Edge Animate freelancers
Edge Animate, now discontinued by Adobe, was a powerful tool for creating interactive and animated content using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS. While no longer actively supported, many websites and applications still utilise Edge Animate creations, making freelancers with this skill valuable for maintenance, updates, and recreating similar experiences using modern technologies.
What to look for in an Edge Animate freelancer
Finding a skilled Edge Animate freelancer requires looking beyond just their proficiency with the software itself. Since Adobe no longer supports Edge Animate, it's crucial to find freelancers who can also work with the underlying technologies: HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. This ensures they can troubleshoot issues, update existing animations, and even recreate the animations in more modern platforms if needed.
Look for freelancers who demonstrate:
- A strong portfolio showcasing interactive animations created with Edge Animate.
- Proficiency in HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
- Experience with other animation software, such as Adobe Animate CC or similar tools. This demonstrates adaptability and a broader understanding of animation principles.
- Understanding of responsive design principles to ensure animations work across different devices.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively understand your requirements and provide updates.
Main expertise areas to inquire about
When interviewing potential freelancers, delve into their expertise in these key areas:
- Animation complexity: Can they handle simple banner ads as well as complex interactive experiences?
- JavaScript integration: How proficient are they in integrating JavaScript for advanced interactivity and functionality within the animations?
- Responsive design: Can they create animations that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices?
- File optimisation: Are they knowledgeable about optimising animations for web performance, ensuring fast loading times?
- Modern alternatives: Explore their familiarity with current animation tools and technologies, and their ability to migrate Edge Animate projects to these platforms.
Relevant interview questions
Here are some questions to help you assess a freelancer's Edge Animate skills:
- Can you share examples of complex animations you've created in Edge Animate?
- How do you approach optimising Edge Animate files for web performance?
- Describe your process for troubleshooting issues within an Edge Animate project.
- If Edge Animate is no longer supported, how would you update or recreate an existing animation using modern tools?
- What are your preferred methods for ensuring cross-browser compatibility for Edge Animate creations?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios carefully, paying attention to the complexity and quality of the animations.
- Look for examples that align with your project's requirements.
- Check client testimonials and reviews.
- A technical test, involving a small animation task, can be a valuable way to assess practical skills.
Potential red flags
Be wary of freelancers who:
- Have a limited portfolio or only showcase very basic animations.
- Lack a strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Are unable to discuss alternative animation tools or approaches.
- Cannot provide clear examples of how they address browser compatibility issues.
Typical complementary skills
Edge Animate skills often go hand-in-hand with expertise in:
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Web design (HTML, CSS)
- JavaScript libraries (jQuery, GreenSock)
- Other animation software (Adobe Animate CC, After Effects)
Benefits of hiring an Edge Animate freelancer
Hiring a skilled Edge Animate freelancer can help you:
- Maintain and update existing Edge Animate content.
- Troubleshoot and fix issues with existing animations.
- Recreate or migrate Edge Animate projects to modern platforms.
- Create engaging and interactive web experiences, even with a legacy tool.
By carefully considering these points, you can find the right Edge Animate freelancer to meet your specific project needs, even in the context of the software's discontinuation.
