Character 3D
3D character modeling is a graphic design technique that creates a three-dimensional digital representation of a surface or an object. Artists use specific software, start with a simple shape, and slowly enrich it with more details.
Explainer Video
An explainer video is a short-form video usually used for marketing or sales purposes that highlights a company’s product, service, or business idea in a compelling and efficient way. Most businesses host explainer videos on their landing pages or feature them on the homepage of their website. Some even use these videos to advertise for their product or service on Facebook or other social media websites.
Here are the key elements of an explainer video and what you’ll need to know to create your own.
What Makes a Good Explainer Video?
Every good explainer video has five things in common.
- Short in length: Explainer videos are typically under three minutes, but the best ones are often shorter, between one and two minutes.
- Strong call to action (CTA): Explainer videos should clearly state what they want their intended audience to do after watching.
- Focused on solving a problem: Explainer videos are focused on addressing a specific problem, explaining their product or service, and answering why they’re the solution.
- Match brand and audience: Explainer videos are best when their style and tone match that of the brand, as well as the customer they’re trying to reach.
- High quality: Explainer videos need to be high quality, both in quality of production and quality of content, to effectively communicate a brand’s value proposition.
So how are the best explainer videos able to keep their length short, their quality high, their call to action strong, and their solution simple to understand? They all follow a similar structure.
- What: What’s the audience’s problem?
- How: How will your product or service fix it?
- Why: Why should the audience choose you?
Too often, explainer videos get caught up on the what and the how, and forget to focus on the why. They’re good at explaining a product or service, but not effective at communicating the company’s underlying purpose. In order to effectively communicate the why, your company needs to understand who their target audience is through a video marketing strategy and present a strong underlying mission statement that uniquely connects with their intended audience.
What Type of Explainer Video Should You Make?
In order to create your own explainer video, you first need to decide what type of explainer you want to create. Most explainer videos fall into one of three major categories.
- Animated Explainer Video: The most popular option, animated explainer videos are used most often because of their visual nature and relative ease to create – no extensive productions required. Because of the educational format of an explainer video, animated explainer videos tend to be more visually interesting than a man standing in a room talking. Animated explainer videos range in style and function, but some popular styles include:
- Infographic: These use charts, graphs, and clever iconography to emulate the style of an infographic, while explaining the key features of your business.
- Chalkboard: An overused but popular style of animated explainer video, this style features writing on a chalkboard or whiteboard and is popular because of how easy they are to make.
- Product Simulation: This style features actual screencast footage of your product in action and is most useful as a high-level overview of a software or digital platform.
- Character-Driven: This explainer video uses cute cartoon figures that should represent your prospective customer to tell the story of your product or service and how it can solve your customer’s problems.
- Motion Graphic: Usually 3D-animated, this type of explainer video aims to tell your product or company’s story using representational objects to incite your audience’s imagination with pictures instead of words.
- Live Action Explainer Video: This type of explainer video uses people and objects to explain your company’s product or service. Harder to pull off, but excellent when done well, the live action explainer video requires a lot of creativity to keep things interesting. These explainer videos usually feature a spokesperson who takes the viewer through a visual journey as he or she explains the company’s product and service. They’re often the founder or CEO of the company and focus on highlighting their mission and purpose.
- Crowdfunding Explainer Video: Another popular video style is the crowdfunding explainer video. These explainer videos can be both live action or animated, and often include a combination of the two. Virtually every crowdfunding video is an explainer video by nature, but often run longer as they have to include more information about how they plan to spend the funds raised. When done right, a creative crowdfunding explainer video can make or break a campaign and result in hundreds or even thousands of more dollars raised.
How Do I Create an Explainer Video?
An explainer video follows the same three-step production process that any video production would.
- Pre-production: This is when you come up with your concept, write your script, gather your crew or partner with a video production agency, and plan your shoot or animation.
- Production: This is where you begin animating or start shooting your explainer video.
- Post-production: This is where you edit everything together, record your voiceover, and overlay any music or additional sound effects.
