Ideas on a masking problem

programming flash
1

I am using mask to make some roots “grow” from an acorn. I am having trouble coming up with a solution to make it look like the roots are really growing…(see image of roots below)

I want the top (sideways) of the root to “grow” first (so mask would be from right to left) and then the bottoms of the roots to grow in. (mask top to bottom) Other than using 2 masks, (which does work but does not look as real as I would like) I cannot think of a good way to do this, other than maybe using a shape tweened mask rather than a motion tween and I never seem to have much luck with shape tweens.

Anyway just looking for ideas…

2

I did this once, and I think its a pretty decent way of doing it but Im sure there`s a better one, But for now:
Make each root you want to grow a new layer
ad a masking lay for each one
do a sideways mask for the top root for say 5 frames
then on the fith frame have another mask start
and then right after that one have another mask start

3

That’s a good suggestion, I appreciate it =)
you know sometimes when you are thinking too much about this stuff it helps to have a fresh view…

4

Unfortunatley the only way to do what you want is with frame by frame animation of the mask. Or very complicated as. =)

5

yeah I am going to skip trying to get into as with this one and use no_rain’s idea of separating to layers. Thanks! =)