I’m a doodler. It helps me think. When I present or talk to people I like to use a whiteboard. I feel like I’m better able to get my ideas across as I map them out visually. Not only does this help me express my ideas, it kind of forces me to lay them out in a manner that’s easier to understand.
Dan Roam talks about this in his book The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures. He shares his ideas on how to tell your story visually. I heard him once summarize his book as “the ability to have someone else grasp what we see in our own minds, in their minds.”
In many ways that’s what we do when we build our elearning courses. We take information that’s in our minds and then try to package it so that the learner can “see” and use the information.
I get to review a lot of elearning courses and what strikes me is how often the courses are information heavy. They can get the information out, but many fail at effectively getting the information in. A lot of that has to do with not knowing how to represent the content visually.
makes it more visually effective. To learn more about his ideas, read the book or check out this video of a presentation he gave at the Commonwealth Club. Of course it would have helped had the videographer actually shot video of what Roam was drawing. [Note: There’s a future blog post in there.]
Fortunately, Microsoft also invited him to speak at MIX09 and they did capture his audio and presentation. As you can see if you watch both, the information makes much more sense when you see it explained visually. :)
That’s what I’d like to do. However, I want to take Roam’s ideas one step further and instead of creating the visuals as static images, make them part of a presentation on a whiteboard and include them in my rapid elearning course.
Thanks to Janet Hurn, I was introduced to LectureScribe. She teaches physics at Miami University and uses it as part of her rapid elearning process. You can see her demo below.
LectureScribe was developed by Brian C. Dean at Clemson University. It’s a simple tool that lets you write and capture your whiteboard lectures. I’d also like to add that the tool is FREE.
If you’re interested, Brian has a tutorial on his site that gives you a good overview of how to use the tool’s features. LectureScribe outputs to Flash (SWF) so that means you can easily add it to a web site or insert it into your own elearning course.
I put together a quick demo where I explain a little more about it. This lets you see it in action. In this case, you see the lecture inserted on a slide and I included a couple others and inserted them in a different elearning tool so you can see how they work.
This is pretty cool application and can be used in a number of ways. If you teach subjects like math or chemistry, this tool comes in handy. At a recent conference, I was talking to an engineer who was looking for a way to do something like this and then add the Flash files to an Engage process interaction. This would work for him.
Since it’s free, it’s also a great tool to give to your learners. For example, I had my children use it to explain something they learned. Watching them do that helps me assess their understanding more so than having them take a test. The cool thing is that if you were a teacher, you could take all of those SWF files from the students and then bring them into your rapid elearning course as a portfolio. It’s a great way to show parents (or bosses) how well people are learning.
So if you need a whiteboard to share your information and build elearning courses, then LectureScribe is a good way to go. If you use LectureScribe, I’d love to see some examples.
Article Source....
Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth
Friday 31 October 2014
Thursday 30 October 2014
7 Reasons Why Whiteboard Animation Videos Convert More Viewers into Buyers
Whiteboard animation videos are an exciting and innovative way to advertise and market your services and products. When compared with other types of advertisement, they are very economical. In this article you will read about the top 7 reasons why whiteboard videos convert more viewers for you into buyers.
1 Whiteboard videos are able to be created to cater to a very specific message or service with little to none of the extra fluff that you may find in other types of animated videos. A whiteboard video is written to be focused; your message comes across uncluttered, thus allowing your message to be heard loud and clear.Have Fun Watching Video
2 They are fun! If done correctly and with an impactful and effective script, they can be very entertaining to the viewer. By creating an informative video that is still fun, people view your company as one that they want to do business with.
3 They are memorable! When potential customers remember your video, they remember you and your product or service. When they remember you, they tell other people about you.
4 White board videos can be placed anywhere, allowing for great flexibility for your marketing. They can be placed directly on your homepage, or on any page in your website, and can be created to specifically relate to the page they are placed on.
5 When used creatively, whiteboard videos can actually make it easy for your fans and customers to help evangelize your product or service. Placing your video on social marketing sites allows them to be shared and commented on. This spreads the word about you and builds up your following.
6 With the talent of a professional writer the powerful message of your whiteboard video will tell the viewer how it fits in their life, how it will benefit them, and how they will use it. The video informs your viewer how and why they cannot live without it, rather than simply giving them step by step instructions. For this you need to have a very strong script for your video.
7 The most important reason why whiteboard videos will convert more of your viewers into buyers is that there is a specific call to action. The viewer will be know exactly what they need to do, whether it is visit a specific site, call a telephone number, or purchase a product, and where they need to go to complete that task.
While all seven of the reasons mentioned in this article play an important role in the converting of viewers to customers, whiteboard videos show their greatest conversions when all of these are used in some form. In addition to a powerful and specific call to action, whiteboard animation videos are more economical to produce than most other types of videos. Well, from wizMotions they are quite economical :)
In order to have an effective whiteboard video, you must first understand your ultimate call to action for the viewer. Once you know this the script and video can be produced. By knowing your product and knowing the important keys of your viewers’ response, you will be well on the right path to converting them to buyers.
Original Source of Article....
1 Whiteboard videos are able to be created to cater to a very specific message or service with little to none of the extra fluff that you may find in other types of animated videos. A whiteboard video is written to be focused; your message comes across uncluttered, thus allowing your message to be heard loud and clear.Have Fun Watching Video
2 They are fun! If done correctly and with an impactful and effective script, they can be very entertaining to the viewer. By creating an informative video that is still fun, people view your company as one that they want to do business with.
3 They are memorable! When potential customers remember your video, they remember you and your product or service. When they remember you, they tell other people about you.
4 White board videos can be placed anywhere, allowing for great flexibility for your marketing. They can be placed directly on your homepage, or on any page in your website, and can be created to specifically relate to the page they are placed on.
5 When used creatively, whiteboard videos can actually make it easy for your fans and customers to help evangelize your product or service. Placing your video on social marketing sites allows them to be shared and commented on. This spreads the word about you and builds up your following.
6 With the talent of a professional writer the powerful message of your whiteboard video will tell the viewer how it fits in their life, how it will benefit them, and how they will use it. The video informs your viewer how and why they cannot live without it, rather than simply giving them step by step instructions. For this you need to have a very strong script for your video.
7 The most important reason why whiteboard videos will convert more of your viewers into buyers is that there is a specific call to action. The viewer will be know exactly what they need to do, whether it is visit a specific site, call a telephone number, or purchase a product, and where they need to go to complete that task.
While all seven of the reasons mentioned in this article play an important role in the converting of viewers to customers, whiteboard videos show their greatest conversions when all of these are used in some form. In addition to a powerful and specific call to action, whiteboard animation videos are more economical to produce than most other types of videos. Well, from wizMotions they are quite economical :)
In order to have an effective whiteboard video, you must first understand your ultimate call to action for the viewer. Once you know this the script and video can be produced. By knowing your product and knowing the important keys of your viewers’ response, you will be well on the right path to converting them to buyers.
Original Source of Article....
Wednesday 29 October 2014
Whiteboard Animations in e-Learning: It’s short and sweet!
Whiteboard animations are videos that ‘show’ the learner an idea or concept through a series of live drawings. Being short and crisp, they align very well to the needs of the modern corporate learner and are fast gaining popularity as an impactful tool for learning delivery in technology-aided learning.
With advancement in technology, e-learning developers are on a constant mission to make e-content suitable for the tech-savvy learners of today. Especially in the corporate world, learners can access e-courses through a variety of devices – laptops, mobiles, tablets or smartphones. They also have easy and constant internet connectivity – which opens the avenue to deliver media-rich content that has a strong impact on the learner.There is a lot that can be done in terms of a suitable media strategy for your e-course. A popular and affordable option is that of Whiteboard Animation. It is a known fact that videos are a powerful tool in training as they can grab the learners’ attention instantly. On the downside, videos are not easy to create – at least the ones that have a lasting effect on the learners. You need good actors, appropriate settings, and lighting – that works. When you need to create a video that illustrates an idea or concept in an innovative manner, whiteboard animations are the quick fix!Whiteboard animations are videos that ‘show’ the learner an idea or concept through a series of live drawings. There is often a ‘hand’ that draws inside a screen that is the ‘whiteboard’. The familiar image of the teacher’s hand writing or drawing on the whiteboard finds instant connect with learners of all ages. So what goes into creating an impactful whiteboard animation?
5 Tips To Create Effective Whiteboard Animations in e-Learning
Solid scriptThat’s where you begin. Your script must identify the core learning that you wish to share – and also put it in crisp, succulent terms. Keep in mind that the animation should ideally have minimal text, so use words judicially. Your script should also define how long your video will be, and it should set the pace of image-transitions on the video.
Suitable flowIdeally, a whiteboard animation should have a distinct beginning, middle and end – like in a story. This flow works wonders in helping the learners understand the issue or concept being taught and how it affects their work lives. Typically, whiteboard animations are short (anywhere from 60 seconds to 5 minutes) and the flow needs to be smooth.
Powerful imageryIllustrations and images are the backbone of a whiteboard animation video. Creating suitable images and illustrations might take time, but it is time well-spent. In the absence of words, your powerful imagery will be able to make an instant connect with the audience. Illustrations should be developed keeping the audience profile and their cultural or social predispositions in mind. Since the illustrations are either hand drawn or computer generated, they can be tweaked and reworked upon as per the need.
Accompanying audioAudio is an important accompaniment to the illustrations in a whiteboard animation. In the absence of on-screen text, voice -over describes the ideas and concept in detail. The voice over is developed as per the nature of the animation video and is successful in ‘humanizing’ the e-content.
Background musicMusic and sound effects are powerful tools to jazz up the video and create greater impact. They help in creating realistic scenarios even when the scene presented before the learner is an illustration. For instance, even if it is an animated illustration of a door opening – the accompanying ‘creak’ will help the learner perceive it as real.
A few years ago, the process of creating a whiteboard animation was long-drawn and tedious. The popular way was to actually take a video of a hand drawing on a whiteboard and then fast-pace it to make it look ‘animated’. Nowadays the process is much simpler and easier. Using popular graphics software like Flash, Photoshop or Illustrator, it is possible to draw illustrations. Animation software like VideoScribe can then create a hand-animation effect and produce the video in MP4 format. This can then be uploaded on a video-sharing platform like YouTube, your company website – or even the organization LMS – for learners to view.
6 Benefits of Whiteboard Animations in Corporate Training and Learning
Whiteboard animations have a number of benefits, especially in corporate training and learning.
They can be a great marketing tool for your organization. If you are introducing a new process in the organization, your greatest worry is change management. Whiteboard animations can generate interest in a new process or tool within the organization. They are short and crisp – taking up very little time of the viewer. They are also informal, encouraging the viewers to ‘try and see’.
They can also provide suitable refreshers to accompany text-heavy courses. Encapsulating the crux of the course, they can help the learner revise and refresh as per need. This makes the information more palatable and easier to consume as well as retain.
Complex processes (like the working of machinery, assembling of parts, and so on) can be broken down and illustrated with the help of whiteboard animations. Unlike static images, these ‘how-to’ videos help the learners ‘see’ how things work and understand the processes better.
For products that are being built, whiteboard animations can be utilized to create impactful demos. When real pictures are difficult to get, illustrations or drawings can suitably represent the products to the learners through animation.
Whiteboard animations are ‘in’ and quite the flavor of the times! So they also help in differentiating your course from the run-of-the- mill variety. A short animation video before the beginning of a course can instill curiosity for the learner to know more. A crisp animation on your website may get you more hits than all the impactful text you can create.
With an informal approach, these animations can help boost the morale of a team by highlighting organizational beliefs, goals and achievements. The animated illustrations dispel the usual seriousness that often accompanies such discourses.
Whiteboard animations are fast gaining popularity as an impactful tool for learning delivery in technology-aided learning. Being short and crisp, they align very well to the needs of the modern corporate learner. Of course, for certain learning needs, they can never be as effective as videos with real people and actual settings – for instance, when you need to show actual people doing a particular job, or when you need more depth in your video.At the following video "Whiteboard Animation" you will see a glimpse of what we are talking about. If you like what you see – then Whiteboard Animation is definitely the solution for you!
Whiteboard Animation
Article Source....