The process is very different depending on whether you’re animating or shooting a live video, so make sure you reach out to a third party video producer or animation studio to help you if you aren’t sure what you’re doing. Many agencies and production houses can help guide you through the process, but make sure you go with a company that specializes in or has created explainer videos before so you don’t get caught up making a Spielberg-level production and paying a heavy price for it.
Explainer videos take a considerable amount of coordination, talent, and skill to pull off. It all starts at the script level, so make sure you get your structure down and work within the five key elements that all good explainer videos have in common. From there, it’s all about picking the style and concept that best fits your company’s brand, mission, and product or service.
If you’re looking for additional resources or support for making your own explainer video, we can help! Reach out today to find out how we can help you with all your explainer video needs.
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https://www.lemonlight.com/blog/what-is-an-explainer-video/
AR
What is the difference between VR, AR and MR
Although they are quite similar, there is some significant difference between the three types of “realities” and how they interact with us humans.
Let’s start with VR – virtual reality can be described in a lot of complicated ways, but maybe the most accurate and straight to the point is this one: VR is an artificial digital environment that completely replaces the real environment or the so-called “real world”. A good metaphor is that the person is submerged in a digitally created world – hearing, vision, and in some cases, even other senses are completely created by a digital device and delivered to the person via a headset in most cases. There are two types of headsets delivering the VR – PC-connected and standalone.
After VR comes AR – the augmented reality is quite popular these days, but many people don’t make the difference between AR and VR. The main difference is that AR is “layered” on top of the real world. That can have many shapes and forms, but the most common ones are videos, images, and other interactive data types. It won’t be wrong to say that AR can be used to enrich the real-world experience of the user. Another key differentiation between AR and VR is that for the augmented reality, you don’t necessarily need a headset. AR can be delivered through smart glasses, headsets, AND portable devices such as our smartphones.
And now comes the time to explain MR – the mixed reality (also known as hybrid reality). The main difference between MR and the other two is that the mixed reality works with and is anchored to the real world. We can look at MR as an advanced type of augmented reality. The main difference is that the digital objects created in the real world are capable of real-time interactions with the environment and the user. There is a significant difference in the devices used for the creation of MR. Most of the time, they are holographic devices (headsets with translucent glasses) or immersive devices (instead of glass, they use cameras to let the user be aware of the surrounding environment). After we know what is similar and what is different between the three types of “realities”, now it is time to take a look at…
How are AR, VR, and MR increasing results for the different industries, and what are the real-world applications of those types of technologies?
Let’s take a look at some statistics so we can gain perspective about the enormous power of AR & VR. One of our favourite examples is from none other but the aviation industry. An industry that can’t afford mistakes. An industry in which neglecting a small detail can be fatal for hundreds of persons. In aircraft manufacturing, one of the leading companies has implemented AR’s power to achieve a stunning decrease of the time for the inspection of already built components by 96%. Yes, the digit is correct – after including the AR technology in their workflow, the inspection time was reduced from 36 hours to only 90 minutes. Of course, this is quite an extreme example, but a decrease of at least 25% is something typical for the manufacturing industry.
An interesting fact is that AR actually can provide something similar to X-ray vision. That is really helpful in the education industry, but not only. This type of implementation of AR was used by a company from the healthcare niche to reduce human mistakes by 45% when taking blood samples. The innovative company decided to “project” a map of the patient’s veins onto his forearm so the medical personnel can take the blood sample much easier. The same aircraft company from earlier decided to leverage the power of AR not only for the manufacturing process but also in the education of the new company recruits. They used AR to let the new trainees assemble an aircraft wing with 30 parts and 50 necessary steps. The results were a decrease of 35% less used time and an astonishing 90% success rate with persons that are doing the task for the first time.
Mixed Reality is currently implemented by one of the world’s biggest technological giants and operation system manufacturers to scale their well-known communication app. With the help of a VR set, you can pick up calls and interact with colleagues all around the world without the limits of the physical world. That gives the potential of a way more sophisticated communication that is not interrupted by the limitations of physical barriers like distance.
