and learn how to draw in Flash.
The objective of the energy drink project was to utilize what we learned during the flash graphics handout to create an advertisement for an energy drink. I named the product Arabian Cream because it is a creative name and it is like nothing else. I created a 3D effect for the can to make it look realistic. I liked how we had full control on this project on what to name our energy drink, the price, and the slogan. It was a little difficult for me to make the waves in the background. I couldn't get it to layer correctly and that was causing me troubles.
The Mechwars project introduced how to create and edit symbols in Flash. We learned how to import Illustrator and Photoshop files, create new symbols, apply blending effects, position objects in 3D space, and adjust transparency and color. The direction given was through the handout, and it showed us how to format the objects such as making the characters bigger, flipping the character, adding color, and creating multiples of the same object. I liked how you can import pictures from Illustrator and Photoshop and make the characters look realistic. I didn't like how none of the characters moved. If I did this project again, I would have some motion in this.
The objective of the flipbook was to assemble hand drawn frames into a series of connected frames using Photoshop and then turn the frames into a computer animation. The theme of my flipbook is the life of a skateboarder perfecting his skills. We were to create a 50 slide flip book that also had moving text. At the beginning, I had the word skate come at a downward direction. I did the same thing at the end with my name. I liked how we could decide what theme our flipbook would be. I think that made the project more easier to do. I didn't like how it had to be a 50 slides. It seemed very time consuming. It was also very hard to make it flow and not jitter through the motion.
For the Flash Character project, I created a concept character graphic that includes the character, background, and text. I used what I learned from the Flash-Creating & Editing Symbols handout to create this flash character. I chose to do a James Bond theme and made a front view and a right side view. For this assignment, we had to choose a theme of our choice and make it into a lego style drawing. I thought that James Bond would be a fun character to make so I chose to make him into a lego character. I liked that we could draw the characters ourselves and make the background however we wanted. I felt that we were not given enough time to complete this project. I could have done a better job if I had more time to work on this particular project.
The movie trailer focused more on the animation concept in Flash. It also focused on motion tweens which create animation for changes in position on the stage and for changes in size, color, or other attributes. We were to follow a handout that explained how to create the movie trailer in Flash. The handout explained how to edit everything in the timeline so it would appear accordingly. It also explained how to import certain objects from the library and edit them into Flash. For example, I imported the left car onto the stage from the library. I liked how the handout explained step-by-step how to do everything to make the movie trailer. I didn't like how much you had to do. Editing the timeline got a little confusing for me.