Looking forward: Flash Catalyst
Posted on February 25th, 2010 by Aubrey Miller-Schmidt
One of the things I enjoy most is trying out new, innovative products and technologies. I often find myself browsing for a new Google Labs tool, a new beta product to test, or downloading plug-ins for my Adobe suite. One of the best new products I’ve seen is currently available on Adobe Labs: Flash Catalyst. What makes Flash Catalyst special? Designing without code.
Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with code (regardless of the medium). For web, I learned HTML way back in the day when I was still a teenager and learning HTML was the only option to create web content. (To put this in context, Netscape was still king, IRC was still the big thing, and the majority of Internet users were still on AOL). In the context of Flash, creative output is extremely limited without knowing some basic ActionScripting, such as stops and jumping frames. Adding these simple stops and jumps can be pretty time consuming, despite how routine and simple they may be. The times I’ve delved deeper into the code than that, it’s been an all out sword fight a la Princess Bride to defeat the code beast. So, if I can streamline my workflow, make better use of my design time, and avoid the code beast with a product, I am a very happy customer.
In comes Flash Catalyst. Want to make a simple Flash website? Or just make a click-thru mockup of a more in-depth site you’re planning? Import your Photoshop layers, click, choose, and BAM! You have your site. No longer do you need to know even the most basic code to produce simple Flash websites and mockups. I anticipate that should Flash Catalyst hit the open market successfully, as planned by Adobe, we will soon see the death of traditional HTML sites.
With additional tools and 3rd party plug-ins, Flash Catalyst has real potential to revolutionize the design world as much as its Flash predecessor. Check it out at Adobe Labs: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashcatalyst/
Posted in Flash, Graphic Design | No Comments »
Digital artwork
Posted on February 8th, 2010 by Aubrey Miller-Schmidt
The original concept was to create a dark scene with a martial arts expert. To create contrast within the piece, I used silhouetting (dark/light contrast) and complimentary colors for the skyline and for much of the swordsman’s body. The embers are intended to create a sense of movement and action throughout the piece.
Working title: Kensei, Ablaze
Posted in Art, Photoshop | No Comments »
The importance of “thank you”
Posted on January 31st, 2010 by Aubrey Miller-SchmidtMy husband recently went on an interview, and we discussed how he could show his interest and appreciation. A follow-up e-mail with “thank you” and a summary of qualifications has become the norm, yet it seemed so unfitting for this company — a popular game development company at which his interviewers wore jeans. After talking it over, it seemed like something less formal and more unique was more appropriate.
Here is the final product: A “Thank You” collage of the company’s products and logos, set inside a Photoshop clipping mask.
Posted in Graphic Design, Photoshop | No Comments »
Weekend Illustrations
Posted on January 31st, 2010 by Aubrey Miller-SchmidtWhile I was sitting at my desk this weekend, I found myself doodling in Illustrator. It’s been a little while since I drew for fun, so it’s about time I freshened up in this area. Here are a few of the doodles I came up with.
Cartoon expressions: sad and crying man, and angry woman:
I also spent some time on patterns and line work. Here is a waterfall illustration:
Posted in Illustration, Illustrator | No Comments »
