Brochure

Download the brochure on the Flash Courses. Please note this brochure is being translated: it is in Dutch.

Attend this course.

Flash course outline

During this course you will first get to know the different elements that can be part of your animations. It is very important to know how to create these elements and how to manipulate and edit them: you are going to animate them later and should be prepared for the reactions of an object in Flash.

After you know how to create and edit all the different elements we shall move on to animating itself. At the end of the course you will be able to create an animation from scratch. You will know how to add sound and interactivity as well as scripts.

Brief outline

The following topics will be addressed during this course. This is not a complete overview, the course is pretty intense.

1. Getting acquainted

During the first lesson you are going to create the different objects you need in Flash. You will create flat and multi-layered objects. And you will get to work with the first tools to transform objects to be able to create artwork in Flash.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using the multiple menus and palettes
Using the different views and Flash options
The artboard: the main stage
Colour settings
Creating files
Using different settings for different file types
Creating the first objects with the simple tools
Using colour swatches, gradients and special fills
Technical aspects of a Flash file
Looking at different techniques to edit objects
Saving files in different ways

2. Free artwork

As a Flash animator you will have to be able to create objects and free artwork. This will have to be animated. To know how to draw in Flash is an exciting skill and will make your animations even more personal. We shall address this topic during this lesson of the Flash course.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Multiple fill manipulations
Using the drawing tools
Using the fill tools
Using the transformation and reshaping options
Working with stroke options and special effects
Creating styles
Saving objects

3. Special transformations and exporting

This module of the Flash Course is dedicated to using the different options for file import. You are going to get to know the options and use them. Many different file types are addressed and you will see how you can use them inside the Flash environment.

You are also going to learn how to structurize and layout elements and objects on the stage. This is going to be critical when you start animating. Another critical factor is understanding what exactly happens when you transform objects. We shall address this to make animating in the later lessons easier to manage.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Importing files and artwork
The difference between vector and raster
Tracing images
Splitting and combining vectors
Transforming elements in different ways
Special transformations
Using the vector path
Automatic adjustments
Using the automatic options
Dividing and distributing elements on the Flash stage
Using rasters
Using Flash precision instruments
Adding text
Exploring text options
Editing text
Transforming text
Breaking text and manipulating text objects
Transforming text using different methods
Publishing animations
Exploring animation and publication settings
Adjusting the Flash view options and preview settings
Creating a collection of SWF files
Analyzing publication files

4. The first animations

5. Animating

During this lesson of the Flash Course you will start animating. We shall addres the differences that may occur as you select different options for the animations and objects. You are then going to create animations, publish them and edit them.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Animation techniques
What is animation
Using the timeline
Timeline settings
Using tweens
Managing tweens
Using frames
Using keyframes
Layers and classic settings
Animating after examples
Free animations
Exploring and adjusting animations

5. Symbols and the library, controlled animations

During this lesson of the Flash Course you will learn what to do to keep your animations managable. You are going to create a library of symbols and learn all about the difference between the Flash elements and objects you can animate. At the end of the lesson you will be able to create a full animation from scratch, using advanced techniques that will be at the heart of each animation you create from that moment on. 

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Understanding symbols and instances
Creating symbols
Using instances
Manipulating complex content
Comparing different elements
Animated and static content in Flash
Extra tools to create special objects
Multiple animation techniques

6. Special effects and animations, the first scripts

As time progresses you will want the visitor to be able to interact with the animation. During this lesson of the Flash Course you are going to learn how to add this functionality. You are going to work with scripts. You will learn how to add buttons, for instance, but also how elements on the stage can be made interactive.

More techniques for animations will be addressed during this lesson such as masking and creating special effects for your Flash animation objects.

The following topics will be addressed during this course lesson.

Using bitmaps with special settings
Filter methods
Filter management
Using masks
Animating masks
Creating animated mask content
The first ActionScript
Creating links in Flash
Navigating inside an animation
Letting visitors navigate through an animation (scripts)

7. Sound and even more interaction

During this lesson of the Flash Course you are going to work with sound. You will understand all the options Flash has to offer when you integrate sound into your animations and you will get to use them.

