Music Video

Overview

For this project, we were to create a video based off a real music video. We chose "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. I was the editor, Aidan was the director, Brady was the cinematographer, and Seth was the art director.

Process

We decided to film in the green screen room in order to key out the background layer. