To understand the basic concepts involved in vector graphics and animation.
Instructions
In this lab, you will create a Flash movie with a character that enters the stage, then a brief message appears, and finally the character exits the stage.
Create a new, blank Flash file.
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Save your Flash file following the normal pattern: John Smith Lab 9 Flash. Remeber to save frequently as you work.
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Set the stage background color to a color other than white.
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Go to the Microsoft Clipart website (be sure to use Internet Explorer) and find a person, animal, or object to be the main character. Under the search type, choose Clip art. The clipart should be multi-colored (at least three colors or shades). Note that clip art files on this site have a file extension of .wmf.
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Click the Copy to Clipboard icon under the clip art you selected and paste it in the Flash document.
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Resize the clip art using the Free Transform Tool. (Hold down the Shift key as you drag one of the corners of the clip art to resize without distorting.)
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If there are background elements on the clip art (beyond the character itself), remove those parts by double-clicking on the clip art with the Selection Tool. Then click on the parts you don't need and press the Delete key. When finished, double-click on the stage background.
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Rename Layer 1 to a name that matches the character.
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Create motion tweens for the character so that it moves from offstage to center stage, then pauses for a few frames (say 10 or 20), and then moves offstage again. The character should get larger and it approaches, and smaller as it leaves. Altogether, the number of frames should be between 50 and 100.
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Add a new layer called Message. Using the Text Tool, type in a phrase or brief message which appears at the point where the character reaches center stage. The message can either remain visible for the rest of the movie, or it can disappear as the character moves offstage again.
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Create a third layer called Background. Using the drawing tools, create a stationary object on frame 1 (with at least three colors). This object should remain stationary onstage for the whole movie.
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Create a fourth layer. Using the drawing tools, create a small, simple object on frame 1 (with at least three colors). Name this layer something that matches the object.
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Create one or more motion tweens to move this object around the stage during the whole movie.
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View your movie again to make sure everything is correct. Be sure to fix any glitches such as somthing jumping, skipping, changing shape, or disappearing when it's not supposed to.
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Save your movie and exit Flash.
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Use the Drop Box to submit your Flash file. Be sure the filename follows the usual pattern: (eg. John Smith Lab 9 Flash).
Grading
Flash file named correctly stage background not white clipart used for main character extra bits removed from clipart main character layer name corresponds to character entrance motion tween for main character main character stays onstage for a few frames exit motion tween for main character total number of frames is at least 50 message appears when main character pauses message remains visible during the pause (may disappear later) background layer created and named Background background layer contains stationary object stationary object has parts with at least three colors stationary object recognizable as what it is supposed to be stationary object remains on screen the whole time small object layer created and name corresponds to that object small object layer contains the small object small object has parts with at least three colors small object recognizable as what it is supposed to be small object has motion tweens keeping it in motion the whole time no visual glitches (odd things appearing, jumping, or funny shape changes)
