I think I’m heading for a breakdown – A breakdown of our creative content for the rest of this year! The content listed below is indicative only – There will be plenty more added along the way. See our next post for September through December.
February: Image editing
We’re starting you off gently this month as our focus falls on image editing. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, social media marketer or educator, at some point you will need to edit digital images.
Alongside recommended reading, practical photo projects and even a sprinkling of Polaroid loveliness…
Our explainer workflows for image editing will include:
- Get started with Gimp, PaintShop Pro and PhotoShop
- Open an existing image, make simple edits (E.g. Resize and crop) and save the image. (Different workflows will be demonstrated for each of the software apps).
We’ll also be including a number of practical projects to put your skills to the test!
This month’s workflows are best suited to BEGINNERS and those wanting to REFRESH their skills. We’ll give you a heads-up for how to download the relevant software later this month.
March: Video production and editing
This month we turn our attention to video production, where we’ll be creating short video sequences of various types. If you’ll be creating video explainers, short stories, documentaries or news pieces for your work, join us for essential workflows using free and paid software.
Our explainer workflows for video production and editing will include:
- Create and export a simple video sequence using the free software SHOTCUT, Vegas Pro or Adobe Premiere
- Add transitions, titles and audio tracks to a sequence
- Download free stock video clips from pixabay.
Practical projects will include making a short documentary about Stonehenge.
This month’s workflows are best suited to BEGINNERS and those wanting to REFRESH their skills. We’ll give you a heads-up for how to download the relevant software later this month.
April: Creative EdTech (Educational Technology)
This month we’ll be diving into the world of creative edtech. If you work in education you’ll know there’s an abundance of platforms available to help you make your sessions more digitally interactive. You’ll be surprised just how creative you can get with app or browser based creative solutions! If you’re an educator (or hoping to be!) this month will be essential reading for you 🙂
Our explainer workflows for creative educational technology will include:
- Create an online virtual gallery and add your students’ creative works
- Create a virtual 360 tour for your students to navigate
- Create a whiteboard animation to engage your students
- Create and deploy simple elearning content using Rise
- Create and deploy elearning content using Storyline
This month’s workflows are pitched at BEGINNER to INTERMEDIATE level. We’ll give you a heads-up for how to download the relevant software later this month.
May: Motion graphics with Adobe After Effects
You know the cool, short animated intros YouTubers use? They’re motion graphics. The animated panel that gives you the name of a TV presenter or interviewee? That’s a lower third motion graphic. TV channel idents? They’re motion graphics!
Our explainer workflows for getting up and running with motion graphics will include:
- Open After Effects and create a new composition
- Download FREE motion graphics files and open them in After Effects
- Edit existing compositions to change text and colours
- Render animations as video files (with and without an alpha channel)
- Review professional-level plug-ins available for After Effects
This month’s workflows are best suited to INTERMEDIATE digital software users. After Effects is industry-standard software and you’ll find it easier if you already have knowledge of image editors and video editors. A free trial is available from Adobe.
June: Animating still images using 2d and 3d techniques
It’s time to bring our photos to life! We’ll be using Vegas Pro and After Effects to apply a range of techniques. If you don’t know your Ken Burns from your 3d depth mapping you’ll find this month illuminating 🙂 We’ll be reviewing the development of animation effects across film, TV and music videos, and our practical workflows will include:
- Create a pan and zoom effect in Vegas Pro
- Create 2d vector-based animations for water and smoke
- Create a 3d animated portrait using an After Effects plug-in
This month’s workflows are best suited to INTERMEDIATE users. In particular, After Effects is industry-standard software and you’ll find it easier to use if you already have knowledge of image editors and video editors.
We’ll have ONE-OFF workflows to enjoy over the summer season before we return to monthly themes in September. See our next post for the breakdown for September to Christmas!
