How to Learn Flash Cartooning
Flash cartoons are a popular distraction on the Internet. Popular online cartoons, such as Homestar Runner, use Adobe Flash Professional to create the animations. If you want Internet celebrity status by creating your own cartoons, use Adobe Flash Professional. This software program combines the graphical aspects of cartooning with ActionScript programming code to create Web-ready animations. Post your finished cartoon on the Internet for all to see.
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Instructions
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Sign up for classes to learn Adobe Flash. Technical schools often offer classes teaching how to use this software. Sign up for single classes to learn only about Flash or attend a full two- or four-year degree program to learn other aspects of cartooning including drawing and fine arts. Flash can even be learned online from outlets such as Ascend Training and AGI Training.
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Visit the Adobe Flash Developer Connection to learn more about Flash straight from the source (see Resources). In addition to teaching animation topics such as character cartooning and motion tweens, the Developer Connection also focuses on ActionScript, components and video and graphic effects.
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Read books that teach you more about Flash cartooning. Try books about Flash, such as "Sams Teach Yourself Adobe Flash CS3 Professional in 24 Hours," by Phillip Kerman, or "Flash CS4 Professional Digital Classroom," by Fred Gerantabee. Since your focus is mostly on cartooning, read books about general cartooning practices as well. Try "Cartooning the Head and Figure," by Jack Hamm, or "Cartooning: The Ultimate Character Design Book," by Christopher Hart. Keep these books next to your computer as you practice the Flash techniques you've learned.
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Read online tutorials whenever you get stuck using Flash to create cartoons. If you get stuck on ActionScript code or are having trouble with motion tweening, search for your problem online. Look for tutorials that feature pictures and snippets of real ActionScript code. Watch video tutorials to learn the graphical aspects of Adobe Flash Professional.
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Create your own Flash animations to practice what you've learned. As stated in a Purdue University study, students learn technology topics easier if they take a hands-on approach. Even if it's a simple cartoon of a ball bouncing up and down, the act of creating this animation will help you cement the knowledge in your mind. Practice each technique you learn in order to get better at creating Flash cartoons.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit laptop image by Du...¡an Zidar from Fotolia.com
