RE: FLASH: What are Flash basics?

[Gavin Prior]

Hi,

It sounds to me like you are going in the right direction.

I've only been using Flash for a few months and I've learned sooo much from

this list.  So if you have time to wade through all the mails that come

through it's worth hanging around for a while.


So,

*	Get to learn the tools available in Flash and what they are capable

of.  This is the most important place to start.  So, start by reading the

section in the manual on the tools.

*	If you can already create animation in other apps like Director then

your halfway there!  Create animations from scratch in Flash that you have

already created before - this will help you a lot in finding your way around

in Flash.

*	learn what is possible to import into Flash and the positive and

negative points of doing this (ie. file size; is it necessary to import

something that can be created in Flash etc.).  A lot of people use 3rd party

apps such as Illustrator and import their art work from there - mainly

because most people have more experience using illustrator, but also because

you have more effects at your disposal - there is also a plugin for

illustrator 8 that you can export artwork as Flash files (available at

Macromedias website).

*	Finally, the hard bit.  Action Scripting !  You've created animation

and you know your way around Flash.  Now you need to add some interactivity.

I have a background in multimedia - probably the same as you or many othes

on this list.  The best way that I learned Flash was to look at areas that I

have neede to use functionality - such as button actions; dropdown menus etc

and applied that to Flash. (Unfortunately for me, my first task was to use

Flash embedded in QT movies, but as it turned out it was really easy in

Flash ;]).  So, start with something simple like buttons, adding

funtionality to jump to different areas on the stage and work your way up.

Look at the way you work and try to apply this to Flash.  How?  there are

sooo many people out there that have great web sites with tutorials to help

us all.  So, if you want to create a dropdown menu, look at these web sites

(below) and look at the tutorials, download them and learn from example.  If

you can't find what your looking for, then ask the people on this list.

They are always eager to help each.

*	There aren't many books available on Flash at the moment, but I know

John Croteau has one coming out soon - who is a great resource on this list

btw

*	ermm ... anything I've missed Flashers? probably, as this is my own

version of "how to get started".  Others will definately have other ideas.

*	Oh yeah, the most important point.  Don't forget to have fun !


These will get you started;


http://www.flashbible.com/members/


http://www.enetserve.com/tutorials/


http://www.virtual-fx.net/


:]me.




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