Ben operates a consulting business where he provides software services to others on a fixed price or per hour consulting basis. It all began because he loves the idea and practice of creating the software for games. He learned to program in an Adobe language called Action Script. It is a popular language used in the production of 2D games and in the generation of animated web content. The production of either a game or a web animation is generally a collaboration between at least three parties.
1. The customer. This person has a particular need or idea and needs others to make it a reality. Generally this person is paying for the production, but often they are an intermediary providing project management for the ultimate client.
2. The artist. This person is skilled in the production of computer based art work that forms the basis for the animation. Parts of the image are created and assembled in a story board that shows the progression through the animation.
3. The coder. This person is skilled in computer programming. They will bring the static images to life by creating the motion and any response animations that will happen as the user interacts with the animations. Perhaps data is collected...
Example Projects:
You can see many game examples here: http://www.2d-world.co.uk/
Some ad samples are here: http://www.a4flash.com/design/flash_ads_intros.php
Perhaps I’ll get Ben to describe some of his projects for us.
See Ben's reviews of some of his favorites and play the games.
Where Ben finds work:
There are web sites that specialize in hooking up clients with software professionals. They client posts the project requirement, the coder makes an offer at either a fixed price or a per hour rate. When the work is complete, the web site collects the fee from the client and pays the developer. They each review the other. Ben started with small projects lasting a few hours for a few dollars. They may have involved adding text to an existing project or fixing a problem left in the program by the previous developer. Sometimes a developer had a problem and posted it so people could bid on fixing it. In this way, Ben created a good rating for himself and gradually worked into more complicated and more profitable projects. Now at 16 he is a successful professional charging $35/hr for his time! :-)
How this relates to our community...
We could develop one or two month programs were people can immerse themselves in developing the skills for the creation of games or online content. Three basic skills could be facilitated:
Story Boarding - The creating of the story, the flow, the narrative and the basic points to be made. In a game, that is the goals, challenges and process.
Artwork - The art that supports the story. This is often complicated as each picture must be created. (almost frame by frame like in a cartoon)
Coding - Integrate the artwork into action that brings the entire story of game together. Collect data, etc.
The students could and should crate sample projects.. As soon as possible they should be engaged in real work. In the process of teaching, we would also introduce the participants to the process of getting work and beginning to generate their online reputation. For those who are ready for it, we can support them in profitable projects during their stay with us.
So... I’ll work with Ben and see if I can put together an outline for the business and the related course work.
Wow John - thanks for posting this! It sounds like a great idea to me. I know many people who have some of these skill sets but don't know how to take the steps Ben took to get into the business. Sounds great!
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