How to Draw People in Flash
Adobe's Flash software has become a standard for both amateur and professional animations. It has made animation possible for even the most unskilled animator. Yet, even with the advancements in Adobe's software, there is still a single aspect of Flash that can trouble even the most veteran of animators: the drawing of characters. Character drawing in Flash is a meticulously planned and executed aspect of the software's animation, as well as possibly one of the most time consuming.
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Instructions
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Uploading and Importing Sketches
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1
Sketch the character concept on the blank paper. Include as much detail as possible.
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2
Scan the finished concept sketch into the computer, and save the file in a memorable location.
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3
Open Adobe Flash and create a new document.
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4
Select the "File" drop down menu from the main menu bar. Under the subsection "Import" select "Import to Stage." Locate the previously saved concept sketch in the pop-up navigation window, and open it.
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5
Create a new layer in the "Timeline" window, typically located either above or below the main stage (depending on the version of Flash).
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6
Select the "Pen Tool" from the Tool menu. In the Properties panel, set the size and color for the lines.
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7
Select a starting point in the new layer over the concept sketch. Select another point to form a line.
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8
Click in the middle of the line that the two previous points form, to create another point. Click and hold on the newly created midpoint, then move it slightly, so that the line bends. Release the point.
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9
Hold control and click on the point again. Now move the point so that it shapes the line to emulate that of the concept sketch's line, in the layer beneath it.
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10
Extend the line by clicking another area over the concept sketch, or start a new line by right clicking, and then selecting another area to start. Continue adding points and shaping the formed lines, until the entirety of the the concept sketch is redrawn.
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Tips & Warnings
To color, make sure the area to be colored has no disconnected lines, and is fully enclosed.
For characters who are going to be animated, do each body part in a different layer.
- Photo Credit portrait series - cartoon style image by helenos from Fotolia.com
