Introduction to Flash

Flash often becomes the favorite application of students in computer applications class. It has a great drawing program with the added plus of being able to do animations with amazing ease. If you haven't used a program with a timeline before, it may take a bit of getting used to, but I think you'll enjoy it!

Design Project

The last project of the quarter is very flexible and will give you an opportunity to show off your design skills in Fireworks. There are no size or resolution requirements on this project. Use visual elements—photos, graphics, and text—to create a design product of your own choosing. Here are some ideas:

• Print or Web Ad
• Banner for one of the pages of your website.
• Magazine cover
• Wanted poster
• Post card
• Poster with a favorite phrase
• CD cover art

Don't feel limited to these ideas, let your imagination go! Don't forget the basic elements of design! Contrast - Alignment - Repitition - Proximity

Here is a link to a page to refresh your memory!

Banner Ad Project

As consumers of the Internet, we are familiar with online advertising. We often learn to ignore the advertising on a page (at least I have!). In this project you will contribute to an ongoing project at CLHS. A number of years ago, we produced an animated banner ad called "CLHS IS...". You can see the current version here. The banner ad is made up of individual graphics—made by students—put into a Flash annimation with the words "CLHS is..." flying in from time to time. The size of your graphic is 438 x 60 px at 72 px/in resolution. If I deem your banner worthy, it could become a part of the rotation. Remember that this is a small image that is only visible for about five seconds. Don't put too great of demands on the user. Make it obvious what you are saying and showing. I've put a folder of past banner graphics into the 'Computer Applications' folder on the network. Have fun!

Animated Buttons Project

We've now covered the basics of web site creation—using both HTML and WYSIWYG editors like Dreamweaver. This project will start the process of adding som "zip" to your portfolio site by adding animated buttons.

We will use Fireworks to create these buttons. The application will write all the code, we just need to come up with the design. A couple of cautions: 1) Don't get carried away—simple animations are usually more effective than elaborate ones, and 2) The purpose of navigation buttons is to get around your site easily. Make them easy to see and easy to read.

Have fun!