With advancement in technology, e-learning developers are on a constant mission to make e-content suitable for the tech-savvy learners of today. Especially in the corporate world, learners can access e-courses through a variety of devices – laptops, mobiles, tablets or smartphones. They also have easy and constant internet connectivity – which opens the avenue to deliver media-rich content that has a strong impact on the learner.There is a lot that can be done in terms of a suitable media strategy for your e-course. A popular and affordable option is that of Whiteboard Animation. It is a known fact that videos are a powerful tool in training as they can grab the learners’ attention instantly. On the downside, videos are not easy to create – at least the ones that have a lasting effect on the learners. You need good actors, appropriate settings, and lighting – that works. When you need to create a video that illustrates an idea or concept in an innovative manner, whiteboard animations are the quick fix!Whiteboard animations are videos that ‘show’ the learner an idea or concept through a series of live drawings. There is often a ‘hand’ that draws inside a screen that is the ‘whiteboard’. The familiar image of the teacher’s hand writing or drawing on the whiteboard finds instant connect with learners of all ages. So what goes into creating an impactful whiteboard animation?
5 Tips To Create Effective Whiteboard Animations in e-Learning
Solid scriptThat’s where you begin. Your script must identify the core learning that you wish to share – and also put it in crisp, succulent terms. Keep in mind that the animation should ideally have minimal text, so use words judicially. Your script should also define how long your video will be, and it should set the pace of image-transitions on the video.
Suitable flowIdeally, a whiteboard animation should have a distinct beginning, middle and end – like in a story. This flow works wonders in helping the learners understand the issue or concept being taught and how it affects their work lives. Typically, whiteboard animations are short (anywhere from 60 seconds to 5 minutes) and the flow needs to be smooth.
Powerful imageryIllustrations and images are the backbone of a whiteboard animation video. Creating suitable images and illustrations might take time, but it is time well-spent. In the absence of words, your powerful imagery will be able to make an instant connect with the audience. Illustrations should be developed keeping the audience profile and their cultural or social predispositions in mind. Since the illustrations are either hand drawn or computer generated, they can be tweaked and reworked upon as per the need.
Accompanying audioAudio is an important accompaniment to the illustrations in a whiteboard animation. In the absence of on-screen text, voice -over describes the ideas and concept in detail. The voice over is developed as per the nature of the animation video and is successful in ‘humanizing’ the e-content.
Background musicMusic and sound effects are powerful tools to jazz up the video and create greater impact. They help in creating realistic scenarios even when the scene presented before the learner is an illustration. For instance, even if it is an animated illustration of a door opening – the accompanying ‘creak’ will help the learner perceive it as real.
A few years ago, the process of creating a whiteboard animation was long-drawn and tedious. The popular way was to actually take a video of a hand drawing on a whiteboard and then fast-pace it to make it look ‘animated’. Nowadays the process is much simpler and easier. Using popular graphics software like Flash, Photoshop or Illustrator, it is possible to draw illustrations. Animation software like VideoScribe can then create a hand-animation effect and produce the video in MP4 format. This can then be uploaded on a video-sharing platform like YouTube, your company website – or even the organization LMS – for learners to view.
6 Benefits of Whiteboard Animations in Corporate Training and Learning
Whiteboard animations have a number of benefits, especially in corporate training and learning.
They can be a great marketing tool for your organization. If you are introducing a new process in the organization, your greatest worry is change management. Whiteboard animations can generate interest in a new process or tool within the organization. They are short and crisp – taking up very little time of the viewer. They are also informal, encouraging the viewers to ‘try and see’.
They can also provide suitable refreshers to accompany text-heavy courses. Encapsulating the crux of the course, they can help the learner revise and refresh as per need. This makes the information more palatable and easier to consume as well as retain.
Complex processes (like the working of machinery, assembling of parts, and so on) can be broken down and illustrated with the help of whiteboard animations. Unlike static images, these ‘how-to’ videos help the learners ‘see’ how things work and understand the processes better.
For products that are being built, whiteboard animations can be utilized to create impactful demos. When real pictures are difficult to get, illustrations or drawings can suitably represent the products to the learners through animation.
Whiteboard animations are ‘in’ and quite the flavor of the times! So they also help in differentiating your course from the run-of-the- mill variety. A short animation video before the beginning of a course can instill curiosity for the learner to know more. A crisp animation on your website may get you more hits than all the impactful text you can create.
With an informal approach, these animations can help boost the morale of a team by highlighting organizational beliefs, goals and achievements. The animated illustrations dispel the usual seriousness that often accompanies such discourses.
Whiteboard animations are fast gaining popularity as an impactful tool for learning delivery in technology-aided learning. Being short and crisp, they align very well to the needs of the modern corporate learner. Of course, for certain learning needs, they can never be as effective as videos with real people and actual settings – for instance, when you need to show actual people doing a particular job, or when you need more depth in your video.At the following video "Whiteboard Animation" you will see a glimpse of what we are talking about. If you like what you see – then Whiteboard Animation is definitely the solution for you!
Whiteboard Animation
Article Source....
Tuesday 28 October 2014
Local graphic and web designer recognized for eye-catching logo designs in prestigious, internationally known Logo Lounge Book
ST. LOUIS - Oct. 16, 2014… Caseyville, Ill.-based graphic designer Justen Hong, founder of award-winning logo and web design company Visual Lure, was recently recognized by two international publications for his creativity in logo designs. Two of his logos were published in the internationally recognized Logo Lounge Book 8: 2,000 International Identities by Leading Designers. To date, Hong has had 11 logos published in five Logo Lounge publications, which are collectively among the most respected logo design books in the industry.
Logo Lounge annually features 2,000 of the world’s top logos. More than 30,000 logos were submitted by designers from over 100 countries worldwide for consideration in the 8th edition of this best-selling logo design book collection. Selections were made by a panel of judges comprised of well-known logo design professionals and were based on quality, timelessness, relevance and inspirational nature. The two logos designed by Hong that were selected for publication this year were for Tony Calarco Photography, a New York based photography studio, and Standard Construction Group, an Ohio-based construction company.
“It is an honor to have our logos selected once again for such a prestigious publication,” noted Hong. “Although we also specialize in website design and search engine optimization, we also are passionate about logo design. Logos are the cornerstone and flagship of a company, and they are the seed from which the brand grows. Great logos are timeless, memorable, usable and have a look and feel reflective of the company represented.”
In addition to his recent recognitions in the Logo Lounge collection, Hong has also recently had 12 logos published in Logo Talks II, a publication by Artpower International Publishing Co., a company based out of China that showcases strong, inspirational logo designs. Logo Talks II features 1,000 logo design projects submitted from all around the world, and displays their practical uses.
Hong has more than 20 years of experience in graphic and web design. He began his art education at Eastern Illinois University and went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Hong founded Visual Lure in 2001, striving to develop creative, eye-catching designs while maintaining clear communications with the client. The company, which serves clients in St. Louis, Southern Illinois and beyond, aims to develop long-term, lasting relationships with clients in order to build a mutual interest in the success of their business.
Article Source....
Logo Lounge annually features 2,000 of the world’s top logos. More than 30,000 logos were submitted by designers from over 100 countries worldwide for consideration in the 8th edition of this best-selling logo design book collection. Selections were made by a panel of judges comprised of well-known logo design professionals and were based on quality, timelessness, relevance and inspirational nature. The two logos designed by Hong that were selected for publication this year were for Tony Calarco Photography, a New York based photography studio, and Standard Construction Group, an Ohio-based construction company.
“It is an honor to have our logos selected once again for such a prestigious publication,” noted Hong. “Although we also specialize in website design and search engine optimization, we also are passionate about logo design. Logos are the cornerstone and flagship of a company, and they are the seed from which the brand grows. Great logos are timeless, memorable, usable and have a look and feel reflective of the company represented.”
In addition to his recent recognitions in the Logo Lounge collection, Hong has also recently had 12 logos published in Logo Talks II, a publication by Artpower International Publishing Co., a company based out of China that showcases strong, inspirational logo designs. Logo Talks II features 1,000 logo design projects submitted from all around the world, and displays their practical uses.
Hong has more than 20 years of experience in graphic and web design. He began his art education at Eastern Illinois University and went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Hong founded Visual Lure in 2001, striving to develop creative, eye-catching designs while maintaining clear communications with the client. The company, which serves clients in St. Louis, Southern Illinois and beyond, aims to develop long-term, lasting relationships with clients in order to build a mutual interest in the success of their business.
Article Source....
Friday 24 October 2014
Vital Tips For Effective Logo Design
There have been numerous creative logo design showcases, logo design resources and logo design tutorials posted across the Web. While these help you to create a powerful toolbox for your logo designs, first you need to gain a solid understanding of what makes a logo design good and what you need to consider before starting using this toobox.
In this article, we’ll get down to the nitty gritty of what makes an effective logo design and we’ll also guide you through the principles and best practices of how to create an iconic brand identity.
You may be interested in the following related posts:
What Is A Logo?
To understand what a logo is, we first must understand what the main purpose of logos is. The design process must aim to make the logo immediately recognizable, inspiring trust, admiration, loyalty and an implied superiority. The logo is one aspect of a company’s commercial brand or economic entity, and its shapes, colors, fonts, and images usually are strikingly different from other logo in the same market niche. Logos are used to identify.
Paul Rand, one of the world’s greatest designers states that “a logo is a flag, a signature, an escutcheon, a street sign. A logo does not sell (directly), it identifies. A logo is rarely a description of a business. A logo derives meaning from the quality of the thing it symbolizes, not the other way around. A logo is less important than the product it signifies; what it represents is more important than what it looks like. The subject matter of a logo can be almost anything.”
For more on Paul Rand, consider reading the book Design, Form & Chaos.
A good logo is distinctive, appropriate, practical, graphic and simple in form, and it conveys the owner’s intended message. A concept or “meaning” is usually behind an effective logo, and it communicates the intended message. A logo should be able to be printed at any size and, in most cases, be effective without color. A great logo essentially boils down to two things: great concept and great execution.
Logo Design Process
“Some wonder what’s so difficult about creating a good logo. They’re small, they look easy to do, so no problem, right? When you only see the result of a designer’s efforts, the logo creation can look like it was a simple task. But it’s not. A logo takes thought and creativity, and many elements combine to make a good one.” (via Harrison Mcleod)
When creating a logo, follow a process that ensures the final design meets the needs of the clients. Below, we have listed the typical process that professional logo designers follow. With practice, you will no doubt develop your own.
Design brief.
Conduct a questionnaire or interview with the client to get the design brief.
Research.
Conduct research on the industry itself, its history and competitors. Problem-solve first, design later.
Reference.
Conduct research on logo designs that have been successful and on current styles and trends that may relate to the design brief. Follow trends not for their own sake but rather to be aware of them: longevity in logo design is key.
Sketching and conceptualizing.
Develop the logo design concept(s) around the brief and your research. This is the single most important part of the design process. Get creative and be inspired. As Dainis Graveris has written once, “sketching isn’t time-consuming and is a really good way to put ideas in your head right on paper. After that, it’s always easier to actually design it on the computer. Sketching helps to evolve your imagination: once you understand it, you will always start from just white paper.
Reflection.
Take breaks throughout the design process. This helps your ideas mature, renews your enthusiasm and allows you to solicit feedback. It also gives you a fresh perspective on your work.
Revisions and positioning.
Whether you position yourself as a contractor (i.e. getting instructions from the client) or build a long-lasting relationship (i.e. guiding the client to the best solution), revise and improve the logo as required.
Presentation.
Present only your best logo designs to your client. PDF format usually works best. You may also wish to show the logo in context, which will help the client more clearly visualize the brand identity. Preparing a high-quality presentation is the single most effective way to get your clients to approve your designs.
“Canned presentations have the ring of emptiness. The meaningful presentation is custom designed—for a particular purpose, for a particular person. How to present a new idea is, perhaps, one of the designer’s most difficult tasks. This how is not only a design problem, it also pleads for something novel.
