Way back when people were still using ActionScript 2.0, we had an ActionScripting challenge to see who could break down how to make this candy heart generator, which uses text inputs and customizable text fields to allow users to build their own custom candy hearts in various colors. Just for a little retro fun, the lesson on how to build this in AS 2.0 is still up, for those of you whose Valentine's love affair with ActionScript 3.0 isn't quite as potent as others'.

Cora writes:

"I'm 17 and graduating high school in a year. I've always done really well in my art classes, and I think I want to be an animator. My mom says if I do I need to start getting ready now because it's a lot of work to get into animation school. Why is it so much work? What do I have to do to get into animation school? Is it more than just sending my application?"

Just a little bit more, but since you have a year until you graduate, you should have enough time to prepare yourself and your application materials to make the best impression possible.

When you think of storytelling, you likely think of sitting down to write out a story in words, whether it's a short tale or a full-length novel. Animation is just another form of storytelling, though, using an audiovisual medium to bring to life the tales we've put to paper and show in action things we could only describe. Storytelling for animation requires a slightly different mindset, though - and a different approach that's aware of both the advantages and pitfalls when using animation as the medium to convey your message.

You probably like posting your animations to YouTube. Maybe you still use Newgrounds, even. You spread the word on Facebook. You tweet about your latest video more than you tweet about your lunch and the subsequent bowel movements. You beg people to Stumble you. Your hit count climbs daily, but it just seems like other people are getting more high ratings than you. People are downvoting your animations, telling you you suck, calling you names in the comments. Considering this is the internet and it brings out the worst in people, that might not mean anything. Or it could mean that you've followed this handy-dandy guide to Seven Ways To Tank Your Animation, with surefire steps on how to make sure people hate everything you produce.