I have been working on my growth/transformation/exploration/realization flash project. I might need a shorter name for it...

I used the method of working frame by frame in order to accomplish the growth of the sprout out of the acorn. This was somewhat tedious and time consuming, but it was the only way to accomplish the look of growth needed for that type of organic shape.

I worked with motion tweening in order to zoom in on the leaf and transform it into a boat.

Also, I learned about how to make a mask with a video or photo today. I first have to make a new layer to import the video on, then i need to make the shape of the mask in the layer with the background, then I control click on the video layer and select "mask". This will be the technique I use to make the ship appear to be floating on water.

We are starting to work more with flash in my new media class.
So far I have created a flash animation using my logo... which I am going to try and figure out how to add onto my blog...

Also I have started working on sketches for my more long term flash project. My animation deals with the theme of growth, transformation, exploration and realization.
An acorn grows into a small tree.

A leaf on the tree falls off and floats down a stream.

The leaf turns into a ship on the ocean.

The ship sails around the globe.

Frame then gets close in on ship, and when it zooms out, it is just a ship in a bottle.

I am somewhat behind on my entries. But let me bring you up to date. I have almost completed my website. I just uploaded my 'work' page. It was challenging to figure out which photo needed to be linked with what, in order for the roll-over images to work. I was pleased to discover that I could in fact make the background of the main image transparent. I think this is much more pleasing to the eye. I am excited for my new website. It is really coming along. There are just a few details left to iron out, such as, copyright, information on each design piece, and a few sizing and page naming issues. Almost there!

This is a preview of my website which is still under construction. I have also been learning how to create other pages for my website and how to link them to one another.

Personal Logo

So today we worked more on our personal logos. I think mine is coming along. I really want it to be beautiful but still simple, classic and distinctive. I have a name which I can play with visually. If I go in this direction, I just want to be careful that the imagery doesn't become gimmicky.

Also today we learned about divs. It was kind of confusing and difficult to follow along, perhaps it would help to have our computers connected to the instructors.

This image is one of my preliminary designs. It will probably continue to change quite a bit.

My first day of Special Topics in new media left me experiencing a plethora of emotions. I am excited to learn how to build and customize a website. I think it is an important skill to have as a graphic designer. But I also am not naive enough to underestimate the challenges that lie ahead. I know a lot of time and energy will be required if I am to create anything worth while.

All I can hope is that I will bend under pressure but never break.