Everything a designer does involves presentation of some kind—not only how to explain (present) a particular design to an interested listener (client, reader, spectator), but how the design may explain itself in the marketplace… A presentation is the musical accompaniment of design. A presentation that lacks an idea cannot hide behind glamorous photos, pizazz, or ballyhoo. If it is full of gibberish, it may fall on deaf ears; if too laid back, it may land a prospect in the arms of Morpheus.” (Paul Rand)
Delivery and support.
Deliver the appropriate files to the client and give all support that is needed. Remember to under-promise and over-deliver. After you’ve finished, have a beer, eat some chocolate and then start your next project.
Article Source...
In this article, we’ll get down to the nitty gritty of what makes an effective logo design and we’ll also guide you through the principles and best practices of how to create an iconic brand identity.
You may be interested in the following related posts:
- 10 Common Mistakes In Logo Design
- Do You Want Fries With That Logo?
- 60 Logo Design Tutorials and Resources
- Drawing Inspiration From Creative Logos
What Is A Logo?
To understand what a logo is, we first must understand what the main purpose of logos is. The design process must aim to make the logo immediately recognizable, inspiring trust, admiration, loyalty and an implied superiority. The logo is one aspect of a company’s commercial brand or economic entity, and its shapes, colors, fonts, and images usually are strikingly different from other logo in the same market niche. Logos are used to identify.
Paul Rand, one of the world’s greatest designers states that “a logo is a flag, a signature, an escutcheon, a street sign. A logo does not sell (directly), it identifies. A logo is rarely a description of a business. A logo derives meaning from the quality of the thing it symbolizes, not the other way around. A logo is less important than the product it signifies; what it represents is more important than what it looks like. The subject matter of a logo can be almost anything.”
For more on Paul Rand, consider reading the book Design, Form & Chaos.
A good logo is distinctive, appropriate, practical, graphic and simple in form, and it conveys the owner’s intended message. A concept or “meaning” is usually behind an effective logo, and it communicates the intended message. A logo should be able to be printed at any size and, in most cases, be effective without color. A great logo essentially boils down to two things: great concept and great execution.
Logo Design Process
“Some wonder what’s so difficult about creating a good logo. They’re small, they look easy to do, so no problem, right? When you only see the result of a designer’s efforts, the logo creation can look like it was a simple task. But it’s not. A logo takes thought and creativity, and many elements combine to make a good one.” (via Harrison Mcleod)
When creating a logo, follow a process that ensures the final design meets the needs of the clients. Below, we have listed the typical process that professional logo designers follow. With practice, you will no doubt develop your own.
Design brief.
Conduct a questionnaire or interview with the client to get the design brief.
Research.
Conduct research on the industry itself, its history and competitors. Problem-solve first, design later.
Reference.
Conduct research on logo designs that have been successful and on current styles and trends that may relate to the design brief. Follow trends not for their own sake but rather to be aware of them: longevity in logo design is key.
Sketching and conceptualizing.
Develop the logo design concept(s) around the brief and your research. This is the single most important part of the design process. Get creative and be inspired. As Dainis Graveris has written once, “sketching isn’t time-consuming and is a really good way to put ideas in your head right on paper. After that, it’s always easier to actually design it on the computer. Sketching helps to evolve your imagination: once you understand it, you will always start from just white paper.
Reflection.
Take breaks throughout the design process. This helps your ideas mature, renews your enthusiasm and allows you to solicit feedback. It also gives you a fresh perspective on your work.
Revisions and positioning.
Whether you position yourself as a contractor (i.e. getting instructions from the client) or build a long-lasting relationship (i.e. guiding the client to the best solution), revise and improve the logo as required.
Presentation.
Present only your best logo designs to your client. PDF format usually works best. You may also wish to show the logo in context, which will help the client more clearly visualize the brand identity. Preparing a high-quality presentation is the single most effective way to get your clients to approve your designs.
“Canned presentations have the ring of emptiness. The meaningful presentation is custom designed—for a particular purpose, for a particular person. How to present a new idea is, perhaps, one of the designer’s most difficult tasks. This how is not only a design problem, it also pleads for something novel.
Everything a designer does involves presentation of some kind—not only how to explain (present) a particular design to an interested listener (client, reader, spectator), but how the design may explain itself in the marketplace… A presentation is the musical accompaniment of design. A presentation that lacks an idea cannot hide behind glamorous photos, pizazz, or ballyhoo. If it is full of gibberish, it may fall on deaf ears; if too laid back, it may land a prospect in the arms of Morpheus.” (Paul Rand)
Delivery and support.
Deliver the appropriate files to the client and give all support that is needed. Remember to under-promise and over-deliver. After you’ve finished, have a beer, eat some chocolate and then start your next project.
Article Source...
Thursday 23 October 2014
SKIT! Animated Video Maker (Free)
What’s it about? Create speedy animated videos out of your photos and viral images with SKIT!, and then share them across social networks.
What’s cool? Sharing photos is fun, but sharing photos with a little more of an animated, personal touch is better. That's the thinking behind SKIT!, an app that lets you take your photos and add things like text and stickers, cut out portions and animate them, and add portions of viral images to the mix. The result are some fun and goofy animations in which still images move around, and you can use them to create cards to send to other users across social networks. SKIT! includes hundreds of stickers and other elements you can add to your photos and animations, and also lets you use images from Facebook and elsewhere.
Who’s it for? If you're someone who likes to add a little creativity to your photos and shares, SKIT! might be the app to help you do it.
What’s it like? Have more fun with animation with Stick Draw and Wondershare PowerGIF.
What’s it about? Sports app theScore brings scores from pretty much all of sports, and makes it easy to stay up on sports news and information.
What’s cool? There are a whole lot of sports in the world, which is why fans might want to check out theScore. The app brings scores from all kinds of different sports, as well as breaking news, the latest in headlines, and off-season trade and signing tracking. All of it is updated in real time, so you know you're getting the very latest information from every game. You can also share stories and scores across social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, and theScore lets you customize your feed of news and scores for the sports you're interested in. The app's new update integrates scores and info from the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, along with other stats and notifications for other sports.
Who’s it for? Sports fans, theScore will help you keep current on everything you need to know about sports.
What’s it like? Other useful providers of sports info and news include ESPN SportsCenter and Yahoo Sports.
What’s it about?
Race little cars across tables, picnics and other tiny landscapes in
Table Top Racing, a title that throws combat in with its racing.
What’s cool? Table Top Racing isn't just about the racing part – it's actually a combat racing game, which means that players also get to bring things like missiles and other weapons to bear, as well as their cornering and breaking skills. The “table top” part refers to the landscapes – all the races take place on eight different tiny tracks, which go across landscapes like picnic lunches and desktops. Table Top Racing features 18 different cars, all of which can be upgraded, and nine different power-ups to use in offense or defense in different races. Table Top Racing also packs full Google Games support, which means you'll get access to leaderboards and cloud saves.
Article Source.....
What’s cool? Sharing photos is fun, but sharing photos with a little more of an animated, personal touch is better. That's the thinking behind SKIT!, an app that lets you take your photos and add things like text and stickers, cut out portions and animate them, and add portions of viral images to the mix. The result are some fun and goofy animations in which still images move around, and you can use them to create cards to send to other users across social networks. SKIT! includes hundreds of stickers and other elements you can add to your photos and animations, and also lets you use images from Facebook and elsewhere.
Who’s it for? If you're someone who likes to add a little creativity to your photos and shares, SKIT! might be the app to help you do it.
What’s it like? Have more fun with animation with Stick Draw and Wondershare PowerGIF.
theScore update (Free)
What’s it about? Sports app theScore brings scores from pretty much all of sports, and makes it easy to stay up on sports news and information.What’s cool? There are a whole lot of sports in the world, which is why fans might want to check out theScore. The app brings scores from all kinds of different sports, as well as breaking news, the latest in headlines, and off-season trade and signing tracking. All of it is updated in real time, so you know you're getting the very latest information from every game. You can also share stories and scores across social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, and theScore lets you customize your feed of news and scores for the sports you're interested in. The app's new update integrates scores and info from the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, along with other stats and notifications for other sports.
Who’s it for? Sports fans, theScore will help you keep current on everything you need to know about sports.
What’s it like? Other useful providers of sports info and news include ESPN SportsCenter and Yahoo Sports.
Table Top Racing (Free)
What’s it about?
Race little cars across tables, picnics and other tiny landscapes in
Table Top Racing, a title that throws combat in with its racing.What’s cool? Table Top Racing isn't just about the racing part – it's actually a combat racing game, which means that players also get to bring things like missiles and other weapons to bear, as well as their cornering and breaking skills. The “table top” part refers to the landscapes – all the races take place on eight different tiny tracks, which go across landscapes like picnic lunches and desktops. Table Top Racing features 18 different cars, all of which can be upgraded, and nine different power-ups to use in offense or defense in different races. Table Top Racing also packs full Google Games support, which means you'll get access to leaderboards and cloud saves.
Article Source.....
Wednesday 22 October 2014
Animated intranet launch videos to excite and delight
Using video to promote the launch or relaunch of a new intranet is a great way to gain exposure and engage employees.
We have seen some great videos over the past 12 months and have been extremely impressed with the design and messaging that has been used to ensure our customers and others have launched their intranet with a bang!
If you are looking for some inspiration for your own intranet launch video then here are some of the best videos that have worked towards ensuring high adoption levels and employee excitement towards their company intranet.
Cross Country intranet – Connect
CrossCountry had the mission “To be recognised for delivering great service on great journeys across Great Britain” and to do this they need to engage their employees and make everyone feel counted. Their new intranet was essential to this and in order to spread the message they created this great video to tell employees how Connect could benefit them.
Royal Canin Intranet
Teaser for the intranet of pet food company Royal Canin. This animation discusses the usual problems of working in a large multinational company, and the solution: an intranet!
Staffordshire Housing Group – CAKE
Staffordshire Housing produced this film to engage staff in the launch of their intranet, CAKE.
Mark Brookes and Sandra Barber worked with creative agency Jammy Custard to promote the launch of their intranet CAKE and to engage new joiners in the future. A fun, informative and short film that neatly introduces what CAKE is all about.
Coca Cola Enterprises Intranet – iConnect
Coca Cola Enterprises have an award winning intranet that is essential to how employees communicate, collaborate and transact in their business. Their video was key to their launch, showing how CCE communicates internally with employees through their intranet site.
UniCredit Group Intranet
The new UniCredit Intranet has improved the daily online experience of the Group’s employees, with an increase of more than 50% in the use of the intranet. Here is their animated teaser video they used to introduce their new intranet to employees:
Lambeth Living Intranet – Living Space
Lambeth Living was transitioning from an unloved, complicated, visually unappealing SharePoint system in a time of grass-roots change in the business. The new Interact intranet is part of a wider focus on employee communication, improving service to customers and better document and information management so they launched this video to engage employees and help with the change process.
Here are our top tips for creating your own intranet promotional video:
1. Have a clear ideaof what you want to achieve. Like anything, if you don’t properly prepare and think about what you are trying to achieve then you are unlikely to get anywhere. Creating successful animated content needs you to first think about:
Why do we need this video? What do we want to achieve with it?
Who will watch this video? Why should they be interested?
What do I want employees to do after watching the video? How should they feel?
How will we use this video? How will it be delivered or presented to employees?
Thinking about these questions and having the answers ready is a first but very important step in your preparation.
2. Write your script with the end user in mind. You will no doubt be incredibly enthusiastic and excited by the launch of your intranet and all its new features, however it is unlikely your audience / colleagues feel the same way. Write the script based on how the intranet is going to help them and transform the way they work. Be clear with how you want them to use the intranet and why they should embrace this change that may seem unfamiliar and even unnecessary to them at first. Keep their needs in mind and you will easily win them over!
3. Use a video provider you trustto do a good job. It can be expensive to get an animated video so you need to know that who you work with can do a good job. Ask other intranet managers who they have used – LinkedIn is great for making these connections! Also see examples of their work and ask them how they see the story / animation developing. If you get an agency you trust then the great content you produce can be turned into a visual delight that engages and excites your employees from day one.
4. Set realistic timeframesto create your animation. We all hope for a smooth process and the best outcomes but the reality is things don’t always work out that way. Make sure you give yourself a reasonable timeframe to write your script, agree design briefs, sign off first, second and even third drafts and get all stakeholders prepared for reviewing the final version so there is minimal delay to getting it live.
