“It's not there. I must be going crazy.”

By Kevin Fox

When I fist made attempts to make Flite Ad Studio 3 components, my first foundation steps would fail. I wanted to make a custom video player or a custom feed, and I would meticulously code using the documentation and then I would get confused because the code was correct according to the examples, but nothing traced out, not even 'null'. "Why is the object not appearing? This is crazy!" Here is why; it's easy to trip over at first...

In the component studio there is an INSPECTOR panel. In the INSPECTOR panel there is a tab called DEPENDENCIES. If the dependency is not checked for the API item that you are trying to use, you are not going to get anything at runtime. Only a few API calls require you to check a respective checkbox, so it can be easy to forget if you are focusing on bigger campaign-related solutions. If I was keener I would have memorized all the API items in the checkbox list below (click thumbnail below screen cap to get enlarged view of list).

Why DEPENDENCIES? Why the snag wire? If this was not available, the ad would have more KB size than it really needs. In the same model as TweenLite, we want the ad loading only the code it really needs. I originally thought code amount didn't weigh down a SWF much. It's just text right? It can't be as hefty as an image or font, right? I know better now. A modest 300 line class can add more weight than you'd think. Add a few more classes and things tally up quick.

I'll end with a few size factoids: Our runtime, give or take, is very roughly, around 55KB. A modest sized component with a dependency or two is very roughly 30KB. If that component loads an XML feed that has about 15-20 items, that can add around 25KB. You can see how size management can become important in a world where publishers' size specs have mysteriously not changed in 8 years.

Managing Ad Layers and Organization

by Gabriel Mendoza

With the advancement of the Flite Ad Platform, users can find a seamless transition from concept and composition, to finalized production. The Flite Ad Studio has a comprehensive layer management system that can be easy to use and navigate through.

The Perks of Being Organized

A designer has the ability to take finished Photoshop compositions, and organize layers in a similar format within the studio. Clearly defining and organizing layers may be beneficial, in which creating ads can:

• Become more design focused, rather than minding how to execute interactions

• Faster, more effective production

• Efficient layout of assets prior to live production

• Defining start and end points for animations

• Quick and easy learning curve when using the studio

It is important for a designer or production artist to have comprehensive knowledge in Photoshop when using the Ad Studio. One may find that learning how to design, layout, and produce ads in the studio can be a walk in the park.

Over layered

““Less is more where more is no good.””

— Frank Lloyd Wright

There can be an issue of over layering inside of an ad, if organization does not occur. One handy practice can be organizing within key sections of an ad. Using terms like Home, About, Frame 1, or Frame 2 may be a helpful indicator to where assets can be found. With the less number of main section or instance groups, navigation between layers can become much more clear. This can be especially true with the use of animation. Layering is important to having a structured hierarchy of how an animation can be shown, or not shown in certain areas of an ad.

Photoshop Layering and Flite Ad Studio Layering

Being Considerate

In the stages of creating an ad, it is not uncommon for multiple designers or production artists to jump onto a project. With that being said, working in someone else’s workflow is where a large amount of miscommunication can occur. Implementing clearly defined labels and proper organization of layers can go a very long way. Just think about how many times you needed to find a pencil or paper on someone else’s desk. You can find yourself in a rush just to get something so simple, and probably waste more time just looking for it. These practices may seem a bit meticulous, but are key for working with others.

When in doubt, throw it out

Why should a designer become overwhelmed by the task of being organized before it is too late? When something isn’t working it shouldn’t belong in final creative or deliverables. Previous compositions, logo iterations, or used copy, can bloat creative, and you’re left with a stitched up Frankenstein’s monster. If the version of a creative has become too much of a task to upkeep, it is best to whip the slate clean. Starting from scratch is much better that starting from leftovers.

Conclusion

While it is important to have and organized structure for ad creation, it does not necessarily mean that a standard system has to be developed across the board. Designers have their own unique style, method, and execution system. The main goal of organization should be to develop clear communication not just to other designers, but also to the designer themselves. Looking back at my own work throughout the years, I have know no idea where 5 years younger me had put those UI icons I so sorely need today. Take a look at your own work from the previous years, and you may be surprised at what you may or may not be able to find.

Resources

5 Tips on Getting Organized (From Someone Who Hates Organizing)