Other companies are using AR and/or VR models to present their products in ways that are incomparably more efficient than the standard boring presentations. That is especially useful in segments like real-estate and tourism. For example, a worldwide furniture manufacturer started using AR a few years ago to promote their products effectively and in an immersive way. This strategy is also very potent when it comes to real estate sales. But when it comes to tourism – the benefits are limitless. With VR, you can experience the comfort of even the furthest hotel in the world and be well informed on what you can expect when you arrive at your target destination. That puts an end to the miscommunication between hoteliers and customers and actually benefits both sides.
When we talk about AR and real-world consumers, there is one very special niche. The restaurants and their augmented reality menus. Maybe the scale of the improvement in other areas like manufacturing, for example, is greater, but when it comes to AR menus – there is something special! In our opinion, the special ingredient is hidden in the transformation. We love to see how AR menus are transforming the experience of the customers. The restaurants leveraging the augmented reality’s immersive power are providing the chance for their lucky clientele to experience the menu. This situation fascinates us because it demonstrates how AR is not just a special feature reserved only for big corporations. With the use of AR menus, we can observe a change in the dynamic between a brand and its direct customer. These types of menus are removing old and boring menus and replacing them with an interactive experience. The visitor is no longer staring at a simple two-dimensional printed piece of paper. He can witness the “preparation” of his meal (in the form of an AR video) or can view a 3D model of his desired dish right in front of his eyes.
Actually, the improvement in communication is not only reserved for occasions such as a restaurant visit or similar type of events. No, the AR, VR, and hopefully, the MR will soon be a part of our everyday life. We believe that in the future, communication and content consumption will evolve. For us, when the AR and VR content becomes more easily available, it will become the standard. This is our greatest desire and fuels our souls with the passion needed to continue generating valuable content and ready-to-be-implemented solutions.
Besides our personal aspirations and dreams, there is another reason that almost guarantees the leading place when it comes to communication and content. We are talking about the way our brain works. Actually, our brain uses images and plays us short movies when he is thinking about something. Our grey matter doesn’t use written words or flat two-dimensional images. No, our brains are using vivid 3D images and movies, and this is exactly what AR, VR, and MR are built from. The big deal here is that this type of communication or content consumption is decreasing the cognitive load in the users. On the other hand, the two-dimensional pieces of information are increasing the cognitive load of our brains. In the case of the written information, it first has to be transcoded to auditory input (words), then assimilated by our brain, and after that, the need to decode those words to real images or “videos” is still present in the processing line. With AR and VR, this is almost completely avoided.
Before the end of the article, we, of course, need to mention another area that soon would be completely transformed by the raising of the AR and VR tech.
Sales and marketing will go through a revolution
One of the reasons is that it is crucial for the end client to experience as little as possible mental strain and cognitive load when it comes to decisions. And what technology reduces the cognitive strain AND can be useful for advertising companies and digital marketing professionals? Yes, you guessed it right – the augmented and virtual realities. And if we talk about sales – there is another big transformation around the corner. The powerful AR is redefining the concept of showrooms and how the products are presented to the customers. With the help of the very realistic real-time presentation of the desired product, every customer can make a well-informed decision and have his expectations met by the final product delivered to him.
With this final insight about the power of AR and VR in the realm of marketing, we are just scratching the surface. All of the potentials for growth with AR and VR’s help is yet to be explored by digital marketing agencies and insightful business leaders.
For now, we hope that we were able to shine a little more light onto the countless possibilities that augmented, virtual and mixed realities are already providing us and will provide in the foreseeable future. For more interesting articles on these topics, stay in touch with us and please take a look at our other resources.
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https://techinnovations.info/why-every-organization-needs-an-augmented-reality-strategy/?gclid=CjwKCAiA-dCcBhBQEiwAeWidtcewb6v-_0zGEMgj35F-LhdzK8u9BGzOW8TheheN_VKSiyx4DAvuExoCjXcQAvD_BwE
Video Mapping
what is video mapping and what makes it so special?