5. Have a plan for promotingyour amazing new video. There is no point spending time and money creating a great video but then know one sees it. Think how you will best raise awareness of it. For example add it to your new intranet’s homepage, add in email campaign, have it playing in communal work areas, play at Town Hall meetings, publish on your old intranet if you are transitioning from one to another – you will know what is possible for your company!
Good luck with you intranet launch video and feel free to contact us should you want to discuss your intranet project further.
Article Source....
We have seen some great videos over the past 12 months and have been extremely impressed with the design and messaging that has been used to ensure our customers and others have launched their intranet with a bang!
If you are looking for some inspiration for your own intranet launch video then here are some of the best videos that have worked towards ensuring high adoption levels and employee excitement towards their company intranet.
Cross Country intranet – Connect
CrossCountry had the mission “To be recognised for delivering great service on great journeys across Great Britain” and to do this they need to engage their employees and make everyone feel counted. Their new intranet was essential to this and in order to spread the message they created this great video to tell employees how Connect could benefit them.
Royal Canin Intranet
Teaser for the intranet of pet food company Royal Canin. This animation discusses the usual problems of working in a large multinational company, and the solution: an intranet!
Staffordshire Housing Group – CAKE
Staffordshire Housing produced this film to engage staff in the launch of their intranet, CAKE.
Mark Brookes and Sandra Barber worked with creative agency Jammy Custard to promote the launch of their intranet CAKE and to engage new joiners in the future. A fun, informative and short film that neatly introduces what CAKE is all about.
Coca Cola Enterprises Intranet – iConnect
Coca Cola Enterprises have an award winning intranet that is essential to how employees communicate, collaborate and transact in their business. Their video was key to their launch, showing how CCE communicates internally with employees through their intranet site.
UniCredit Group Intranet
The new UniCredit Intranet has improved the daily online experience of the Group’s employees, with an increase of more than 50% in the use of the intranet. Here is their animated teaser video they used to introduce their new intranet to employees:
Lambeth Living Intranet – Living Space
Lambeth Living was transitioning from an unloved, complicated, visually unappealing SharePoint system in a time of grass-roots change in the business. The new Interact intranet is part of a wider focus on employee communication, improving service to customers and better document and information management so they launched this video to engage employees and help with the change process.
Here are our top tips for creating your own intranet promotional video:
1. Have a clear ideaof what you want to achieve. Like anything, if you don’t properly prepare and think about what you are trying to achieve then you are unlikely to get anywhere. Creating successful animated content needs you to first think about:
Why do we need this video? What do we want to achieve with it?
Who will watch this video? Why should they be interested?
What do I want employees to do after watching the video? How should they feel?
How will we use this video? How will it be delivered or presented to employees?
Thinking about these questions and having the answers ready is a first but very important step in your preparation.
2. Write your script with the end user in mind. You will no doubt be incredibly enthusiastic and excited by the launch of your intranet and all its new features, however it is unlikely your audience / colleagues feel the same way. Write the script based on how the intranet is going to help them and transform the way they work. Be clear with how you want them to use the intranet and why they should embrace this change that may seem unfamiliar and even unnecessary to them at first. Keep their needs in mind and you will easily win them over!
3. Use a video provider you trustto do a good job. It can be expensive to get an animated video so you need to know that who you work with can do a good job. Ask other intranet managers who they have used – LinkedIn is great for making these connections! Also see examples of their work and ask them how they see the story / animation developing. If you get an agency you trust then the great content you produce can be turned into a visual delight that engages and excites your employees from day one.
4. Set realistic timeframesto create your animation. We all hope for a smooth process and the best outcomes but the reality is things don’t always work out that way. Make sure you give yourself a reasonable timeframe to write your script, agree design briefs, sign off first, second and even third drafts and get all stakeholders prepared for reviewing the final version so there is minimal delay to getting it live.
5. Have a plan for promotingyour amazing new video. There is no point spending time and money creating a great video but then know one sees it. Think how you will best raise awareness of it. For example add it to your new intranet’s homepage, add in email campaign, have it playing in communal work areas, play at Town Hall meetings, publish on your old intranet if you are transitioning from one to another – you will know what is possible for your company!
Good luck with you intranet launch video and feel free to contact us should you want to discuss your intranet project further.
Article Source....
Tuesday 21 October 2014
How To Get The Right Look For Your Animated Video
Choosing a theme is one of the most important steps of your video making process.
You need to select a theme that will not only help you achieve your brand and storytelling objectives, but will also help you accomplish your goals with the proper technical requirements.
To help, we’ve created this tutorial, How To Select A Business Theme To Achieve Your Objectives.
Watch the video below, and see the transcript further down.
Happy animating!
GoAnimate is a world of creative possibilities. We offer literally thousands of characters, actions, backgrounds, props and starters for use in your videos.
These assets are grouped into creative themes — carefully produced sets of matching assets, each with a unique visual style.
When you click “Make a Video” anywhere on the site, you’ll land on a page with over fifteen Themes to choose from. That’s a lot of choices!
One way to get oriented is to just dive right in. Click on a theme, and then see what’s available in the “Tray” inside the “Video Maker”. The menus are all “what you see is what you get”.
But what if you’re pressed for time? How can you quickly identify which theme is best for the task at hand?
When you click on the Filter icon, a dropdown menu will appear showing the different features of our video themes..
Select a style that fits your overall messaging, look, or feeling you’re trying to convey.
Let’s take a quick look at our business-exclusive themes:
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about our business-exclusive features. Remember, you can upgrade at any time directly from your account settings page. Happy animating!
Article Source...
You need to select a theme that will not only help you achieve your brand and storytelling objectives, but will also help you accomplish your goals with the proper technical requirements.
To help, we’ve created this tutorial, How To Select A Business Theme To Achieve Your Objectives.
Watch the video below, and see the transcript further down.
Happy animating!
GoAnimate is a world of creative possibilities. We offer literally thousands of characters, actions, backgrounds, props and starters for use in your videos.
These assets are grouped into creative themes — carefully produced sets of matching assets, each with a unique visual style.
When you click “Make a Video” anywhere on the site, you’ll land on a page with over fifteen Themes to choose from. That’s a lot of choices!
One way to get oriented is to just dive right in. Click on a theme, and then see what’s available in the “Tray” inside the “Video Maker”. The menus are all “what you see is what you get”.
But what if you’re pressed for time? How can you quickly identify which theme is best for the task at hand?
When you click on the Filter icon, a dropdown menu will appear showing the different features of our video themes..
- Lip-sync: Some themes have characters capable of automatically lip-syncing their lines. Others themes have less-defined characters who cannot move their mouths.
- Extensive Library: Some themes have a library of characters, backgrounds and props that is far above average, representing numerous locations, industries and occupations.
- Scene Starters: are pre-built scenes which help you get started quickly. They include calls to action, or powerful visual metaphors like “facing debt.”
- Templates: are pre-made dialog-based short videos. Just select characters and a setting, enter your dialogue and you’re done!
- Character Creators: Even the most extensive character library may not include you, your CEO or another specific person you’d like to portray. Our Character Creators allow you to easily customize characters.
Select a style that fits your overall messaging, look, or feeling you’re trying to convey.
Let’s take a quick look at our business-exclusive themes:
- Business Friendly is our signature Theme, and the the most commonly used in GoAnimate. Its style is simple, clean, and effective. It represents a wide range of activities and occupations like management, shopping, and medical care.
- Stickly Business features slick, black stick figures with a pop of neon color. This theme is great for tech companies or anyone with a lot of personality.
- Business Models features sketched paper cut-out images in blue and red. They work well for homey, no-frills and Americana content..
- We also have a partnership with Common Craft, a brand famous for explainer videos. This visual style is simple, and features a hug library of line-drawn, low-color assets. The light visual style works well for factual content and informal environments.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about our business-exclusive features. Remember, you can upgrade at any time directly from your account settings page. Happy animating!
Article Source...
Monday 20 October 2014
12 great benefits of video marketing
If you're having trouble convincing your marketing team, business partners, clients, boss or even yourself that online video marketing is worthwhile, then read on.
1. Video is where your customers spend their time.
YouTube alone has more than 4 billion views per day, and it's the second-largest search engine, right after Google (which owns YouTube).
78 percent of people watch at least once a week and 55 percent watch every day.
I should just end the article here. Game, set, match. I win. Everyone is watching video. You need to be making ads, promos, branded entertainment, Web series, video blogs, funny viral videos, videos of your cat, your dog, your cat riding your dog—whatever style and format best reaches your customers.
2. Video is already helping your competition.
81 percent of senior marketing executives now use online video content in their marketing programs, up from 70 percent in 2011. (MarketingProfs)
This is also known as "the cold war approach." Scare them with the knowledge that their most hated archrivals are escalating their video marketing programs and are way ahead of them. Convince them that they need to get with the program and escalate quickly before it's too late.
3. Video is easily searchable.
Video results have appeared in almost 70 percent of the top 100 search listing on Google in 2012. (Marketing Week)
Consumers are looking for your products and services. How are they looking? Most likely, online search is one of the top ways. Social media can affect organic Google search results as well as be an entry point to your website, microsite, or promo page. YouTube is the second-largest search engine, meaning videos get ranked high in Google results. Photos, graphics, LinkedIn, Twitter, Quora, and other networks are also searchable.
4. Video is shared easily and frequently.
More than 500 years' worth of YouTube videos are watched daily on Facebook.
More than 700 YouTube videos are shared on Twitter every minute.
Video sharing is a huge part of social media, and social media is a huge part of our lives. Get your product or service message out there in a fun and shareable way.
5. Video levels the playing field.
Online video production will account for more than one-third of all online advertising spending within the next five years. (Borrell Associates Annual Benchmarking Results)
Video has created an even playing field on which brands, business, and organizations can compete. The advantage is still with larger, more established brands, simply because they have bigger budgets for video seeding and media buying, but the trick is just to keep being more creative and do a better job of targeting, in order to reach your consumers.
6. Video entertains, educates, and inspires.
More than 60 percent of consumers will spend at least two minutes watching a video that educates them about a product they plan to purchase. (MarketingCharts.com)
The term "moving pictures" has a dual meaning. Video is way better at moving viewers to laugh, cry, get mad, learn, and take action than photos, text, or audio. Video is a great storyteller and keeps consumers glued to your site.
7. Video allows for real-time feedback and interaction.
People love to comment on videos, and that's where you can learn more about your consumers. Comments and response videos help you redirect your fire based on their feedback and needs. How cool would it be for fans to leave comments on a video, then find themselves mentioned by name in the next video? Answer: Pretty cool.
8. Video is measurable.
Analytics are so accessible, and they do a great job of telling how successful your videos are. No more guesswork. Measurement can help your boss, partners, and you to determine which videos and surrounding social media activities are leading to increased sales and moving your marketing in the right direction.
9. Video lives forever, making it more cost-effective over time.
Videos stay online and in Google results for a very long time and typically require an executive order to be removed. This can be both good and bad, depending on what kinds of videos you've made. You may consider an initial media purchase or video seeding to promote your video, but unlike TV ads that get taken down once the rent isn't paid, video content stays online, working for you and reducing your overall per-unit spending over time.
10. Video is one click away from the 'buy' button.
34 percent of apparel shoppers are more likely to purchase after viewing an online video ad, versus 16 percent after watching an ad on TV. (ReelSEO)
If you're watching a TV ad, you can't just "buy now." You have to go somewhere else like your phone or laptop. Properly set up and executed, consumers should never be more than one click away from the opportunity to buy the product or service you are selling. You can put direct links in video descriptions, surrounding text, banners, or overlays that let viewers click directly on the video.
11. Video is about selling, not just playing around.
Shoppers who viewed video were 174 percent more likely to purchase than viewers who did not. (Retail Touchpoints)
Far too many "video marketing experts" are wasting clients' time and money playing around with videos that are either so boring they don't get shared or so vague they don't connect viewers to the products or service and don't sell anything. Make it clear to your boss or partners that video is a way of selling more products and services, not just entertaining for the fun of it. Video initiatives and the surrounding activities should revolve around clear objectives and calls to action, to create an environment where consumers know what they're supposed to buy and can easily purchase it.
