Layers TV: Episode 64

RC does some symbol swapping in Flash.

• To download the pictures to follow along with RC’s tutorial, click here
• Create a new Flash file, set the stage properties and import a group of pictures into the library
• Drag the pictures onto the stage one at a time and convert them to symbols
• Use symbol editing mode to align images with the stage
• Use key frames, the properties dialog, and the alpha effect setting to fade the images in and out
• Turn image animation into a movie clip and save
• Duplicate movie clip and swap out the symbol to create an animation for each image

Meet George
RC reviews GEORGE, the new tabletop sound system from Chillsound.com. GEORGE has a dock for the iPod and offers a variety of options along with high audio quality.

Corey creates a 3D package design in Photoshop.

• Create a background design using motion blur and halftone pattern
• Create a new 3D object cube
• Use 3D widget to resize the cube
• Open the 3D panel and adjust the color of each side to black
• Open the face layer of the 3D object and drag a logo image into it
• If you don’t like the lighting, select the unlit texture option to lighten up the logo image
• Create a copy of the box and use the widget to lower it on the vertical axis
• Flip the logo and then use opacity and a layer mask with a gradient to create a reflection of the box

Contest Winner
RC and Corey have decided that the weekly contest winner from Layers TV will be announced in RC’s blog post. Remember when you submit your answer in the contact form to choose Layers Blog from the drop-down menu. Be sure to check the front page post for the name of this week’s winner and tune in to this week’s episode to find out what the contest question and prizes are.