TGJ2O_animation_fundamentals

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Some basic tools of Flash
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[[image:brush_tool.png align="left" caption="Basic tools"]]
Here we see some basic tools of flash that can help you to make your animations successful. #1 is the select tool, it treats the object you select as a series of pixels (a [|RASTERIZED]) object. This has it's benefits. #2 refers to the sub-select (or, as I call it the [|VECTOR] select tool). The difference between vector and raster graphics is that vector graphics are scalable without rasterization (often called pixelation). The vector tool allows you to alter the shape of an object to a high degree of accuracy. #3 is the brush tool, the difference between the brush tool and the pencil tool (above it) is that the brush tool places a vector around a fill, while the pencil tool essentially makes a line (a singular dimensioned vector).

The timeline (located at the top of the screen) has certain features that will help you to do basic animations. #1 refers to the layer name (which can be adjusted by either right-clicking on the layer and renaming it, or by simply double-clicking the layername). When making multiple layers (#4) the layer that is at the top of the timeline is the layer that appears 'furthest forward' on the stage (the area you see when you draw things). In addition to making drawings on the stage, you also can make drawings over time. By __pressing F6__ (which __copies the previous keyframe__) or __F7 (creates a blank new keyframe)__ you advance your animation by 1 frame (typically 1/12th of a second, depending on what your framerate is [#6 - can be adjusted]). In keyframe animation (where you draw cel by cel) it is often useful to click on #6 (onion skinning) which by default shows you the previous 3 keyframes. This allows you to see where your objects have been on the stage and thus allows you to plan out where they are going over time.

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EXERCISE: DRAW A BOUNCING BALL BEING DROPPED AND RETURNING TO WHERE IS STARTED WITH EXAGGERATED MOVEMENT IN 24 FRAMES
=Now we're going to re-draw it in flash.=

// Gratefully from [|Liew Yi] // In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create frame by frame animation in Flash. This technique involves changing each keyframes of an animation to create movement. Here is a simple bouncing ball animation created frame by frame. This tutorial shows you how to create the animation above.

1- Draw a ball
Firstly, we’ll draw a ball using the Brush tool. Use the second smallest brush size the Brush tool has. And make sure to set your view as 100% in the dropdown box at the top corner of your stage.

2- Create a frame
Press F7 to insert a blank keyframe into the timeline. This empties any graphics on the stage so that you can start drawing another piece of action.

3- Use Onion Skin
This enables you to view the previous animations you have drawn, which appears semi transparent. Click on the icon to enable Onion Skin view.



4- Draw the next action
Make sure you selected the 2nd frame. If you did, draw the circle again, but slightly lower

5- Draw and draw again until you complete the animation
Repeat the procedure to complete the animation! Some tips here, if you can’t see previous animations using the Onion Skin view, make sure the Onion Skin box encompasses all frames. (Refer to figure below)



6- Smooth the graphics
One more useful tip here, you can smooth your graphics easily by selecting the orb you drawn, then click on the Smooth icon (refer to figure above) several times. It is located in the Options tab. This feature eliminates shakiness from the graphics you drawn. It should look sleeker now.



Exercise:
Your task now is to tell the BRIEF story of a ball moving on screen for 15 seconds (so 15 seconds x 24 frames per second). Bear in mind the principles of animation we talked about in class and make the motion 'cartoon realistic'. You are to export the animation as an SWF (the typical export filetype) called yourname_shape_animation and submit both the FLA file (the original) and the SWF (the export it into the handin folder.

Evaluation:
each class period (as shown by observation by teacher, and documentation of progress in journal) with no reminders. || Used time well during most class periods (as shown by observation by teacher, and documentation of progress in journal) with no reminders. || Used time well (as shown by observation by teacher and documentation of progress in journal), but required reminders on one or more occasions to do so. || Used time poorly (as shown by observation by teacher and/or documentation of progress in journal) in spite of several reminders to do so. ||
 * **CATEGORY** || **4** || **3** || **2** || **1** ||
 * **Uses prior knowledge to apply a realistic effect** || Judicious use of tools lead to an exemplary product || Small errors in the use of the tools results in a product that is completely acceptable, but does contain noticeable flaws || The piece has many distracting elements but the tool use is obvious. || Either in following the steps, or mistakes in the use of the tools, the work is largely flawed. ||
 * **Practical product produced** || Stylistic choice in tones, arrangement and colour choices in presenting the render show no errors. || Overall the piece is well constructed, but the some key steps have been missed. || Generally the piece is satisfactorily constructed, but the end result is lacking in many areas. || The render is incomplete, or shows signs of obvious neglect in process. ||
 * **Use of Time** || Used time well during