SEE IT! LIKE IT! BUY IT!Flash Animation 101: A behind the scenes look at what's involved in creating an effective web site animation

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Animation is more involved than what appears in the final product.There are many aspects of animation that go unnoticed, such aspaying attention to, and complimenting the message, legibility andlimiti...
Animation is more involved than what appears in the final product.There are many aspects of animation that go unnoticed, such aspaying attention to, and complimenting the message, legibility andlimiting motion and breaking up the monotony. Let me explain how Iplanned and animated the flash banner athttp://www.dreamcruises4u.com.It is important to ensure that your copy is legible.
It goes withoutsaying that if you can't read the message, then you've failed already.I use white copy on a medium blue background in the opening scene. The copyis legible and is isolated in the corner so that the eye is drawn to it.If I were to have multiple simultaneous animation on the banner in thatscene, then the important message of, "Get Incredible Cruise Bargains"would suffer.
Too much motion at once is distracting. Let your viewershave a chance to absorb your message before you start flying more copyin their faces.Finding a way to break the monotony is very important.
If you maintain aconsistent standard for introducing your copy and it does not vary at all,then nothing important sticks out. Notice that I use an anchor to pull upthe copy, "All Ports Worldwide!" This scene is effective, as the rest ofthe images have been "dissolved" and the simple animation of the anchorintroduces the new copy without distracting from the message.Nearing the final scenes, the copy "We'll find what you want for less!"is animated to jump out at you the viewer.
The "For Less" copy is enlargedand centered so that it becomes the main focus. When it becomes smaller,it changes color so that it is still the primary focus.
Still images arecycling underneath to give the viewer indications of the diversity thatis possible with one of these fabulous cruises. We want them to see this,but it is more important for them to see the message above.
Take greatcare in ensuring that your message is primary and the images are acompliment.Finally, I use another "dissolve" in the end scene to take away the oldimages and reintroduce the image used in the first scene. "Dissolves"and "straight cuts" are a few of the best "transitions" to use.
You willoften find them in film and television, we just never pay attention tothose little details. This is when one object, scene, clip or animationfades away, while the other fades in.
In digital video, one clip slightlyoverlaps the other clip and a "transition" is between them. I use dissolvesand straight cuts in the final animation because the objects in the finalscene are positioned so that your eye is drawn to them automaticallywithout the need for further animation.When you begin your animation, make sure you have a plan.
Sketch out atimeline and know what you want to accomplish before hand to avoid achaotic and disorganized animation. Vary the style of animation tocreate diversity and maintain interest.
This is a rule that can beapplied to many things. If you bold all of your copy, then nothingsticks out.
If you fade in all your text, then nothing will stick outin your animation either. Pay close attention to the most importantmessages in your animation and use motion to draw the eye to it.Remember, not everything needs to be animated.
If you do, then youwill have an animation that looks like objects thrown into a dust storm.You will lose the power of the animation and subsequentlyreduce the power of your marketing message.Would you like to get your own animated flash banner for your site?Next 10 people only - save 20% Contactmailto:[email protected] with subject line "FLASH ME" Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com .