Flash Animation: Making Immersive Online Experiences

By Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@animationschooldirectory.com
Animation School Directory Columnist

You've probably seen advertisements enticing you to participate in a simple online video game, throwing a snowball at a moving target or punching out a light-footed boxer. Even Disney Online features several of these types of games, which are used to interest kids in their cartoons and merchandise.

These games were probably made with Flash animation software. Flash animation is a tool designed to help developers and designers create exciting, interactive graphics for Web sites as well as videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMs.

Flash animation is becoming increasingly prevalent on Web sites, thanks to the use of Flash to tantalize internet surfers with games, instructive features, and other interactive user interfaces like interactive maps and diagrams. According to Macromedia, the developer of Flash, the Flash software platform has reached 98 percent of internet-enabled desktops worldwide.

Becoming a Flash Wiz

Getting skilled in Flash is fairly simple. A variety of classes are available that are designed for people in various stages of Flash expertise. If you're completely new to Flash, you can take a course for beginners that will introduce you to the basics of creating graphics and animation and using Flash editor.

The next level of Flash coursework may explore 3D effects, ActionScript, and exporting Quick Time movies into Flash. ActionScript is a scripting language that enables you to program animated features. For example, you can program interactive movies and Web sites that give users a menu of options to trigger a unique multimedia sequence. ActionScript is often used to create online games like the ones mentioned above.

You can also take courses that deal exclusively with advanced animation design and production techniques that employ Flash. Learn how to develop graphics, edit them, and use them in a variety of multimedia production.

To find classes in Flash animation, look for animation programs at art schools, community colleges, and universities. Find graphic design or animation programs near you that offer instruction that will help you take your website from flat to fantastic with Flash.

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Virginia.