Video mapping is the next exciting step in delivering bespoke visual content. It involves transforming the interior or exterior surfaces of an object, such as a building, into a surface for video projection. A versatile and intriguing technology, effective video mapping can create incredible visuals full of colour and fluidity. Through the process, static objects can come alive.
So what exactly is video mapping? What makes it so special? And what benefits does it guarantee? Here’s what you need to know.
- What is video mapping?
- The benefits of video mapping
- Powerful examples of amazing video mapping
- Things to remember when using video mapping
what is video mapping?
The process is simple. It involves the use of a virtual program to spatially map a 2D surface or 3D object.
This virtual program mimics the surface that is to be projected on. The software then interacts with a projector, allowing it to fit any image onto that surface.
Even though the process is only recently being explored and capitalised upon, it’s actually been around for a while. In 1969, Disney featured video mapping in their Haunted Mansion ride, projecting video of singing heads onto busts and animating them for delighted onlookers.
So why should you be considering video mapping?
the benefits of video mapping
Video mapping isn’t about making your audience believe the content is there. It’s not about convincing someone. Video mapping is about delighting them. It can add extra dimensions to both the displayed content and an environment. It’s much more engaging to project video onto a building rather than displaying on a screen.
Video mapping isn’t just about dimensions, it’s also about engaging your audience. But what other benefits does it provide?
- It’s immersive. When environments come alive, the distance between an audience and what they’re watching disappears. They find themselves inside your brand experience.
- It’s bespoke. You choose the event. You choose the images. You choose the surface for projection.
- Projection is easy to transport and setup. There’s no need for complicated sets here, just light. And light is weightless.
- It reduces event setup price. Rather than hiring a huge screen, why not hire a projector and use a building?
- It saves time. There is no need to decorate entire surfaces for an event.
- It bypasses venue-specific problems. Poor access, small doors, low ceilings – you can sidestep all of these issues with video mapping.
It’s also often combined with audio to create some sort of narrative, be it for advertorial or exhibition purposes.
While the process is impressive, the result of video mapping is to emphasise your brand. During an event, your message can alter, change, and stay fresh for all those attending.
With this technology, you no longer need to relegate your branding to static content. Think of projecting a dynamic logo onto a wall at your next event and see how the atmosphere changes.
powerful examples of amazing video mapping experiences
Here are some examples of incredible video mapping, and how it can be used to create intensely beautiful, dynamic and vivid experiences that audiences will be unable to forget.
‘box’
In this video, robotics company Bot & Dolly explore ‘the synthesis of real and digital space through projection-mapping on moving surfaces.’ The short performance is comprised of five sections and showcases how video mapping can push aesthetic boundaries.
‘interconnection’
This example of sterling video mapping shows how even an incredibly complex piece of architecture can turn into a surface for projection. Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament turns into a space which explores ‘the interconnectedness of all things, the micro and the macro, the outer and the inner universe.’
‘vans video mapping projection’
This creative example shows how a custom-created surface can be used to project images onto, allowing something like a brand like to really come alive during an event. It’s a brilliant idea that attracts new visitors to your event.
things to remember when using video mapping
Consider how you’ll implement the process. Are you going to do it yourself or would your event be better suited to hiring a professional team? This is relevant to what kind of event or experience you’ll offer.
When choosing a video mapping specialist to work with, consider these variables:
- What range of video mapping do they offer?
- What are their credentials?
- Can they deliver on time?
- Do they have a quality product?
A very important consideration is content. A successful video mapping project will contain high-quality digital images that are relevant to the project goal. Images or video should be bespoke, designed specifically so that something unique and visually impressive can be experienced.
Your visual content needs to reinforce your message. There needs to be a key theme or message to focus on. Both video mapping and your event need an artistic vision for them to cooperatively create a memorable experience.
The best results are achieved when professionals work closely with event organisers on this vision. A blank canvas is rendered pointless if you lack the technical skill and artistic focus to create something enchanting.
