Flash Site Question

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Sean Paxton - 28 Mar 2007 00:59 GMT

I am a total novice with respect to the capabilities of this program. I am
considering purchasing it with the intent to build my own site for my business.
Can anyone tell me about the learning curve of this software in relation to
the value or potential value in hiring a web designer? I know this is a broad
question, but any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Reply to this Message

David Stiller - 28 Mar 2007 02:02 GMT

Sean,

> I am a total novice with respect to the capabilities of
> this program. I am considering purchasing it with the
> intent to build my own site for my business.

I hope this analogy makes sense, because I don't think it's an
exaggeration ... unless you're *in* the web/multimedia business, your
question is a bit like asking, "I'm a total novice in calligraphy, and I'm
considering spending several hundred dollars on shuen paper, fine ink, and
imported brushes -- or should I hire a calligrapher?

I say that with a tone of encouragement, mind you: I love Flash, and
I'm always excited to see people use it. It's a very powerful program, used
everywhere from the web to the desktop to television. Be that as it may, I
know that not everyone gets as excited about Flash as I do. I'm almost
certain your main focus will be your business, rather than Flash. How much
time do you want to devote to learning the application?

> Can anyone tell me about the learning curve of this
> software in relation to the value or potential value in
> hiring a web designer?

That's a tough question to answer based on a number of factors,
including a) are you a regular computer user? b) how's your aptitude for
design? c) how's your aptitude for programming?

The cost of the application is less significant than the time it may
take you to learn to use it. What's the cost of your time per hour? A
website might cost you anywhere from less than a thousand to maybe three or
four thousand -- maybe more ... it all depends on what you need the site to
do. Based on a per-hour value (to you) for your time, how long might it
take you (full time, now) to complete this site?

David Stiller
Adobe Community Expert
Dev blog, http://www.quip.net/blog/
"Luck is the residue of good design."

Reply to this Message

Sean Paxton - 28 Mar 2007 07:34 GMT

Thanks for your response, David. To answer some of your points: I am a
professional composer and musician. If someone asked me "can I get Logic Pro
and score a film, or should I hire a composer?" I would say without
hestitation that they would be up a creek without a paddle to try it themselves.

So my question is really whether this is a program that many people can learn
and find some success in building a site, or is it, like music, something that
requires much more than a tutorial?

I've had designers quote me thousands for a simple but soley flash site, and I
just wonder if it is worth the hours and the trouble to learn it myself. I
think the expediture of my time may be ameliorated by the value in knowing the
program for the future. But if I could not get something together within a
couple of months of working with the program I suppose I'd rather hire a
designer...

Thanks again for any words of wisdom!

Reply to this Message

alanwallace4 - 28 Mar 2007 13:24 GMT

Hi sean,
David is right in what he says.
Flash can be pretty daunting when you first lift its lid. But its a fun
program and it brings me a lot of joy.
It depends on how you want your site to look and function. You would spend a
considerable amout of time learning the basics and putting together a fully
functioning site which you would be happy fronting your business.
Cheers
Alan

Reply to this Message

Webmaster Forum / Flash / Flash Site Design / March 2007

Flash Site Question