After this we shall address the 3D tools and the 'Bone Tool' that allows for complex and natural animations.

The following topics will be addressed during this lesson.

Using special scripts to navigate through an animation
Clever use of sound
Animating masked content
Creating consecutive animations
Using the 3D tools
Special tools for 'realistic' animations

At the end of this module you are capable to create Flash animations from scratch. Not only do you know how to create all the objects you need and how to import external files to integrate and/or manipulate them but you know how to create an animation with all Flash content.

You can even add scripts to let visitors walk through your animations and to perform actions to interact with your Flash animation.

8. Module test (exam)

During this module your skills and knowledge will be tested by a professional teacher and coach. You will do a few test assignments and send in a final assignment. If you have sent in homework during the course and succeed for the exam you will receive the certificate.

Since the courses are pretty intense the test can be attended on special Test Fridays. This allows you to choose your own testing date and time. Look on this page to find the dates.

Course intensivity

All our courses offer intensive training. This is because we want our students to find a job after the course. To make this even more realistic we keep track of the changes in the world of design and the software updates. Working with very old software versions is not an option unless a student needs to use it. Keeping track of all the changes is very important to us: it makes it possible to be a player in the dynamic, multi media oriented world of design.

Teachers

During our courses you will have a personal coach who is a professional in the world of design. Experience in the field of print and press makes this coach irreplacable while you study. You can ask your coach all the questions you may have and notice you will most often get the answer. While you attend the course you can send your coach your homework files and extra files in which 'things don't work'.

Duration

The course duration depends on the type of training you attend. Go to the course's page to find out more. The most common type of training is group training and personal training, have a look at the options for these courses.

Group course: one lesson, once per week. This can be in the morning, afternoon or evening.

Personal training and reserved training can have special schedules.

Time slots

The times for group courses are fixed.

In the case of personal and reserved training special time slots can be booked.

Call us for more options: 020 6820080.

Estimated homework time

You will need about 8 hours per lesson. Most students spend even more time because they enjoy the work.

Verwacht denkniveau

Het niveau van de cursus ligt tussen MBO en HBO in. Er wordt van u verwacht dat u thuis zelfstandig kunt werken maar ook goed kunt meekomen in een groep.

Starting dates

The courses start about every two months. Go to this page to see the dates of the courses.

Applying

Go to the course's page or this page to apply. We shall send you an application form to fill out and after we receive it back from you we shall send you the invoice for the course.

Location

The courses are taking place in Amsterdam. Our location is very easily accessed by tram, bus, metro and even train. Of course you can use the car as well. All necessary facilities are available on the premises.

Literature and lesson material

LearningTrain keeps track of the developments of Adobe software. Using our Adobe contacts makes this even easier. The literature we consult is always up to date and the lesson material is often hot from the press.

Applications

We have a trial for you so you can do the homework. But of course you can also download the trial from the Adobe website.

During class we usually use the most recent version of the software and the version before that. This makes sure you are aware of the developments in the software and that you can create the best designs for your projects. The design market is pretty competitive, having the correct software gives you an extra edge.

Operating system

The Adobe applications have ben developed for both Windows and Mac and are available for both operating systems. Working with Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash means it's platform independant. While you are studying here you will usually work on a Windows machine. If you are used to working on a Mac you will hardly notice the difference: you will be inside the Adobe environment and this is platform independant.

Extra help

During the courses you can use your coach's knowledge to help you along. You can send in files and of course, homework. Homework is checked: since we choose to correct homework by hand this results in high quality training.

The location

The courses take place in Amsterdam. Our location is easily accessed by car, tram, bus, metro and even train. There is a railway station around the corner.

Companies and groups of individuals sometimes prefer in-company training. This makes working with company files easier. Call us for the options for in company training: 020 6820080.

Software

Software trials

During the courses we use the latest software version and the one right before it. You can try out the software here during class and download a trial from the Adobe website. A trial is fully functional for a month.

Purchasing hardware and software

As a reseller for both Adobe software and Wacom tablets you can buy these products from us. Of course we are available for advice prior to purchasing the hardware or software.

Call for more information: 020 6820080.

Or have a look on this page for Adobe software, or this page for Wacom hardware for more information.