From Layers to Life Creating Animated Characters in Adobe Flash Free Download

Flash is one of two industry standard programs (The other being Toon Boom) for creating cartoons online and on television. You will already be familiar with several of these cartoons: Axe Cop, Archer, China, IL, Happy Tree Friends, and many MANY more.

This class is for anyone who has an idea for a web series, or wants to expand their Flash and animation knowledge. A certain level of meticulousness and patience is required, as building a character is the most time consuming part to animating. Some familiarity with the program such as the use of layers, keyframes, and most importantly, symbols is a plus, though each will be quickly explained at the start of class. Due to intensive information, this class may be better suited to students who have some familiarity with Flash.

In this class, students will learn how to design a character, build and move its various assets in Flash, and use it to produce a very short demo. Students in the class will need to have access to Flash CS4 or higher.

The lesson will discuss what goes into creating a character for Flash animation and provide some tips for handling certain design issues before the set-up stage. At this point the student is encouraged to design and share a 3-point turn-around (front, 3/4, and side view) for a character of their own creation.