Flash: Trace an Image

The "Trace an Image" project really helps build skills with the drawing tools and gives us a good baseline for future projects.  Here are the steps I recommend for getting started:

1. Open Flash and create new document (either ActionScript 2.0 or 3.0)
2. Open an Internet browser and find a picture that you would like to copy.
   Although cartoons and line art drawings are easier, I recommend starting with a photo and seeing what effects you can get.
3. Copy the picture (Right-Click and select Copy)
4. Open Flash and Paste your image (Right-Click and select Paste)
5. Go to Modify > Document
6. Click on "Contents" and click "OK"
7. Press CTRL+2 to fill the screen with the largest size possible
8. Create a new layer (the little square "folded corner" icon under your layers
9. Begin tracing your image
10. When completely finished tracing your project, delete your original photo layer.
    Note: You can temporarily "hide" your original photo by clicking to dot under the eyeball on the layer holding the original photo.
11. Save your completed file to your Thawspace
12. Press CTRL+ENTER to test your finished project (this also creates an SWF file)

I would like you to spend today and Friday creating these traced images.  If you complete one quickly, do another one.  You can use these in another project in a few days.

Examples of Traced Images:

In this example, I traced the outline of Charlie Chaplin and cleaned up some edges.  I also took the liberty of adjusting the hair color and adding some details to the coat that weren't in the original picture.

 

In these two examples of Eagles, I replaced the dark brown background with a sky and a flag, respectively.  The point is that you can trace an image and still have fun with the design.