medianiche: TGIF

medianiche: TGIF

TGIF

Thank God Its Freeware available. Thank you once again to all the authors that contribute to Freeware, you guys help us all in the computer community. So my contributor(s) of the week is Serif PagePlus SE, Desktop Publishing software. Create layouts, business cards, newsletters, flyers, cd/dvd labels, etc... Without having to spend the big bucks you would for commercial software... PagePlus comes with a Quickstart guide and tutorials. If you need a desktop publishing tool, give it a try it... http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/

FREE(Friday Eve) Design & Fonts

You ever see a Font that makes you say "WOW"? I just have to use it only later to find out it's not compatible with your project. The reason, fonts have a life of their own....

Fonts can either make your advertising or break it... The Font you use sets the tone... Whatever your tone of voice - the way you speak to the audience - the typography should match. A couple things to consider when picking a font:

1. The height of the body of the letter, this is called the x-height.
2. The spacing of the letters around the page, or margins.
3. Consider where the ad will go, web, inside or outside.
4. Compare several fonts’ side-by-side.

Fonts have personalities; make sure your font complements your design.

Hump Day Inspired Creativity

My inspiration of the day is a layout done by Jerico Santander. As I was blogging, I came across a blog that had some interesting layouts from various designers. This layout in particular really caught my eye, the creativity and imagination is awesome. I like the outside the box thinking of these artist. "Dare to be Inspired"!

Multimedia Mania - Media 101

Last week I gave a few ideas on starting a Media Department/Ministry... a quick recap.

1. Identify Volunteers 2. Vision 3. Implementing a CD Ministry
For more details please see Part 1 below.

This week I'll discuss labels and covers, What should be on them?
A picture of speaker, title, website, contact information, address (not always necessary) and last but probably the most often over-looked is the "logo and branding". Branding - How important is it? Consumers bond with a brand; relationships are formed for a lifetime.
A few examples, Nike - Just Do It, Sprite - Obey Your Thirst and President Barack Obama - Yes We Can. All these brands are:
1. Memorable 2. Relatable 3. Creative
So, if you don't have a Brand... Addressed ASAP!

TGIF

Thank God Its Freeware available. Thank you to all the authors that contribute to Freeware, you guys help us all in the computer community. So my contributor(s) of the week is www.ccmag.com and www.christianvideomag.com both magazines are produce by the same parent company. One magazine aimed toward the Computing Community and the other the Video Community. I enjoy the reviews, the guest writers and the insightful articles, giving you the latest in Video and Computing. The subscriptions are free, sign up today for monthly emails of invaluable information or visit their sites to download/print a pdf version of the magazine.

Color Design

I am dedicating myself to reading some type of a design, advertising, or business book a month along with something computer related. I have to admit I have some catching up with the reading part. Anyway, I have a big issue with colors. I know I am in the majority with color coordination problems, so I was very appreciative when I came across a color scheme in an advertising book I’m reading now. I know we have all seen this many times before but I liked the simplicity of this one. So here we go, back to 2nd grade again, the infamous "Colorwheel".
The complementary colors are any color that is opposite another color. Primary colors: Yellow, Red and Blue. Secondary colors: Orange, Green and Violet. Now let's get to creating some create designs. If we could only figure out what "Fonts" to use?

Inspired Creativity

Yesterday, I watched the Inauguration on my computer. The commercials and trailers I viewed had awesome animation and graphics. I became inspired to try some new things, to be more creative with my designs. Let’s challenge ourselves to think outside the box when creating designs. Try new fonts and colors, you never know? "Dare to be Inspired"! Pull the magic out of the hat!

Multimedia Mania

Where to begin? Confused with so much out there? Coordinating a Multimedia Team for your local Church? or Just interested in "Multimedia? I am here to give you a "Multimedia Cheat Sheet".

Assemble a team of volunteers, seek those that want to learn, my motto "Attitude first, Skill can be taught"! I suggest starting with a CD Ministry with a 3 – 6 month goal – vision of where you would like to be… Keep in mind you are working on a shoe-string budget at the moment… I would suggest purchasing a CD Recorder and a CD/DVD burner; if this is not possible, plenty of freeware recording software is available; my recommendation is "Audacity". It's been around for some time and although there’s not a complete guide on their website, do a Google search you will find a full tutorial as well as YouTube videos to assist. Ensure the computer being used has CD/DVD Authoring capabilities, with this being said whatever sound you get during recording is the quality that will be on the CD. Please ask around or seek an Audio professional for assistance. No matter how great the graphics of your covers and labels, if the sound is terrible you can forget repeat business, imagine going to the movies and the sound was muffled or popping in the speakers. Exactly, you would want a refund! Word of mouth will grow or close your business.

Labels and covers... There is a ton to choose from, experience a few Memorex, Avery, Staples are few all in one applications. Use the brand that is most comfortable for all. One piece of advice to remember, 'Have as much done ahead of time as possible'!

Information/questions please leave a comment with email address and I will attempt to answer all questions. Please share your Multimedia experiences.