Animation

Today, we looked at animation by creating our own stickmen and text. The stickmen we created can walk across the screen enabling us to use this technique in our coursework. The text will appear on and off the screen which make it interesting, it can be used for out introduction page. I have also done independent research on existing flash animation, http://www.flashwebmaster.com/portfolio/flash.web.site.designer/flash_animation_2D_sickfish.html, looking at the fish animation, I can see how simple animation makes a movie complete.

Elements of Project Management

2 weeks ago we looked at three basic elements: tasks, resources and time. They are interrelated meaning when one changes it will have an effect on the other two. One of the Programs we can use is Microsoft Project which lets us create a plan revolving around the tasks, resources and time, and presents it in a graphical way for my project.

There are typical tasks such as for Task – individual pieces of work which need to be done:

• Reports to management
• Pieces of code for an application
• Project definition documents
• Any small (or large) item that contributes to reaching the stated goal of the project.

Resources – anything used to meet the stated goals:

• People
• Machinery
• Money

Time: time is very important as it is the main thing that makes us follow deadlines and complete the task. Estimating the time needed to complete each task until the stated goal of the project is one of the main points. Whilst the project progresses, improvements and changes will need to be made, therefore estimated time will change. Milestones and deadlines will make one of your ways to structure time. This is important in our coursework as we have to complete set task on time so our Macromedia Flash Project can be completed on time.

With Tasks, Resources and Time being interrelated, it will effect each other, adding a new task will mean using resources, where time may be needed to change to cope with the work load. Microsoft Project will help me create a Gantt charts so I can complete my work on time efficiently.

Project Management and Adobe Photoshop

We have looked at Gantt Chart as a group as well as other planning methods such as using a calendar with posted notes. As a class, we have looked at the main production system where a products life begins. From Design, Implementation, Testing, User feedback all the way to Evaluation. I guess the Design stage will be the most enjoyable as I will be deciding the number of characters along with their design using Adobe Photoshop. I have also created thumbnails for my application whilst testing the effectiveness i.e. colour, easy to recognise, the amount of detail on the image, the thickness of lines, and the likeliness of being able to recognise straight away as what it is meant to represent.

Flash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, we worked in Macromedia Flash 8 to create a simple animation which consists of movement of thunder and the enlargement of the sun. We then had to use Adobe Photoshop to crop out the different doll parts and saving it as a GIF file which will make the background transparent. Importing the file into Macromedia Flash 8 will allow me to manipulate the file so I can create a drag and drop application, by scripting. Scripting is new to me as I have never done scripting before, the coding was different yet similar to HTML.

On Macromedia Flash 8, understanding the key frames was very difficult as I needed to know why we needed it, why we needed to lock the layer and using shortcuts such as using F6 so we can work efficiently and quickly without wasting time.

Using Macromedia Flash 8 has allowed me to understand the use of the application in this software which has enabled me to work easily. This exercise set for us did not include many key skills apart from listening, understanding, and technical skills on the computer. I have also looked at the website http://www.flashtutorials.us/flash-basics/3/ which has given me the basics of Macromedia Flasg enabling me to work more efficiently with the program.

My Project

I have found the image of my dog which will be the main character for my story, the image of the dog is found on the internet which has made researching very simple. He will have super powers as well as a favourite sport, as mentioned in the specification, I have named him Spring. I will need to manipulate this image using AdobePhtotshop as I have taken it from the internet. This involved me in using a series of tool: ie Pencil Tool, Paint Bucket, and using the Colour Palette.

The importance of Project Management

In class, we looked at how companies and schools, plan out their work. There are many ways such as using a calendar and writing out important dates. The use of Gantt charts are the most popular way of planning ahead, this uses colour coding so you can easily tell what the deadlines are. We will work independently so our coursework can be done in our best quality. I will plan out a list of tasks for our coursework, so I can use time efficiently. On Microsoft Project Management, we have started to look at using mile stones and setting target dates so work can be completed in time.

The Superpower Dog

I have planned my storyline and characters for the coursework. The dog will have the power to jump very high or transform.