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Inspiring
February 24, 2011
Question

When to call it quits with Actionscript?

  • February 24, 2011
  • 2 replies
  • 813 views

Say a person has been doing Flash for 11 years yet could never get a strong grasp on Actionscript. Would you say that person does not have the capacity to learn it?

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2 replies

somascope
Inspiring
February 25, 2011

This is a good topic - I've heard several designers express frustration with things since AS3 came out. It can be a tough road, indeed, but like the rest here are indicating, FlashRennaissance, you certainly have your place! I'm maybe 15% graphics, 85% programming... if all of my projects were left to me alone (instead if with a designer), things just wouldn't look so good and pleasing ;-)

The struggle is knowing how, or if, to stick to things strictly as a designer, or to learn how to integrate some minimal/modest elements of functionality with AS3. But as a designer, there's usually a point where oyu have to say, "We need to bring in a developer on this project, too". What is tough is when the client is looking to you as a "100%, do it all" kind of solution.

No simple answers, of course, but in the world of the Web, we all have to try to keep on top of out specialities, and maybe figure out how to incorporate some new learning into each year. But don't bite off too big a piece to learn, either - keep things realistic. I think of things that I might not have been able to do, myself, on previous projects (things the client asked for, or features that other people might have had to do) and start searching the web for tutorials that can teach me the basics or foundations of this things. Simple interactivity with buttons and drag-n-drops, loading content (images, videos, audio, xml) and using it as needed. All of these things, I'm 100% confident, you'd be able to get a good grip on - pick one small idea, and find 3 or 4 tutorials about it (though, some tutorials aren't always written well).

One other idea - if you, or anybody really, wanted to reach out to others, see what local community you might have. Depending on your city, there might be some Flash user groups. You might find that there's an opportunity to learn from joining some meetings, or to offer your design services to the guys/gals that are code-only-types.

Best of luck to you.

Ned Murphy
Legend
February 24, 2011

Nope... I don't think anyone could make such a judgement without detailed knowledge of what those 11 years involved.  Some folks use Flash regularly and have little to no AS experience. Some folks do their best to avoid learning and just get by on borrowed designs.  There's too many variables to pass judgement.

Inspiring
February 24, 2011

Thanks Ned.

Now employers want Flash Designers to know ActionScript 3.0. Sometimes I wonder if they are realistic in their requests with all the applications they expect.

Participating Frequently
February 24, 2011

Hey FlashRenaissance,


Sounds like a bummber scenario.  I am glad Ned responded as he did, he's a good guy.  Anyhow listen,


Employers for the most part are stupid, and that is why they hired you, because they can't do what you do.  But a business is like that, get a hand that knows how to make things happen.  They focus on the business end and you focus on the design.  Unfortunately employers dont know what it takes to be able to do things.

Working at a small company also is a difficult thing for designers.. they are often required to know tween engines and ect.  But they are not necessary programmers.  Which is why there are ActionScript Developer jobs and There are Flash Designer Jobs.

Keep your chin up kiddo.