Don`t Panic With Adobe Flash!

From my experience the biggest mistake new users make when trying to design a basic Flash project is that they don`t spend enough time just `playing` with the software first before they jump in. The result is either an over ambitious plan that they have no chance of ever achieving as they do not have the necessary skill set or an over simplified design that does not meet the exam board criteria.

So what is the answer?

Firstly make sure you read any mark scheme thoroughly to make sure you understand exactly what is needed to gain an A, B or C then you can tailor your design to either making it simpler for the lower grades or more complex for the higher levels.

Secondly use the Internet to locate good video tutorials to help you learn the new skills you need. www.teach-ict.com is very good for this though you may need a login for some areas of the site.

Thirdly take your time and learn each basic skill well. For example learn how to add new frames and the differences between the types of frames you can create before attempting to do this in your marked project. Then move on to creating basic shape tweens then motion tweens and try out the techniques. This practice may seem like you are wasting time when you could be creating a markable animation but it is really the exact opposite. The easier the skills come to you the better your final result will be.

Fourthly make a plan based on hitting all the mark scheme criteria. Better to have a shorter animation that hits the criteria with a number of different techniques than a longer one that simply repeats the same techniques over and over.

So there you have it. The basics can be summed up with practice, practice and practice some more so when you do come to designing a great looking animation you will be confident and may even achieve a higher grade than you thought possible. Happy animating!