Younger Designer Learning Flash MX [Archive]

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Beraddesign

10-18-2007, 09:56 PM

Greetings Everyone! This is my first post...
A little background on me, I'm a graphic designer with a marketing degree and work background, based out of Philly. I was recently laid-off from my design job because they simply could not afford me anymore with the work they were bringing in. Now I'm taking a crack at freelancing - so far so good I guess, I've procured a decent amount of clients and have been contracted for the email design work for a large ECommerce company. I've still been looking around for a job and have applied to a lot, but I feel like my mostly print background will hold me back from getting the great job I deserve, even thought I do have a marketing Bachelor's.

I've just installed Flash MX, but literally have no idea what I'm doing. I would also love to take this personal Hiatus and learn dreamweaver, or other website building software to take me from just being a marketer/designer to a full blown developer. It seems everyone wants some HTML experience, and I feel like it is really limiting me.

With that said (thanks for bearing with me), What are some great resources to dip my foot into this realm of graphic design. Of course it's great to build my skill set, but Im afraid of the daunting task ahead of me. Anybody know a great book to start with Flash or Dreamweaver. I'd like my first site to be my portfolio site. Thanks in advance for the advice!

-Be Rad

10-18-2007, 10:37 PM

Welcome to the forum.

First step is learning how to build HTML sites.
Check this site out it is chock full of good information and tutorials.
http://www.w3schools.com/

Ever thought about picking up a night class at your local tech school? Its pretty affordable and probably only one night a week for a couple hours.

chalsema

10-19-2007, 05:02 PM

jibble

10-26-2007, 04:44 AM

I'd learn the basics of HTML/CSS before touching Flash. Building sites from Flash isn't very good for usability/SEO. The W3Schools link MD posted is excellent. It's where I started learning HTML/CSS too. Flash definitely has it's place, but you can't go wrong starting with the basics first.

i disagree with the usability/SEO, but agree with the basics comment. It's a bit harder to SEO flash, but there are little tricks of the trade you can use.

First of all, don't think that you NEED to know the web, in fact, it's not necessary by any means. I've worked with some of the biggest entertainment companies in the country(USA) creating images for film(key art, web banners, promos, etc..)like FOX, WB, Lionsgate. I've worked on key art(movie posters) for movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen. My main background is in Flash, ironic huh. This biz is about marketing yourself and your talents. COLD CALLING/EMAILS has actually been the best marketing tool i've ever used. I've landed more jobs just randomly emailing and calling people than anything else. I'm freelance, and one thing i can say is build a sweet portfolio, even if it's personal stuff. People just want to see your talents, not necessarily your client list.

As for the Flash thing...Don't even bother with MX imo. It's two MAJOR versions old. Get a hold of Flash 8 or CS3 and learn those. Flash is an entirely different beast than anything your used to, so stay up to date. EXAMPLE: I don't really know AS3 enough to use it and i'm falling behind. So get the new stuff and hang around forums, ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS! My two favorite forums, and they always help, are kirupa.com and actionscript.org.

Good luck!

Crimson

10-29-2007, 03:35 PM

Three old ladies were sitting at a park bench and a young designer came by and Flashed them....
The first lady had a stroke
The second lady had a stroke
The third one didn't touch it at all

Mohawwwa- Welcome to the boards. Flashkit is a good resource as well for getting some .fla to work. Lynda.com is my favorite way to learn the basics of Flash.

Good luck