Flash animation FAQ

Frequent client questions about our Flash animation services

The following FAQ deal specifically with Flash logo animation, the animation process and The Logo Factory Flash logo animation services. If you have any additional questions regarding TLF, our design services, or our pricing, you can contact us via chat, telephone or e-mail and we’ll be glad to assist you.

Q: What’s the difference between a Logo Lick and an advanced Flash?

A: A Logo Lick is just that – a simple, but dynamic animation of your logo that is designed as a stand alone movie. This means that it can be used just about anywhere on a website or as a screensaver. Generally speaking, a Flash Logo Lick doesn’t include other graphic items other than your logo design itself. Logo Licks do not include sound (we also want to keep the file size down and sound can increase the download time of a Flash movie significantly). Logo Licks generally don’t contain advanced animation techniques like motion blurs, or sequences where our designers will have to draw or create a large number of frames in order to animate an object. Logo Licks do not include buttons or any other form of interactivity. While Logo Licks can be developed into a 3D logo movie, this would only apply to fairly simple logos that do not require a large amount of 3D modeling. Advanced Flash animations can include all the previously mentioned items – motion blurs, buttons, sound, etc. If you require clarification on your particular project. feel free to contact us to discuss which option is best for your animation.

Q: What does The Logo Factory need from me to get started

A: If we’re going to animate your logo, we’ll need a copy of that, in vector format (AI, EPS). See our glossary section for information on file formats that we can work with. If your logo was designed by TLF, we’ll already have a vector based version on file, so there’s no worries. If you only have a bitmap version of your logo, or a pre-printed version, we’ll have to perform a logo repair before starting production.

Q: WIll you only animate logos that TLF has created, or can I send you my logo – designed by someone else. And if so, what type of artwork do you need from me?

A: We’ll work with any logo, regardless of who designed it. We’re more comfortable working with company logos that we’ve designed because we know they have been developed in the correct formats. We also can consult with the designer about any technical issues that may arise. If we’re going to animate logos from an outside source, they have to be supplied to our our studio in the correct formats. These formats are industry standard, so you should already have them available and if not, you shouldn’t encounter any issues getting them from your logo designer. As long as your logo is in a vector based file format (AI, EPS) and is not ‘extruded’ we should be able to work with it without any problems. If your logo is only available as a pixel based file format, we will first have to perform a logo repair on the material you’ve supplied.

Q: Can you create a Flash animation if I don’t have a logo?

A: Generally speaking, yes. Though as our specialty is animating business logos into dynamic Flash presentations, as well as building a ‘look and feel’ that is consistent with your branding, you won’t be getting the full benefit of our experience. Besides, anyone looking to invest in a Flash animation should already have a logo, and if not, should probably wait until such times as they do before spending the time and money on an animation that will probably have to be reworked down the road.

Q: What if I want music. Can I use a song from any CD?

A: Music is a nice addition to any Flash, but there are certain restraints that you should be aware of. You cannot use music taken from a commercial CD as this would almost certainly be copyright infringement. The Logo Factory can assist you with music selection with our exclusive music library or via custom music and sound FX. We can even write music for Flash. We also advise clients to be wary of adding music to their Flash animations – especially for web based movies – as it may increase the file size, and relative download speed, significantly. Also, if you’re appealing to certain markets (other business people for example) via the Internet, they may not have speakers installed on their computers, or if they do, have them turned off. In this case,be adding sound to your animation and increasing the download time for a very limited part of your audience. Our studio can help you plan a Flash animation that takes these, and other factors, into consideration. Feel free to contact us to discuss your particular requirements.

Q: How long does the process take?

A: That’s a very difficult question to answer as every animation project is unique in approach, technique and time required. As a rule, we like to complete Flash Animations between 2 – 4 weeks after submission though some projects (especially Advanced Flash movies) can take substantially longer due to the complexity and work involved. For any scheduling concerns, contact us for clarification and assistance.

Q: What types of material do I receive?

A: Once we’ve finalized your project you’ll receive the web ready animation file (SWF) as well as the Flash source file (FLA) should you, or another graphic design firm, wish to edit the movie at a later date. There may also be support files – photos, sound, etc – that may also be supplied depending on licensing issues and/or copyright restraints.

Q: What software do you use and can I edit my files myself later?

A: We use Adobe Flash for all our animation projects. 3D animations are modeled in Electric Rain’s Swift 3D and imported into Flash for editing. If you own this software you can edit the source files that you’ll be getting from The Logo Factory. There may, however, be some font and compatibility issues and a fairly extensive knowledge of the program is advised before attempting to edit any of our materials. Should you wish further edits in the future, you can always submit an hourly billable project and we’ll take care of it for you.

Q: Can a Flash logo animation be converted to video use?

Generally speaking – yes, we can convert Flash into video. HD as well. There are some technical issues that may require some reformatting of the original Flash file, and these may incur some additional charges. Flash animations can also be converted for use on video upload websites such as YouTube. All TLF logo videos and demo reels were originally created in Flash and then converted after production was complete.

Q: Can Flash logo animations be added to my website or blog?

Yes. Adding Flash to a website is simply a matter of adding some code to your HTML pages. In terms of a blog, you may have to use different coding (embed for example) and host your actual Flash file on a remote server, depending on where your blog is located, and whether the service you’re using allows the upload of Flash formats.