Finally, if you decide to project onto a building, you need to consider the legality of the project.
enchant an audience at your next event
Video mapping pushes the boundaries of how marketing, advertising, exhibitions and other messages are delivered. It’s a whole new world of visually-stirring possibilities.
But a whole new world comes with a whole new line of questioning. What types of video mapping are there? What are the benefits of video mapping compared to standard print? How can you implement large scale video mapping for your business?
Here’s a guide which answers those questions and covers all things video mapping.
Click below to gain acce
Animation
Animation is a method by which still figures are manipulated to appear as moving images. In traditional animation, images are drawn or painted by hand on transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed and exhibited on film. Today, most animations are made with computer-generated imagery (CGI).
Illustration
An illustration is a decoration, interpretation or visual explanation of a text, concept or process, designed for integration in print and digital published media, such as posters, flyers, magazines, books, teaching materials, animations, video games and films. An illustration is typically created by an illustrator. Digital illustrations are often used to make websites and apps more user-friendly, such as the use of emojis to accompany digital type.llustration also means providing an example; either in writing or in picture form
Creative Direction
What is creative direction?
Creative direction is the branch of brand development that deals with the concepts around a brand. It’s the ideas that become a reality in the form of logos, advertising campaigns, marketing materials and more. It can be hard to define because rather than being one thing, it’s a combination of many elements, including:
- Art – the visuals of the brand, how it looks
- Design – applying the principles of graphic design to your concept
- Strategy – how your concept affects your audience and changes the perception of your brand
As a practical example, think of a world-famous brand like Coca-Cola. Over years and decades, it’s creative direction that has come up with the red can, the distinctive logo and its iterations over the years, its Christmas ads that run every year. All the individual pieces of branding, marketing and advertising that Coca-Cola does will all fit with its creative direction.
However, creative direction is not just for big brands like Coke. From a design for a flyer, to a new logo, to a total redesign of a website, it works better when you have an overarching concept in play.
What does a creative director do?
A creative director is usually in charge of this aspect of brand development. They will run the process of formulating the concept for the brand and its marketing. They will also oversee its implementation, ensuring consistency and that any variations are still ‘on brand’. They will generally oversee the art director, who will look after the visuals for the brand.
Why you need creative direction
As mentioned before, the world’s biggest and most successful companies have used creative direction over long periods of time to build a brand and connect with their audience on a massive scale. It would not have been possible to do this without it. Without a winning concept behind their brand, their visual presence and marketing activity would be disjointed and inconsistent.
Even smaller businesses will find benefits from taking a more strategic, thoughtful approach to their branding. Whether it’s the consistent use of a colour that makes your audience think in a certain way (dark blue is associated with professionalism and trust, for example), or a strapline that you can use across your site and marketing materials, you can make creative direction work for you.
How to do creative direction
It’s hard to be your own creative director, because of the training and experience you need in design and strategy. However, if you want to get deep into the concepts of your brand, here are some questions you should think about:
- Who are your customers? – What sorts of people buy your product? Your creative concept must directly appeal to them.
- What do you want your customers to think about you? – What do you want to tell your audience about your business? Are you a forward-looking, modern business, or homely and nostalgic? Your art and design can sow these seeds in your audience’s mind.
- What are your long-term aims? – You want to sell more products, but you may have other goals, such as repositioning your company at the upper end of the market.
If you need some expert help, it’s time to talk to March.
Case Study: Creative Direction for The Healthy Back Bag
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https://marchbranding.com/expertise/creative-direction/
What is Motion Design?
Motion design sits at the busy intersection of graphic design, animation and filmmaking. Inextricably linked to technology, the discipline of motion design is constantly evolving, adapting to emerging media while pushing the boundaries of storytelling and communication.
Bring to the table win-win survival strategies to ensure proactive domination. Creative approaches to corporate strategy foster collaborative thinking to further increase the success of the campaign.
Social Media Motion Strategy Branding
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcEuIgj53hc