These are the Instructions for the Third module of this course:
We are going to practice with some Advanced graphic tools (Gradients and Brush paint modes),
and get introduced to the basic Timeline elements in flash, so you can complete a "Frame by Frame" animation assignment.
Do the reading and hands-on practice for this week.
Remember to cover the content of the "Reading module2 page". Pay special attention to the keyframe shortcuts. If you want to work properly, you will work faster and more comphortable if you use keyframe shortcuts from the very begining. Students working on a laptop should hold the FN key at the same time that the chortcut key. Some times you might have to go to the System preferences and deactivate the system using that key for a system task.
Watch my beginner level movie for frame by frame animation HERE
Read and watch the page on ANIMATION.
You will learn more about Timing and how to create variations in speed and styles of movement.
Taking those factors into account will help you create more "organic animations".
If you have a good background in computer graphics, it might be very interesting to combine bitmaps and vector based animation in this assignment. |
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| You can also work with a series of bitmaps. If you name them all the same and number them consecutive (head01, head02, head03...)flash will recognice them as a bitmap sequence when you import the first one and will create keyframes to import them into the timeline one after the other. Be very careful with file size if you are planning to import a bitmap-sequence: the images should be never bigger than the size of the Stage. To produce stop-motion animation with your camera, use a tripod to keep the camera steady. Leave it simple and don't think of more than 20 pictures. Clay, plastiline, pipe cleaners can do amazing work. Remember that to qualify for this assignment, you need to also use flash animation on top. |
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| Do you want to use sound? We will be covering sound on module 9. You can check out the information and give it a try. Always use mp3s and check the file size before you make your file even bigger. The biggest danger here is beginners trying to use a complete song... Sounds should never be longer than 10-12 seconds in flash at this point. |
Complete this week's assignment on Frame by Frame Animation (A_03 Frame by Frame animation).
You will have to:
Download the sample file “3_frame_by_frame.fla” from the assignment window to your local computer.
Examine the different techniques presented in the file.
Create a NEW flash document, and redefine the document properties to match the indications provided in the assignment-instructions.
Create a "Frame by Frame animation" of at least 60 frames duration.
Think of a concept or little story. Transformations, progressive changes in shape, scale, rotation and location work best in frame by frame animation.
Things come to life or slowly get formed in front of the audience (changes get recorded in keyframes). To achieve an impression of motion you will need to make a keyframe every other frame or so.
Remember to create Pauses in between actions. To do so, just leave 8 or more frames after the last keyframe.
The balance in between action and pauses, and the difference in speed for different actions is what creates the "Impression of Life in motion" that we call Timing.Use layers to organize your work (background separated from moving parts and so forth). If you don't separate your characters in different layers, retouching the animation (erasing, modifying) will become almost impossible.
This is a creative assignment. You are supposed to work with the challenge.
Look at previous "frame by frame Animation" assignments here or here.
Name your assignment file: "3_myname_framebyframe.fla"
Check the size of your "fla" file. It should be less than 5 Mb. Zip it to make it smaller.
Choose the file in your computer and Upload it.
Post your answers, comments, problems and advice on Discussion 3.