12. Video is mobile.
Online video now accounts for 50 percent of all mobile traffic and up to 69 percent of traffic on certain networks. (Bytemobile Mobile Analytics Report)
30-second mobile video ads have an 88.3 percent completion rate. (Rhythm Insights)
More than 85 percent of marketers have reported that they plan to increase their mobile advertising budgets in the near future. (Association of National Advertisers and MediaVest)
People take video with them on their phones and watch it because they're interested in a certain topic (see No. 3) or just entertaining themselves. With mobile video you have the potential to be in people's hands, understanding everything about what you offer, and one click away from their buying your stuff—which is the whole point.
Armed with these talking points you can convince anyone of the value of video marketing. If you need backup, give me a shout.
Article Source...
1. Video is where your customers spend their time.
YouTube alone has more than 4 billion views per day, and it's the second-largest search engine, right after Google (which owns YouTube).
78 percent of people watch at least once a week and 55 percent watch every day.
I should just end the article here. Game, set, match. I win. Everyone is watching video. You need to be making ads, promos, branded entertainment, Web series, video blogs, funny viral videos, videos of your cat, your dog, your cat riding your dog—whatever style and format best reaches your customers.
2. Video is already helping your competition.
81 percent of senior marketing executives now use online video content in their marketing programs, up from 70 percent in 2011. (MarketingProfs)
This is also known as "the cold war approach." Scare them with the knowledge that their most hated archrivals are escalating their video marketing programs and are way ahead of them. Convince them that they need to get with the program and escalate quickly before it's too late.
3. Video is easily searchable.
Video results have appeared in almost 70 percent of the top 100 search listing on Google in 2012. (Marketing Week)
Consumers are looking for your products and services. How are they looking? Most likely, online search is one of the top ways. Social media can affect organic Google search results as well as be an entry point to your website, microsite, or promo page. YouTube is the second-largest search engine, meaning videos get ranked high in Google results. Photos, graphics, LinkedIn, Twitter, Quora, and other networks are also searchable.
4. Video is shared easily and frequently.
More than 500 years' worth of YouTube videos are watched daily on Facebook.
More than 700 YouTube videos are shared on Twitter every minute.
Video sharing is a huge part of social media, and social media is a huge part of our lives. Get your product or service message out there in a fun and shareable way.
5. Video levels the playing field.
Online video production will account for more than one-third of all online advertising spending within the next five years. (Borrell Associates Annual Benchmarking Results)
Video has created an even playing field on which brands, business, and organizations can compete. The advantage is still with larger, more established brands, simply because they have bigger budgets for video seeding and media buying, but the trick is just to keep being more creative and do a better job of targeting, in order to reach your consumers.
6. Video entertains, educates, and inspires.
More than 60 percent of consumers will spend at least two minutes watching a video that educates them about a product they plan to purchase. (MarketingCharts.com)
The term "moving pictures" has a dual meaning. Video is way better at moving viewers to laugh, cry, get mad, learn, and take action than photos, text, or audio. Video is a great storyteller and keeps consumers glued to your site.
7. Video allows for real-time feedback and interaction.
People love to comment on videos, and that's where you can learn more about your consumers. Comments and response videos help you redirect your fire based on their feedback and needs. How cool would it be for fans to leave comments on a video, then find themselves mentioned by name in the next video? Answer: Pretty cool.
8. Video is measurable.
Analytics are so accessible, and they do a great job of telling how successful your videos are. No more guesswork. Measurement can help your boss, partners, and you to determine which videos and surrounding social media activities are leading to increased sales and moving your marketing in the right direction.
9. Video lives forever, making it more cost-effective over time.
Videos stay online and in Google results for a very long time and typically require an executive order to be removed. This can be both good and bad, depending on what kinds of videos you've made. You may consider an initial media purchase or video seeding to promote your video, but unlike TV ads that get taken down once the rent isn't paid, video content stays online, working for you and reducing your overall per-unit spending over time.
10. Video is one click away from the 'buy' button.
34 percent of apparel shoppers are more likely to purchase after viewing an online video ad, versus 16 percent after watching an ad on TV. (ReelSEO)
If you're watching a TV ad, you can't just "buy now." You have to go somewhere else like your phone or laptop. Properly set up and executed, consumers should never be more than one click away from the opportunity to buy the product or service you are selling. You can put direct links in video descriptions, surrounding text, banners, or overlays that let viewers click directly on the video.
11. Video is about selling, not just playing around.
Shoppers who viewed video were 174 percent more likely to purchase than viewers who did not. (Retail Touchpoints)
Far too many "video marketing experts" are wasting clients' time and money playing around with videos that are either so boring they don't get shared or so vague they don't connect viewers to the products or service and don't sell anything. Make it clear to your boss or partners that video is a way of selling more products and services, not just entertaining for the fun of it. Video initiatives and the surrounding activities should revolve around clear objectives and calls to action, to create an environment where consumers know what they're supposed to buy and can easily purchase it.
12. Video is mobile.
Online video now accounts for 50 percent of all mobile traffic and up to 69 percent of traffic on certain networks. (Bytemobile Mobile Analytics Report)
30-second mobile video ads have an 88.3 percent completion rate. (Rhythm Insights)
More than 85 percent of marketers have reported that they plan to increase their mobile advertising budgets in the near future. (Association of National Advertisers and MediaVest)
People take video with them on their phones and watch it because they're interested in a certain topic (see No. 3) or just entertaining themselves. With mobile video you have the potential to be in people's hands, understanding everything about what you offer, and one click away from their buying your stuff—which is the whole point.
Armed with these talking points you can convince anyone of the value of video marketing. If you need backup, give me a shout.
Article Source...
Friday 17 October 2014
Animated Movies Director: Job Outlook & Career Info
Learn about a career as an animated movie director. Read the job description, duties, education requirements, salary and employment outlook to decide if this is the right career for you.
Job Description
An animated movie director collaborates with designers, cinematographers, editors, musicians and animators, in addition to directing the voice actors who make the film come to life. While an animated movie director may not contribute to the animation of the film, they are typically skilled animators themselves, experience that is needed to coordinate several teams of animators and produce a cohesive animated feature. Animated movie directors are also responsible for completing a production on time and within budget. Common duties include choosing scripts and overseeing rewrites, auditioning and hiring voice actors and crewmembers, and creating an overall vision for the production. During filming, animated movie directors ensure that the camera work, lighting, sound and acting adhere to this vision.
Animated movie directors typically work very long hours, including weekends and holidays. They may spend extended periods of time on location where the film is shot. Due to the short-term nature of the work, many animated movie directors have periods of unemployment while searching for their next projects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2010, roughly 29% of producers and directors, including animated movie directors, were self employed.
Educational Requirements
While there are no formal training programs for film directors, most directors earn bachelor's degrees in areas such as acting, writing and communication. Animated movie directors may also pursue programs in art, animation or computer graphics to learn the fundamentals of animated filmmaking. Modern animation techniques rely heavily on computer-generated imaging, or CGI, so it's important to be familiar with current technologies. Training in the fundamentals of art history and visual art is equally important.
Required Skills
The BLS reported that animated movie directors typically must have the following qualities:
Earnings for movie directors depend on many factors, including the box office success of their films, but the BLS estimated that the median annual salary for producers and directors, including animated movie directors, was $71,350 in 2012. Employment in the field was expected to grow 11% from 2010-2020, about as quickly as the national average for all occupations.
In the most famous animation studios, the job market is more competitive, and those just beginning their career may find it difficult to break into. Small or independent studios provide better entry-level opportunities. Overall, candidates with industry experience, such as directors' assistants, actors, writers and film editors, should have the best prospects.
Article Source...
Job Description
An animated movie director collaborates with designers, cinematographers, editors, musicians and animators, in addition to directing the voice actors who make the film come to life. While an animated movie director may not contribute to the animation of the film, they are typically skilled animators themselves, experience that is needed to coordinate several teams of animators and produce a cohesive animated feature. Animated movie directors are also responsible for completing a production on time and within budget. Common duties include choosing scripts and overseeing rewrites, auditioning and hiring voice actors and crewmembers, and creating an overall vision for the production. During filming, animated movie directors ensure that the camera work, lighting, sound and acting adhere to this vision.
Animated movie directors typically work very long hours, including weekends and holidays. They may spend extended periods of time on location where the film is shot. Due to the short-term nature of the work, many animated movie directors have periods of unemployment while searching for their next projects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2010, roughly 29% of producers and directors, including animated movie directors, were self employed.
Educational Requirements
While there are no formal training programs for film directors, most directors earn bachelor's degrees in areas such as acting, writing and communication. Animated movie directors may also pursue programs in art, animation or computer graphics to learn the fundamentals of animated filmmaking. Modern animation techniques rely heavily on computer-generated imaging, or CGI, so it's important to be familiar with current technologies. Training in the fundamentals of art history and visual art is equally important.
Required Skills
The BLS reported that animated movie directors typically must have the following qualities:
- Passion for the art of animation
- Leadership qualities, since directors must inspire and manage a large number of artists and technicians
- Creative thinking skills
- Ability to tell a compelling story
- Technologically minded personality
- Ability to handle high levels of stress and career instability
- Employment and Salary Outlook
Earnings for movie directors depend on many factors, including the box office success of their films, but the BLS estimated that the median annual salary for producers and directors, including animated movie directors, was $71,350 in 2012. Employment in the field was expected to grow 11% from 2010-2020, about as quickly as the national average for all occupations.
In the most famous animation studios, the job market is more competitive, and those just beginning their career may find it difficult to break into. Small or independent studios provide better entry-level opportunities. Overall, candidates with industry experience, such as directors' assistants, actors, writers and film editors, should have the best prospects.
Article Source...
Thursday 16 October 2014
Animated Data Videos
Datalabs’ animated data videos are designed as motion graphics with the narrative driven by numbers, insights, and ideas. They are a content form that can explain your business’s data in a simple and visual story. Think of them as animated business dashboards, explaining the key points found in your sales, social, web, marketing analytics or customer relationship management (CRM) data.
Animated data videos combine both visual and auditory stimuli to cater to multiple learning styles and evoke stronger emotion than static imagery alone. By using an animation of your data, you can present the process to understanding complex data in a clear and captivating way with the aim to: explain, educate and inform. With Datalabs’ help, your insights will be told in story form and communicated in an innovative format rarely used by businesses today. You and your insights will stand out.
Using animated videos to tell data stories bridges the communication gap between executives and key stakeholders like: corporate shareholders, financial analysts, marketing managers, sales managers, even your customers. By providing additional insight to these key stakeholders in this user-friendly and engaging format, you will find your other data reports will be sought after. Engagement is up, because the hard-work of simplification and extracting the key insights from your data is done by our data journalists and data visualisers. Imagine your reports as an animated video with a voice-over, explaining next quarter’s financial outlook, or the key numbers that are impacting your business right now.
So give new life to a stale report. Order your animated data video from Datalabs today.
Uses for Animated Data Videos
Animated data videos combine both visual and auditory stimuli to cater to multiple learning styles and evoke stronger emotion than static imagery alone. By using an animation of your data, you can present the process to understanding complex data in a clear and captivating way with the aim to: explain, educate and inform. With Datalabs’ help, your insights will be told in story form and communicated in an innovative format rarely used by businesses today. You and your insights will stand out.
Using animated videos to tell data stories bridges the communication gap between executives and key stakeholders like: corporate shareholders, financial analysts, marketing managers, sales managers, even your customers. By providing additional insight to these key stakeholders in this user-friendly and engaging format, you will find your other data reports will be sought after. Engagement is up, because the hard-work of simplification and extracting the key insights from your data is done by our data journalists and data visualisers. Imagine your reports as an animated video with a voice-over, explaining next quarter’s financial outlook, or the key numbers that are impacting your business right now.
So give new life to a stale report. Order your animated data video from Datalabs today.
Uses for Animated Data Videos
- Financial Reports
- Advertising Metrics
- Sales Dashboards
- Content Analytics
- Competition Dashboards
- Marketing Analytics
- Executive Presentations
- Quarterly Briefings
- Social Media Metrics
- Mobile Statistics
- Annual Reports
- Web Analytics
- Social Media Monitoring
- Human Resource Stats
Tuesday 14 October 2014
When is an animated video production most appropriate?
