Learn Flash

Introduction

In this section of the site we will be going over how to utilize Adobe Flash's capabilities. What this means for us is we'll be learning what tools flash has, understanding the program and how to use it for stick figure animation. First we will start of with the basics of flash to get you comfortable in the program as well as give you some understanding of the terminology we will be using as we move forward. After you have a fair understanding of flash we'll move into constructing a stick figure, basic animation and animation principles all the way up to finishing your first completed project! Excited yet? You should be, this will be your one-stop-shop how-to in stick figure animation. This page will be updated as more tutorials become available. So keep that in mind! You may find some links that don't function yet, this is simply because the tutorial for that section isn't created or provided just yet. Sit tight, grab some coffee ( or tea ) and begin your journey to stick figure animating. :)

Basic Flash Functions and Tools

- Tools Before you start you need to familiarize yourself with the tools in flash. This tutorial covers that as well as some other flash basics.

- Timeline "What the heck is that big thing up there?" Oh hey, that is your timeline. It's confusing at first but it's your new best friend. Sorry old best friend :(

- Symbols Not the ones on a drum set, just a sweet though. This will get you familiar with library items such as movie clips, graphics and buttons. This may seem boring but this is KEY in truly doing some neat effects later on.

- Tweens The concept of tweens can blow some peoples minds so be careful! Tweens are very helpful in animation but should NOT be used as the main technique when animating sticks. This becomes key for cinematic animations.

Basic Beginning Animation

- Stick Construction The moment you've been waiting for. Time to draw that sucker. Draw him like you've never drawn him before, well maybe you haven't. Seriously though, draw him loads.

- Terminology "Woah back up, what did you just say?" Time to get you up to speed on some of the words we will be using coming up here shortly.

- Basic Animation stone calls it "Ball Hell." Don't ask, but it is a crucial first practice of animaiton that will nearly double your abilities right from the get go! The key is to do is right and take your time.

- Run! Old run tutorial. Although, it does still prove useful for beginners!

- Run (alternate )! Another source for learning runs.

- Basic Movements ( video ) Woo hoo! He's learning how to do more stuff! Be sure to pay close attention to how 'wraz' spaces his characters movements from frame to frame. Spacing is a key element of all animation so watch carefully and practice, practice, practice!

Creating Complete Short Animations

- Backgrounds "Color is always nice, oh the grass feels nice on my feet! :)" With this tutorial you'll get another level understanding of how to shade your background and adding in basic background dynamics.

- Sound FX "I now have voice! I shall grunt. >:)"

- Basic Menu This acts like a "DVD" menu for your animation. This basically just stops the viewer from moving forward for any options you'd like them to see or have.

- Preloader If your movie gets a little bit large for some viewerss you may need to slap on a preloader infront of your menu so that the movie can load first. No one likes to have their video pause in the middle of play. You can download the preloader here.

Intermediate to Advanced Animation

- Weightless "I can float! Neat!" Don't float all the time though buddy.. * shakes fist *

- Force "Star wars?" No this is not THE 'force' but how to show force in animation. Uh, I guess you could still use it though?

- Position of Attack Understanding your stick figures position and utilizing it's most powerful move from that position is key in creating a dynamic and powerful combo.

- Adding force using Camera Effects "Shake it twice and your good, shake it more than that an-- nevermind." This tutorial goes over how to add a simple, yet effective camera 'shake' effect that adds impact to your hits. You can also use the virtual cam or 'vcam' for many other purposes.

- Particle FX "These little dots make for plenty of uses." The key element to take from this tutorial is not only to pay attention to spacing but to make sure that you do one thing at a time! Believe me, it saves you time and effort.

- Simple Combo ( video ) This video isn't the best combo but it goes over some valueable principles needed to pull off a sequence of attacks.

- Impact Circle FX Ever played Super Smash Brothers Brawl? Yeah, these were inspired from the impacts that that game, not that this was the first or the only fighting game to do such a thing, but still is the original inspiration to bringing this simple effect to stick figure animation.

Tips and Tricks

- Tips Poster This was originally put together by "Malfunction" from the forums. This is a collection of tips from everyone in the community. Some are better than others but still a good source to take some information from.

- Pen Stylus You will lose this thing. You don't want to have to replace it ($80+)! What is best is to tie a string to your Pen Stylus then tie the other end to your monitor. This way if it falls it won't break the tip and you won't be able to lose it. Saved many people on multiple occasions.

- Get rid of 'slick' tablet surface Ever find that you can draw better on paper than on your stylus? One day that thought popped into mind so I taped a piece of paper to my tablet. Walah! You now have the control and feel of writing on paper. However, beware it does where down your pen nibs faster.

- Pen Nibs? Pen nib is that little plastic piece at acts as the 'lead' of your stylus. Those need to be replaced every 6 months or so.

Techniques and Styles

- Entire Stick.

- Head first.

- Pose to pose.

- Body and legs.

Stats

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.