Monthly Archives: July 2009

Unreasonably Easy Action Movie 3D Text in Cinema 4D

Jul 13
09
Posted by Andrew Davies

(Beginner’s Level )

Some time back I had the opportunity to create some artwork for an indie film shot by Epic Image Entertainment’s, Justin Lutsky. The  idea was to create something that looked big budget Hollywood circa 1990’s Action movie, but the director needed us to turn things around REALLY quickly.  So, of course, I turned to my go-to 3D software for all things awesome: Cinema4D.  I’d been introduced to the world of C4D last year when looking for a simple program to create some 3D text for an album cover I was working on, and since then I’ve been constantly amazed at the results you can achieve in a short space of time, and with a very shallow learning curve.

So here’s the equation:

theequation1

The Step by Step follows…

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Categories: Graphic Design, Tutorials
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5 Reasons you’re probably scared of Social Media

Jul 06
09
Posted by Andrew Davies

scared1

(Image from sxc.hu.com)

The game has changed for marketers. I know, I know,  that’s become a cliche statement by now, but it bears repeating since the rate at which the game is changing  (or has changed depending on how you look at it) hasn’t really allowed some of us the time to stop and take a look at how drastically things’ve… well… changed.

For the early-adopters out there the new media landscape is exciting. But for some of us more cautious-adopters (I prefer that to” late bloomers”) and those stuck in the traditional, out-bound, 1 directional, disruptive marketing frame of mind, it can be a bit daunting and sometimes downright scary. But Why?  Well this post is my way, as a designer who’s hearing these concerns ,  of commiserating with any marketers, and brand custodians who’ve been apprehensive about this new social media whoosy-whatsit.

At the end of the day, I think  it boils down to a  couple of reasons:

1. You’re not in complete control - your users are.
2. The Rules of Engagement are evolving, quickly and constantly.
3. It takes a lot of Commitment.
4. The priorities are different.
5. It feels invasive.

Let me explain…

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Categories: Blogging, Marketing, social media
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Guess this website

Jul 03
09
Posted by Andrew Davies

This isn’t a trick question. This is either an example of a company’s superb confidence in the public’s awareness of their brand, or a lil’ slip up due to arrogance. When I asked a few friends to guess the site, some guessed right away which lead me to think this company had a really good grasp of how to identify themselves, even without using their logo, tagline or colors. But others were confused by the lack of a clear mark. (Don’t get me started on some of the eCommerce usability problems I see here).

This screenshot hasn’t been retouched by the way. So see if you can guess.

(Click the image to see it up close)

picture-1


Categories: Branding, Marketing, eCommerce Design
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Rick Smolan Tells The Story of a Girl

Jul 01
09
Posted by Susan Isaacs

With a number of close photographer friends I have a real respect for their ability to tell engaging stories with their work. While on TED not long ago, I came across this beautiful story told by photographer Rick Smolan, of an Amerasian girl he photographed, and her resulting journey to a better life.

We all have those moments when we can choose to lend our efforts and resources to improve someone else’s situation. He moved from being simply an observer to trying to make a difference. What I love about this story is that their encounter not only changed her life, but you can tell how much it also affected him.

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Categories: Inspiration
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