The popularity of animated video within a digital marketing strategy is growing, and whilst it was once limited to those with massive production budgets, improvements in technology mean it is now widely accessible. Studies have proven that online video is a vital part of your marketing strategy (web visitors are 64%- 85% more likely to purchase after watching a product video, and you are 53 times more likely to appear on the first page of Google if you are using video on your site Forrester, 1/2010) – but with the wealth of video options out there, which is best for your business?
We find that many of our clients come to us confused by the array of video types and need some guidance on understanding what type of video is most suitable for their specific aims. In this article, I will be looking at the pros and cons of animated video, how it can be used most effectively, and when there are better alternatives.
Nowadays, internet visitors want information fast, and this is what has lead to the “video boom”. We have all heard the phrase “a picture speaks a thousand words”, and video allows you to capture, retain and convert visitors to your site.
Animated video communicates through a powerful mix of pictures, motion, text, voice, sound effects and music in a short amount of time, and its’ popularity
is on the rise. It can be a great way of increasing your likeability factor – most of us are sceptical the first time we visit a website, and a relaxed, whimsical whiteboard drawing, sketch or animated character can help us lower our guard, and provides an easy-to-watch viewing experience that viewers like and can identify with.
It will also help people to remember your business. The left side of the brain turns thoughts into images, while the right side ignites emotion and feelings.
Animation, therefore, is far more likely to appeal to right-side thinkers – and if it is entertaining, they will remember it.
However, the use of Motion Graphics within Live Action video can serve the same purpose to some extent, and the truth is, both animation and live action videos have their strengths in conveying diverse messages and can achieve different objectives.
The Pros of animated video production
Flexibility
Animated video allows far greater flexibility – your imagination is your only limitation. If you wanted your CEO flying across the sky with your company banner, for example, it would take a massive budget to achieve the required special effects, yet a simple drawing can convey the same message at a fraction of the cost (and your CEO gets to keep his feet firmly on the ground!).
Simplify your message
If you have a complicated product, an animated video is a great way of simplifying your message, and if the subject matter is dry, it can create an emotional connection by adding an element of fun. People prefer to learn through audio/visual methods, rather than reading through pages of text – and if they understand what you are offering them, how it will benefit them and are enjoying the experience at the same time, you are onto a winner.
Tell a Story
If you are offering a service, rather than a product, animated video can be a wise choice, as it allows you to tell a story and solve a problem that would be more difficult to portray using live action video. Here is an example of a video we made that takes the viewer on an animated journey, and lightens a dry subject.
Build your Brand
Animation also allows you to maintain a strong brand identity – logos, corporate colours, fonts and the general “look” of the brand, can all be incorporated into the artwork and also played with.
There are, however situations where live action video will be more appropriate to achieving your goals. One of the greatest strengths of live action video is its ability to create a connection between the viewer and the person on screen. A charismatic, captivating on-screen personality will draw people in and create a rapport and sense of trust in your brand.
When is an animated video production less appropriate?
There are some occasions where a different type of video production may be more appropriate than an animated video; here are some of those situations or factors for opting for another kind of web video.
The Human Touch
People relate to people. If, for example, you were a homeless charity whose goal were to increase donations, a video showing someone sleeping outside in the snow, wrapped in a meagre blanket, would be a far greater tug on the heartstrings than a cartoon drawing of the same.
Testimonial videos
Testimonial videos are another example of where animated video would not be appropriate. These are tremendously powerful within a marketing strategy, as it puts a face to the testimonial which makes it far more believable.
Products, people, places
If your message focuses on existing products, people or places – generally, live action video is a better choice. The Spanish Tourist board, for example, would want to show real people enjoying the beautiful scenery, sunny climes and lively atmosphere of the destination.
If you are in an industry where the viewer is buying a physical end product, showing the finished product in action will boost viewer engagement and their comfort level with the product. With live video you can show a real-life demonstration – when someone is researching a product, they want to see the finished product in action. but with that said animated videos can be incredibly effective in showing how something works or outlining a process or steps to using a complex product.
Live action video also works brilliantly if you have a strong human face to the brand. Richard Branson, for example, has been appearing in the Virgin TV and Online ads. His name is synonymous with the Virgin brand, and by adding a touch of self-deprecating humour to the adverts, Virgin have increased the likeability of the brand. They have taken it from being a cold, faceless, corporate image to one that is associated with the dynamic, charming founder. At the end of the day, passion speaks volumes – and whether it is a charismatic CEO in front of the camera, or a dedicated, caring customer service representative – putting a face and personality to your brand can help build a relationship with potential customers.
Both animated and live action videos have their pros and cons, and when it comes down to creating a video marketing strategy, your customers and their needs hold the answer. With all types of video, the key is in creating content that is useful and engaging, which in turn turns visitors into customers. Using video animation to promote your business allows you to break through the boundaries of reality, and is a fun, quirky way of engaging your visitors. Just be careful to think your objectives through carefully!
Article Source...
We find that many of our clients come to us confused by the array of video types and need some guidance on understanding what type of video is most suitable for their specific aims. In this article, I will be looking at the pros and cons of animated video, how it can be used most effectively, and when there are better alternatives.
Nowadays, internet visitors want information fast, and this is what has lead to the “video boom”. We have all heard the phrase “a picture speaks a thousand words”, and video allows you to capture, retain and convert visitors to your site.
Animated video communicates through a powerful mix of pictures, motion, text, voice, sound effects and music in a short amount of time, and its’ popularity
is on the rise. It can be a great way of increasing your likeability factor – most of us are sceptical the first time we visit a website, and a relaxed, whimsical whiteboard drawing, sketch or animated character can help us lower our guard, and provides an easy-to-watch viewing experience that viewers like and can identify with.
It will also help people to remember your business. The left side of the brain turns thoughts into images, while the right side ignites emotion and feelings.
Animation, therefore, is far more likely to appeal to right-side thinkers – and if it is entertaining, they will remember it.
However, the use of Motion Graphics within Live Action video can serve the same purpose to some extent, and the truth is, both animation and live action videos have their strengths in conveying diverse messages and can achieve different objectives.
The Pros of animated video production
Flexibility
Animated video allows far greater flexibility – your imagination is your only limitation. If you wanted your CEO flying across the sky with your company banner, for example, it would take a massive budget to achieve the required special effects, yet a simple drawing can convey the same message at a fraction of the cost (and your CEO gets to keep his feet firmly on the ground!).
Simplify your message
If you have a complicated product, an animated video is a great way of simplifying your message, and if the subject matter is dry, it can create an emotional connection by adding an element of fun. People prefer to learn through audio/visual methods, rather than reading through pages of text – and if they understand what you are offering them, how it will benefit them and are enjoying the experience at the same time, you are onto a winner.
Tell a Story
If you are offering a service, rather than a product, animated video can be a wise choice, as it allows you to tell a story and solve a problem that would be more difficult to portray using live action video. Here is an example of a video we made that takes the viewer on an animated journey, and lightens a dry subject.
Build your Brand
Animation also allows you to maintain a strong brand identity – logos, corporate colours, fonts and the general “look” of the brand, can all be incorporated into the artwork and also played with.
There are, however situations where live action video will be more appropriate to achieving your goals. One of the greatest strengths of live action video is its ability to create a connection between the viewer and the person on screen. A charismatic, captivating on-screen personality will draw people in and create a rapport and sense of trust in your brand.
When is an animated video production less appropriate?
There are some occasions where a different type of video production may be more appropriate than an animated video; here are some of those situations or factors for opting for another kind of web video.
The Human Touch
People relate to people. If, for example, you were a homeless charity whose goal were to increase donations, a video showing someone sleeping outside in the snow, wrapped in a meagre blanket, would be a far greater tug on the heartstrings than a cartoon drawing of the same.
Testimonial videos
Testimonial videos are another example of where animated video would not be appropriate. These are tremendously powerful within a marketing strategy, as it puts a face to the testimonial which makes it far more believable.
Products, people, places
If your message focuses on existing products, people or places – generally, live action video is a better choice. The Spanish Tourist board, for example, would want to show real people enjoying the beautiful scenery, sunny climes and lively atmosphere of the destination.
If you are in an industry where the viewer is buying a physical end product, showing the finished product in action will boost viewer engagement and their comfort level with the product. With live video you can show a real-life demonstration – when someone is researching a product, they want to see the finished product in action. but with that said animated videos can be incredibly effective in showing how something works or outlining a process or steps to using a complex product.
Live action video also works brilliantly if you have a strong human face to the brand. Richard Branson, for example, has been appearing in the Virgin TV and Online ads. His name is synonymous with the Virgin brand, and by adding a touch of self-deprecating humour to the adverts, Virgin have increased the likeability of the brand. They have taken it from being a cold, faceless, corporate image to one that is associated with the dynamic, charming founder. At the end of the day, passion speaks volumes – and whether it is a charismatic CEO in front of the camera, or a dedicated, caring customer service representative – putting a face and personality to your brand can help build a relationship with potential customers.
Both animated and live action videos have their pros and cons, and when it comes down to creating a video marketing strategy, your customers and their needs hold the answer. With all types of video, the key is in creating content that is useful and engaging, which in turn turns visitors into customers. Using video animation to promote your business allows you to break through the boundaries of reality, and is a fun, quirky way of engaging your visitors. Just be careful to think your objectives through carefully!
Article Source...
Thursday 9 October 2014
How to Become a Video Game Designer
One of the most exciting jobs out in the market today is video game designing. Many have the impression that it would take too much time and skills to accomplish this. Well reality check people...it does not! If you are into video games and love spending your leisure time (even your work time!), playing games then you have already passed the qualifying stages to becoming a video game designer. May it be for console, arcade, or PC; video game designing reaches all these platforms. Now, let me explain to you some of the basic principles to get you an idea of how to make this dream job work for you.
Throughout the years, games have evolved from the simple Atari and first generation Nintendo graphics to the complex 3D and multi level games of the present. There are just no limits to game designing these days. This multibillion-dollar industry is ballooning and encompassing other industries at a pace no one ever thought was possible. A major factor to this can be attributed to the gamers who are in their 20's and 30's and have never stopped picking up on the latest games and game platforms. Walk into any gaming shop and you will find adults mingling with kids to check out latest releases and try them out...together! So combined with the teenage market, this raving monster called the Gaming Industry is eating chunks out of the adult and teenage market today.
Need for video game design teams have increased dramatically because of this growth in the industry and the demand for better and more creative games by consumers. Therefore, the outlook for anyone trying to enter this industry is not bad at all. If you have the love and drive to create games then there is more than a lot of opportunities to do that. Become a video game designer and you could take part and even play a major role in producing legendary games such as Sims, Unreal tournament and Halo to name a few. Get a chance to team up with the best companies and game studios by becoming a video game designer. If there ever was a time to take that leap of faith and trust your gut instincts then it is now! A genuine love for games is one of the most important qualities a game designer must possess. For natural love for gaming spawns creativity and a drive to excel in producing games people will endear themselves to. You could even ask yourself a question. Why would I do a job that I do not have the talents and passion for? Now, if your answer is I am doing this because it is what I love to do, then you are the right man for this job.
This natural passion, even though very important, is only one of the aspects that makes a good video game designer. Companies who hire designers are also looking for someone with good problem solving skills and who is inhumanly patient. There are so many bugs and potential problems when designing a game that it could drive someone mad. These problems range from collision detection to making things look convincing animation-wise. Many of these complex problems need to be resolved quickly and with ingenuity. You should always strive to improve and to innovate the game at any point of the production. This can be profoundly stressful and take up huge amounts of your time even to the point of exhaustion but the rewards are more than worth it. The experience brings a completely new meaning to the phrase sleeping on the job!
Being a perfectionist is also a quality sought after by many of these gaming companies and studios. Making sure everything is up to the highest quality standards and done as efficiently as possible in as little time as possible are talents which are definitely sought after in this fast paced industry. Now, if you have all or even just some of these qualities then this job is just waiting for you out there... so go out and grab it.
