For this job I needed to incorporate supplied photos and text into a flash advertisement with the size restriction of 300x250 pixel. I have been given all freedom about what is happening within the flash animation as long as all required elements are included.
Required elements were product photographs, text and a link to a specific URL.
The deadline for this project was the end of the same day. The beauty of flash is that you are only limited by your own imagination.
The only draw back is that even though it is widely spread and accepted there are still a significant amount of internet users out there that do not have a flash player installed on their system. All these internet user will not be able to see any flash animated content. Before you plan on using flash for your website make sure your target audience is capable of viewing it.

It was quite some fun to open up the Adobe Flash application again that I haven't worked in for many many months. I decided on a rather simple approach to get the message across. The basic Idea was to make sure the viewer sees certain items throughout the entire animation, which was the company logo and the product name. Then adding recommendations, price, time frame of the special and flip through the photographs. The challenge in flash is to get the timing right. The result was 40 kb in size which would be impossible to even attempt to with a GIF animation. In the end I had what I think is a presentable solution and submitted it to the client. The client loved it and is happy, all that matters to me.

I have always neglected the fact that I should have my own blog. Initially I got the impression that a blog is a tool to get the word out or smash it with advertisements.
I never had to struggle for work or finding clients, so there was no real need to get the word out. I admit the beginning was tough as it can get but it all progressed and started following the principles of mouth to mouth. The quality and professionalism made the round over the years. I am one that can be trusted 100%, works like a horse, doesn't mind to put in an hour free of charge for a client, conducts himself professionally, is loyal, honest and treats EVERYBODY with respect. A handshake from me is as valid as a contract. Why do I mention these things, because in business nowadays these are rare qualities. I have pretty much seen it all throughout the years and am quite disappointed what route the business world has taken. It seems to me that the primary focus of doing business is how much you can screw over somebody else in order to reach the maximum amount of profit.
Friends and clients alike told me if you do not need a blog to get the word out, then do it for us. We love what you have to say and we are interested in what you are doing. I don't want to get mushy here but that kinda touched my heart. People actually care and that is what changed my thinking about blogs significantly. I haven't really thought about it that way, that you can use it as a tool to stay in touch with friends, family and clients. Well, said and done I decided to work on my own blog and invest the time necessary to make it happen.
From here it all starts and I hope you enjoy my blog.
Thank you for your time.

Bert Austin | PixelGrinch

ps.: Please don't expect me to put my past work into this blog. I will start all fresh from now on and only certain things will be added that are dated prior to the date of this post.