Pretty to-the-point subject, sort of. I am currently in a position where a ton of free time has been given to me (be that good or bad, who knows) and I wish to make good use of it. I am not certain if this is where this topic should go, but I thought it had some relations to visual arts.

It has long been (I suppose) a passion of mine to get into Game Art (Environmental, Concept,Character Design and the likes). Alongside that has been an unnoticed (until now, that is) interest in Flash Development (animations or possibly even games). My question is: Where might you [all] begin? Would you jump into Flash (I am not even certain if that is what you would call that specifically), or would you delve more-so into the art aspect?

I am looking to take the (if there is one) most logical route, for at some point I might like to do both. I just wanted to know which one of the two (unless more options of which I do not know of are discussed) would be better to start with, and maybe even gain some skills in the other at the same time?

*On a side note; let's say that one should wish to make a passive income (albeit a small one, I'm sure), which of the two might such individual wish to hone in on then? Let this not be a deciding factor, of course.*

Thank you!

My guess is (from your post.) that while you have had an interest in game art, its still unfamiliar to you. In fact i kind of got the idea that any kind of art is not something you have been familiar to you. If i assumed right, youll have to realize that you have a long way to go... especially for income. If im wrong however, and you have a solid art background, (I.e your comfortable with your drawing skills or painting or whatever) then i would have to say its whatever you choose. I cant say one way or another if one art has more demand than another. It would really be down to what you want to do and what you feel comfortable doing. Finacially i wouldnt rely on it until youve established yourself as a reliable quality artist. I personally have a day job and do art on the the side because art isnt very lucrative for me yet and may never be, but i enjoy what i do anyway and im not quite because it doesnt feed me. To be more direct with an answer: If you want to learn flash then learn flash, if you have a entirely different goal or dream, then take steps to make that happen. Anyway i hope this helps you a bit.

It does; thank you very much!

I'm not really sure how the duder above you is helping what so ever..

If your new to game development then Flash is a really great way into the whole ordeal. I don't personally know about the income aspect of it as far as games go, but there is potential. XBOX indie games, sites such as newgrounds/kongregate, ect will bank you some dough. Check into what they offer.

Last year I had a job with a education upstart that used Flash, and held a position in the $20 an hour range for 3 years, so there are other benefits that come with the skill set other than producing your own games for sell.

I'm not going to question your drawing ability, but it doesn't take much to produce in Flash if that is what you choose. It's very easy to learn (even for someone who knows NOTHING about coding)

Good luck!

Thank you very much, as well. I appreciate varying views. =)

Seconding Thefrisbee. Flash is an excellent way of getting a foothold regarding the general logic of making games, even if the environment is different from other platforms. If you can make a solid game in Flash, then if nothing else you're building a damned useful skillset, gaining valuable programming/design experience, and above all else making games! Definitely an investment worth making.