So now, you are ready to proceed and create games huh? However, wait, you just cannot walk right into one of these companies and apply for this job if you do not have the skills! Knowledge about such things as graphic designing, computer animation and game development is necessary here. You need very specific training on these and other elements in order to be a certified video game designer. Below is a listing of where you can get the best training in these areas of expertise. With no further ado, here are some of the premier video game design schools you will need to enroll in to become a top video game designer.
The Art Institute Online: The Art Institute Online courses have been designed with extensive input from game-industry professionals and focus on the artistic side of games - not on computer programming. You will concentrate on the specifics needed as a professional game artist: Scene and set design, Motion capture, Character development, Visual storytelling, Game design strategies, 3D animation, Low-polygon modeling, Game level design, Texture mapping... In other words, a lot of the fun stuff.
Full Sail University: You know good video game graphics when you see them, and if you're interested in a career creating the content you see up on screen, Full Sail's Game Art Bachelor's Degree Program can help you learn the same production methods used to create 3D art in the professional gaming industry. This degree program focuses on the fundamentals of interactive graphics development – including character creation, scene design, asset production, in-game effects, and the physics of motion.
DeVry University: Offers something more towards the programming end of things with their hot Game and Simulation Programming program. This should really get your feet nice and wet. Take it Online, or check out the various campus locations.
ITT Technical Institute: The ITT Technical Institutes offer a bachelor degree in Digital Entertainment and Game Design. Courses in this program offer a strong foundation in digital game design through the study of subjects such as gaming technology, game design process, animation, level design, and general education coursework. In addition, with over 85 locations nation-wide, there is a good chance that you can find a school near you.
Westwood College of Technology-Online: Strong creativity, design, computer, and problem solving skills are the keys for success in this exciting and growing field. With these specialized skills in mind, Westwood College has designed a Bachelor degree program in Game Art and Design.
Digital Media Arts College: Learn from industry experts from leading companies such as SEGA, ImageWorks, Disney, and more. They are one of the United States' most technologically equipped digital artist colleges. They have the tools and techniques to empower your creative career.
Article Source....
Friday 3 October 2014
How to Hook New Customers with Your Explainer Video
Surf in any category on the Internet and you will find words, words, words, and more words.
But our brains are hardwired to detect motion. So it’s easy to understand why YouTube is the #2 search engine and the #3 social media site in the world.
Because our brains are wired for motion, we skim through pages and pages of information, our eyes overloaded with letters and numbers. Yet we will endure a drab video to its end because it’s visual.
For your business, the home page or landing page explainer video is the communication gold mine that you want to get just right. How do you do this? Well, let me explain…
1. Good Explainer Videos use Motion to Inform and to Entertain
Competition online is fierce. One germ of a concept may spawn hundreds of copy cats. What differentiates a good explainer video from a mediocre one?
It answers the 3 W’s through motion, information, and entertainment.
The creative use of moving objects in a visual format, followed by an entertaining overview of the WHO•WHAT•WHY of your business, separates a good explainer video from a trite one.
Take a good look at your landing page. Most likely, you have a “Welcome” blurb. That won’t cut it in a highly competitive market. In less than a minute, a well-made explainer video will show us what we need to know about your business:
The three W’s are answered through motion, information, and entertainment:
Are you not compelled to try the Message app? Did your eyes not follow the action animation to its end? That’s the power of a good explainer video as our brains are wired to detect movement. And when it’s visually entertaining, then it’s even better.
2. Good Explainer Videos can Evoke or Provoke an Emotion
A very engaging method that makes a good explainer video is to build a thoughtful and meaningful visual story with characters to evoke an emotion in the viewer.
This charming explainer video feels more like a mini short film, yet it still informs on the WHO•WHAT•WHY of their business. It’s full of visual motion and loaded with information and heartfelt entertainment.
You understand Attentive.ly’s social media match service. What they do is help you connect with your clients’ social network preferences. Why you should use their service is they can help you promote events and campaigns and find out what your clients are saying on social media sites.
After seeing this creative style of storytelling explainer video, you’re intrigued to learn more about Attentive.ly to see how their services may promote traffic campaigns for your business.
3. Good Explainer Videos combine Live Action with Animation
Animation is fun and entertaining, but you may want to add a personal touch – a human connection. A good explainer video can couple graphics, animation, and illustrations with an actor who can personalize the WHO•WHAT•WHY of your business.
Notice how the scene continually changes, but the focus on the girl remains the same. There is constant motion instead of a static still shot.
You’re captivated. Signals fire in your brain to keep your eyes on the female actor and the little animations.
Suddenly, you’re inside all kinds of different homes. That’s the human personal factor. There is a home that feels warm and inviting. Then there is another one that’s entirely different, yet it also looks comfortable and welcoming.
Graphics continue as the female actor expresses the WHO of Airbnb as a company that helps you find an interesting place to stay, the WHAT of Airbnb with a variety of places available and easy searching for and/or listing a property, and WHY you should use Airbnb as there really aren’t any other companies doing something like this – it’s different.
Now that you’ve seen this explainer video, the next time you go on vacation, you may want to consider renting a room and/or listing your home through Airbnb.
4. Good Explainer Videos influence You to Buy or Use a Product or Service
The above three explainer videos were about services, but maybe your business sells products.
People may not have a need for your particular product, but after watching a visual presentation, people may impulse-buy your product because they will want it.
Human hands exhibit the product in this visual presentation, which is, again, a warm human connection. The headphones are given almost a lifelike appearance as they prop straight up. Vibrant colors change continuously throughout the video.
WHO they are is a company that manufactures headphones in Stockholm, Sweden. WHAT they do is connect you to your music with colorful headphones that pack a punch in a featherweight size. WHY you should buy the product is it’s an open headphone that allows you to listen to music and the outside world at the same time.
The constant change of vibrant colors and scenes happens so quickly that you’re bound to watch the video again.
You may not need headphones, but now that you know this company exists through the explainer video, you will recall this information the next time you want to buy a headphone for yourself or as a gift.
5. Good Explainer Videos let People Know You Exist
When someone uses Google or YouTube to search for a product or service, there is a chance they will find your video. If you put effort into developing a better explainer video, you create the chance for opportunities like these:
Team members of organizations may share the video to discuss the possible benefits your service has for them.
Prospects and potential customers will see your product or service in action. (That’s always a more visceral way to demonstrate usefulness.)
Because video can be much more efficient at communicating, you can increase the number of sign ups and purchases – sometimes by factors of 2x, 3x and more.
Visual media generates interest for you in a way that words cannot by showcasing the WHO•WHAT•WHY of your business through motion, information, and entertainment.
A good explainer video will make any business unforgettable.
Article Source...
But our brains are hardwired to detect motion. So it’s easy to understand why YouTube is the #2 search engine and the #3 social media site in the world.
Because our brains are wired for motion, we skim through pages and pages of information, our eyes overloaded with letters and numbers. Yet we will endure a drab video to its end because it’s visual.
For your business, the home page or landing page explainer video is the communication gold mine that you want to get just right. How do you do this? Well, let me explain…
1. Good Explainer Videos use Motion to Inform and to Entertain
Competition online is fierce. One germ of a concept may spawn hundreds of copy cats. What differentiates a good explainer video from a mediocre one?
It answers the 3 W’s through motion, information, and entertainment.
The creative use of moving objects in a visual format, followed by an entertaining overview of the WHO•WHAT•WHY of your business, separates a good explainer video from a trite one.
Take a good look at your landing page. Most likely, you have a “Welcome” blurb. That won’t cut it in a highly competitive market. In less than a minute, a well-made explainer video will show us what we need to know about your business:
- Who you are
- What you do
- Why we should use your products or service
The three W’s are answered through motion, information, and entertainment:
- Who – Web app for managing social networks and group communication
- What – Easy to use and navigate software that boosts productivity
- Why – Clean and beautiful, and very reasonably priced
Are you not compelled to try the Message app? Did your eyes not follow the action animation to its end? That’s the power of a good explainer video as our brains are wired to detect movement. And when it’s visually entertaining, then it’s even better.
2. Good Explainer Videos can Evoke or Provoke an Emotion
A very engaging method that makes a good explainer video is to build a thoughtful and meaningful visual story with characters to evoke an emotion in the viewer.
This charming explainer video feels more like a mini short film, yet it still informs on the WHO•WHAT•WHY of their business. It’s full of visual motion and loaded with information and heartfelt entertainment.
You understand Attentive.ly’s social media match service. What they do is help you connect with your clients’ social network preferences. Why you should use their service is they can help you promote events and campaigns and find out what your clients are saying on social media sites.
After seeing this creative style of storytelling explainer video, you’re intrigued to learn more about Attentive.ly to see how their services may promote traffic campaigns for your business.
3. Good Explainer Videos combine Live Action with Animation
Animation is fun and entertaining, but you may want to add a personal touch – a human connection. A good explainer video can couple graphics, animation, and illustrations with an actor who can personalize the WHO•WHAT•WHY of your business.
Notice how the scene continually changes, but the focus on the girl remains the same. There is constant motion instead of a static still shot.
You’re captivated. Signals fire in your brain to keep your eyes on the female actor and the little animations.
Suddenly, you’re inside all kinds of different homes. That’s the human personal factor. There is a home that feels warm and inviting. Then there is another one that’s entirely different, yet it also looks comfortable and welcoming.
Graphics continue as the female actor expresses the WHO of Airbnb as a company that helps you find an interesting place to stay, the WHAT of Airbnb with a variety of places available and easy searching for and/or listing a property, and WHY you should use Airbnb as there really aren’t any other companies doing something like this – it’s different.
Now that you’ve seen this explainer video, the next time you go on vacation, you may want to consider renting a room and/or listing your home through Airbnb.
4. Good Explainer Videos influence You to Buy or Use a Product or Service
The above three explainer videos were about services, but maybe your business sells products.
People may not have a need for your particular product, but after watching a visual presentation, people may impulse-buy your product because they will want it.
Human hands exhibit the product in this visual presentation, which is, again, a warm human connection. The headphones are given almost a lifelike appearance as they prop straight up. Vibrant colors change continuously throughout the video.
WHO they are is a company that manufactures headphones in Stockholm, Sweden. WHAT they do is connect you to your music with colorful headphones that pack a punch in a featherweight size. WHY you should buy the product is it’s an open headphone that allows you to listen to music and the outside world at the same time.
The constant change of vibrant colors and scenes happens so quickly that you’re bound to watch the video again.
You may not need headphones, but now that you know this company exists through the explainer video, you will recall this information the next time you want to buy a headphone for yourself or as a gift.
5. Good Explainer Videos let People Know You Exist
When someone uses Google or YouTube to search for a product or service, there is a chance they will find your video. If you put effort into developing a better explainer video, you create the chance for opportunities like these:
Team members of organizations may share the video to discuss the possible benefits your service has for them.
Prospects and potential customers will see your product or service in action. (That’s always a more visceral way to demonstrate usefulness.)
Because video can be much more efficient at communicating, you can increase the number of sign ups and purchases – sometimes by factors of 2x, 3x and more.
Visual media generates interest for you in a way that words cannot by showcasing the WHO•WHAT•WHY of your business through motion, information, and entertainment.
A good explainer video will make any business unforgettable.
Article Source...
Thursday 2 October 2014
8 Animators Share Their Secrets to Animated Video Production
Every studio approaches animated video production differently. Some swear by animatics, others prefer storyboards. Some take weeks scripting and developing a concept, others dive into production. We’re all unique snowflakes.
But the top studios and artists consistently create great animation day in and day out.
So what’s their secret?
I asked eight leading animators to share the most important step in the animated video production process. Turns out they have a few things in common.
Pre-Production is the Key.
Pre-production eliminates the majority of my headaches. It’s worth the time it takes to storyboard and create an animatic. The client is less likely to ask for any major changes after seeing it laid out in a rough form.
Transitions are key in a motion graphics piece. Taking the time to plan those out before you start setting keyframes will keep you sane. There’s usually something that looks off or doesn’t transition well even after doing all the pre-pro work but it’s usually pretty minor and doesn’t take long to fix.
* Ryan Woolfolk is a Senior Motion Designer at LEAPframe
Lay the Groundwork: Pre-Production.
