January 12th 2003 | Sindre Engen

Flash MX Graphics, Animation & Interactivity

So you are a beginner? You really admire Flash, but you don't know how to use it and what Flash really is? Then Graphics, Animation & Interactivity by James L. Mohler could be the book for you, though it is not perfect. The author seem to have lost some enthusiasm while writing, but the book cover every aspect of Flash MX. An earlier version of this book exists, so you might call this book an update. The book will definitely answer some, but not all, of your questions.

Title: Flash MX Graphics, Animation & Interactivity
Author: James L. Mohler
Publisher: Thomson | Delmar Learning
Pages: 574
CD: Yes (Software and examples)
ISBN: 0-7668-4206-1

If you ever wondered what a "computer" is, you can look it up in this book's glossary. From this, you really understand that you don't need any knowledge about Flash at all before reading it. Readers can really start from scratch. The only thing you need to know is how to use a mouse and a keyboard, but that shouldn't be a problem, should it? An experienced Flash user will feel a lack of progress from reading the book. I at least felt the exercises were too basic, but I guess that a total beginner would need it this way.

I have worked more with programming than I have with design, but I've always wanted to improve my design skills and I guess that's the main reason why I picked up this book. Graphics, Animation & Interactivity is a rather well written book and the language is easy. The beginning chapters contain general info on Flash and what's new in Flash MX. They are written with enthusiasm and are a joy to read. The book does however become slightly more boring for every chapter you read. Though this book isn't a novel, it should have kept the same level of enthusiasm throughout the book.

The new panel system in Flash MX is covered well and most beginners will find this useful. Both the flasher and the carpenter need to know their tools. Further chapters explain all the basics about drawing, text, symbols and the library.

Parts of chapter 8 to chapter 11 are written in way that I found boring and it ruins some good subjects. The chapters cover bitmaps, sound, 2D animation, video and a whole chapter about 3D in Flash. The language is easy to understand, but rather boring. I was really looking forward to read about 3D-animation in Flash. I have read this chapter twice but I still can't figure out how to use the accompanying 3D-software. Poor explanations maybe? The final chapters cover ActionScript and the readers will learn a lot of useful scripts. ActionScript is quite a necessity if you want to create a complete website in Flash and the book does a good job at teaching some basics.

If you ever need aid while reading this book, you can always insert the accompanying CD-ROM. The CD-ROM contains useful exercises and some software that you will need later in the book. I did however experience problems with the CD-ROM. I guess it must have been a bad copy.

To conclude, this book may not be the perfect book but it's definitely not the worst book a beginner can read either. A bit more enthusiasm from the author in his next book and I believe Graphics, Animation & Interactivity will do even better. I still believe the book is a good book for the total beginner, but experienced users will find it too basic.
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