Flash Site Design - newbie flash design question(s)

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newbie flash design question(s)

geeegeee

2004-05-14, 5:32 pm

hello all.

i've been doing digital design for about ten years, but am just now (because i
don't like change) trying to figure out flash. i've been doing interface design
with photoshop and illustrator for years and am having a bit'o difficulty
adjusting to the graphic tools of flash.

what is the best method for interface design in flash?
- design with my powerful, intuitive, comfortable tools of choice then import?
- design with these powerful, funky, hairpulling tools of flash?

thanks for any advice.

ladyluna

2004-05-14, 5:32 pm

Hi,
In the end, your file size will be much better if you use flash to do the
vector art and text where you can. I know, Macromedia takes some getting used
to, but once you start playing with it, it is really not that bad.
Luna

geeegeee

2004-05-14, 5:32 pm

thanks, that's what i was hoping for/afraid of.
just wanted to make sure my frustration was not for naught.
and away i go.

abeall

2004-05-14, 10:29 pm

Things such as logos should be done outside of Flash, then imported( .ai works
well) because Flash uses a loose vector format. What I mean is that doesn't
seem to think in points, curves, and lines as much as it simply *thinks* in
vector mass. That's why it's so funky. You create a path and come back to it
and it might have a whole ton of points you never made. This is why you can
literally throw around vector shapes(merge, partially select, ect.), and why
shape morphing works between ANY two objects(though less smoothly the more
different they are). In short, it's GREAT for quick loose work. But anytime you
want to make a solid re-usable vector, use PS or AI or FH or FW.

Once you get used to it, you'll wish every Illustration software had this type
vector as an option. You'll be throwing together interfaces with both speed and
accuracy.

Brit

2004-05-15, 9:28 am

Yes it is easier to use illustrator if you are use to it suppose to Flash,
however, Illustrator will create more points. You, I assume are use to
print, in which you can have high resolutions pics. The main thing to be
concerned with in Flash is making designs that are fast loading and
optimized. There are tutorials in Flash and on the Macromedia site that
help you there

"geeegeee" <webforumsuser@macromedia.com> wrote in message
news:c82o2f$gmo$1@forums.macromedia.com...
> hello all.
>
> i've been doing digital design for about ten years, but am just now
(because i
> don't like change) trying to figure out flash. i've been doing interface
design
> with photoshop and illustrator for years and am having a bit'o difficulty
> adjusting to the graphic tools of flash.
>
> what is the best method for interface design in flash?
> - design with my powerful, intuitive, comfortable tools of choice then
import?
> - design with these powerful, funky, hairpulling tools of flash?
>
> thanks for any advice.
>

Sgt_Bolt

2004-05-18, 7:38 pm

Here is a simple interface in flashmx 2004 not a whole lot of action script
involved either www.mgamerz.com
It has all the basics ..email form ,loading external swf. streaming mp3 files
the trainer has loading external dynamic text files ..anyway if ya know some of
the basics it mite help ya there is an fla file for it.

also I have a sample trainer website for them wanting to know how to make a
simple website...
http://www.mgamerz.com/TRAINER/TRAINER2.html

abeall

2004-05-18, 7:38 pm

Sgt_Bolt

actually that's an older(one of my first) Flash site I did. I'm moving away
from the techno-aggressive style just because it seems to be getting old; I
don't really like how everyone compares it(the style) to 2A. 2A did not create
the style, even if they are one of the best at it, and I don't want to be seen
as a copy-cat. Thanks for the comment anyways! :-)

If you want to see some crazy stuff goto "gmunk.com". It has a slightly ghetto
twist, but the portfolio is quite imppressive, you may be surprised to see some
things that 2A obviously liked and tried(I dare not say copied, but some
inspiration :-)

cheers!

Sgt_Bolt

2004-05-19, 4:28 am

Man I would love to see an .fla file for one of them type of sites you make
They got to be heavy laden with action script...
anyway I did not mean to insult you comparing you to 2A my hat is off to
anyone who can create that kind of work it is simply awsome ...to be able to
make a website of that caliber one would have to shell out some money to the
author .I am sure you cannot make that webstie in a day or 2 ...If anything
you should create training videos for your talents and sell them online Im sure
I would buy one...