Animators Share Their Secrets to Animated Video Production
Storyboarding, and pre-production in general—scripting, style frames, layout, casting, animatics, planning…
The more groundwork you can lay before getting into asset creation and animating the better. Everyone involved is clear on the story, how to get from point A to point B, and how things will look and feel. It’s also much easier to spot problems and change direction at this stage.
* Paul Conigliaro is a Motion Designer and Editor of Code42, co-founder of the Motion League and organizer of the weekly animation podcast, Motion Chat.
Identify Your Passion.
As the vision and passion develop the initial idea, think about where those inspiring thoughts are coming from in your mind. A childhood memory, a loved one, a mentor that inspired, or even a form of divinity.
Recognizing the source of your passion will fuel you beyond production challenges, discouragements, outside expectations and empower you with the belief that you are the creating something unique to this universe.
* Ryan Woodward is the animator and illustrator behind the “Thought of You” video. See his more recent work at ryanwoodwardart.com.
Define Your Deliverables. Select Your Style.
I don’t know that there is just a single “most important” step, because what I like to prioritize changes from project to project. A simple way of putting it might be to break it down two ways:
1) For fast-turnaround projects, my priority to is to lay out what the deliverables are for an animation. How many frames do I need to worry about, how many shots are there?
2) For longer projects, my priority is to settle on a style first and foremost, which I usually create in Cinema 4D and After Effects. I like to know that whatever I end up designing, I’ll be able to animate when I need to without re-building.
* Dave Glanz is freelance motion graphics designer who’s worked with ESPN and the Discovery Channel.
It’s All in the Script.
We spend hours crafting the perfect script. Invest time writing an effective script aimed at accomplishing a single objective. That’s how you create a successful video. A great script makes the design and animation easier.
And don’t rush the script to stay on schedule. Changes in the later stages of production are always more costly and time-consuming.
* Will Gadea is the founder and Creative Director of IdeaRocket
You Gotta Have Heart.
The most important step in animated video production is heart. You need heart to come up with a worthwhile concept. You need heart to tell a good story. You need heart to hone your craft and put the right people in place to execute the pipeline.
And you’re gonna need a lot of heart to see the concept through to completion.
* Christopher Levin is the lead Motion Designer at Hungry Mind
Stamp of Approval.
Approval of pre-production like initial designs and script storyboard.
Oh and money. :)
* Jacques Khouri is a freelance animator and illustrator. Check out his fantastic book cover redesigns and superhero illustrations at ijotalot.com.
You Need a Game Plan.
Planning! Planning, planning planning! Sometimes you can let projects take you to new places, but in the planning stages of the actually animation, you will find out what works, and what doesn’t.
In the long run, it will make your idea and actions clearer, and save you precious time from having to make and delete, over and over.
* Dorian Heller is a Motion Designer and founder of Seattle-based Heller Studios.
Article Source...
But the top studios and artists consistently create great animation day in and day out.
So what’s their secret?
I asked eight leading animators to share the most important step in the animated video production process. Turns out they have a few things in common.
Pre-Production is the Key.
Pre-production eliminates the majority of my headaches. It’s worth the time it takes to storyboard and create an animatic. The client is less likely to ask for any major changes after seeing it laid out in a rough form.
Transitions are key in a motion graphics piece. Taking the time to plan those out before you start setting keyframes will keep you sane. There’s usually something that looks off or doesn’t transition well even after doing all the pre-pro work but it’s usually pretty minor and doesn’t take long to fix.
* Ryan Woolfolk is a Senior Motion Designer at LEAPframe
Lay the Groundwork: Pre-Production.
Animators Share Their Secrets to Animated Video Production
Storyboarding, and pre-production in general—scripting, style frames, layout, casting, animatics, planning…
The more groundwork you can lay before getting into asset creation and animating the better. Everyone involved is clear on the story, how to get from point A to point B, and how things will look and feel. It’s also much easier to spot problems and change direction at this stage.
* Paul Conigliaro is a Motion Designer and Editor of Code42, co-founder of the Motion League and organizer of the weekly animation podcast, Motion Chat.
Identify Your Passion.
As the vision and passion develop the initial idea, think about where those inspiring thoughts are coming from in your mind. A childhood memory, a loved one, a mentor that inspired, or even a form of divinity.
Recognizing the source of your passion will fuel you beyond production challenges, discouragements, outside expectations and empower you with the belief that you are the creating something unique to this universe.
* Ryan Woodward is the animator and illustrator behind the “Thought of You” video. See his more recent work at ryanwoodwardart.com.
Define Your Deliverables. Select Your Style.
I don’t know that there is just a single “most important” step, because what I like to prioritize changes from project to project. A simple way of putting it might be to break it down two ways:
1) For fast-turnaround projects, my priority to is to lay out what the deliverables are for an animation. How many frames do I need to worry about, how many shots are there?
2) For longer projects, my priority is to settle on a style first and foremost, which I usually create in Cinema 4D and After Effects. I like to know that whatever I end up designing, I’ll be able to animate when I need to without re-building.
* Dave Glanz is freelance motion graphics designer who’s worked with ESPN and the Discovery Channel.
It’s All in the Script.
We spend hours crafting the perfect script. Invest time writing an effective script aimed at accomplishing a single objective. That’s how you create a successful video. A great script makes the design and animation easier.
And don’t rush the script to stay on schedule. Changes in the later stages of production are always more costly and time-consuming.
* Will Gadea is the founder and Creative Director of IdeaRocket
You Gotta Have Heart.
The most important step in animated video production is heart. You need heart to come up with a worthwhile concept. You need heart to tell a good story. You need heart to hone your craft and put the right people in place to execute the pipeline.
And you’re gonna need a lot of heart to see the concept through to completion.
* Christopher Levin is the lead Motion Designer at Hungry Mind
Stamp of Approval.
Approval of pre-production like initial designs and script storyboard.
Oh and money. :)
* Jacques Khouri is a freelance animator and illustrator. Check out his fantastic book cover redesigns and superhero illustrations at ijotalot.com.
You Need a Game Plan.
Planning! Planning, planning planning! Sometimes you can let projects take you to new places, but in the planning stages of the actually animation, you will find out what works, and what doesn’t.
In the long run, it will make your idea and actions clearer, and save you precious time from having to make and delete, over and over.
* Dorian Heller is a Motion Designer and founder of Seattle-based Heller Studios.
Article Source...
Wednesday 1 October 2014
How Much Does an Explainer Video Cost?
If you’re not familiar with explainer videos, they’re short, engaging, online videos that explain and promote a company, product, or service (you can find plenty of examples on our sample page, or head over to StartupVideos for more). So why invest in an explainer video you ask? There are oodles of statistics that show the positive effect video can have on conversion rates, sales, and information retention, but the bottom line is this - if you could learn about something by watching a quick, entertaining video, or read a page of text, which would you choose?
How much does an explainer video cost?
The number one question we hear from people is “how much does an explainer video cost?” For our purposes here, we’re talking about a 60-second animated explainer video, which is typically the most popular offering. As you’d probably expect, you can find a wide range of prices out there, anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000. However, if you’re working with a reputable producer, expect to spend between $5,000 and $10,000. The amount charged depends on a wide variety of factors, including quality of work, customization and detail, experience level, and how busy or “in demand” the producer is.
A lot of people are surprised, even shocked, when they first hear how much an explainer video can cost. But if you don't understand the amount of time and effort that go in to producing one, it's hard to wrap your head around just what your money is buying. So here's a quick run-down (including samples) of the explainer video production process and what happens at each stage.
What is the process for creating an explainer video?
The typical project takes 4-8 weeks to complete and involves 6 stages. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Stage 1: Research and scripting (week 1)
A well written script is the foundation of a great video. But it takes time for writers to fully understand your company, product, or service and synthesize it into 150 words. And don’t forget that each video requires a creative direction and storyline, something that can take time for all parties to agree upon.
Stage 2: Style and illustration (week 1)
In most cases, all of the characters and assets in a video are illustrated by hand, scanned into a computer, digitized, colored and so forth. Some illustrators like to do everything digitally with a tablet. During the style stage, the illustrator will create a few variations of characters and assets to show the client.
Stage 3: Storyboarding (week 2)
With a final script and style in place, the illustrator assembles a storyboard. The storyboard is a static scene-by-scene representation of the video in its final, animated form.
Stage 4: Voiceover (week 3)
Based on the script and storyboard, a professional voice artist will record an audio version of the script. Typically artists provide multiple takes so the sound engineer has options to work with.
Stage 5: Animation (weeks 4-5)
The most time consuming and work-intensive part of the process is the animation. At this point, an animator is taking all of the finished assets, like the illustrations and voiceover, and importing them into a piece of software like Adobe After Effects (AE). Once in AE, the animator spends hours assembling the assets and making each movement just right. There’s no “Auto-Animate” button...yet.
Stage 6: Music and Sound Effects (week 6)
Last but not least, a sound engineer mixes the sound together, including the music, voiceover, and sound effects. Nothing ruins a video like poor sound quality, so never underestimate the importance of a professionally mixed voiceover, music track, and sound effects.
Conclusion
So there you have it. If it seems like a lot of work, it is. And that doesn’t even include the many hours of meetings, calls, emails, revisions, renderings, uploads, and more.
For some other perspectives on explainer video pricing, make sure to check out the blog post from Miguel over at Grumo (includes an average hourly breakdown), along with these answers on Quora.
We want to hear what you think! Does the pricing and timeline surprise you? Have you had a different experience somewhere else? Let us know in the comment section.
Article Source...
How much does an explainer video cost?
The number one question we hear from people is “how much does an explainer video cost?” For our purposes here, we’re talking about a 60-second animated explainer video, which is typically the most popular offering. As you’d probably expect, you can find a wide range of prices out there, anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000. However, if you’re working with a reputable producer, expect to spend between $5,000 and $10,000. The amount charged depends on a wide variety of factors, including quality of work, customization and detail, experience level, and how busy or “in demand” the producer is.
A lot of people are surprised, even shocked, when they first hear how much an explainer video can cost. But if you don't understand the amount of time and effort that go in to producing one, it's hard to wrap your head around just what your money is buying. So here's a quick run-down (including samples) of the explainer video production process and what happens at each stage.
What is the process for creating an explainer video?
The typical project takes 4-8 weeks to complete and involves 6 stages. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Stage 1: Research and scripting (week 1)
A well written script is the foundation of a great video. But it takes time for writers to fully understand your company, product, or service and synthesize it into 150 words. And don’t forget that each video requires a creative direction and storyline, something that can take time for all parties to agree upon.
Stage 2: Style and illustration (week 1)
In most cases, all of the characters and assets in a video are illustrated by hand, scanned into a computer, digitized, colored and so forth. Some illustrators like to do everything digitally with a tablet. During the style stage, the illustrator will create a few variations of characters and assets to show the client.
Stage 3: Storyboarding (week 2)
With a final script and style in place, the illustrator assembles a storyboard. The storyboard is a static scene-by-scene representation of the video in its final, animated form.
Stage 4: Voiceover (week 3)
Based on the script and storyboard, a professional voice artist will record an audio version of the script. Typically artists provide multiple takes so the sound engineer has options to work with.
Stage 5: Animation (weeks 4-5)
The most time consuming and work-intensive part of the process is the animation. At this point, an animator is taking all of the finished assets, like the illustrations and voiceover, and importing them into a piece of software like Adobe After Effects (AE). Once in AE, the animator spends hours assembling the assets and making each movement just right. There’s no “Auto-Animate” button...yet.
Stage 6: Music and Sound Effects (week 6)
Last but not least, a sound engineer mixes the sound together, including the music, voiceover, and sound effects. Nothing ruins a video like poor sound quality, so never underestimate the importance of a professionally mixed voiceover, music track, and sound effects.
Conclusion
So there you have it. If it seems like a lot of work, it is. And that doesn’t even include the many hours of meetings, calls, emails, revisions, renderings, uploads, and more.
For some other perspectives on explainer video pricing, make sure to check out the blog post from Miguel over at Grumo (includes an average hourly breakdown), along with these answers on Quora.
We want to hear what you think! Does the pricing and timeline surprise you? Have you had a different experience somewhere else? Let us know in the comment section.
Article Source...
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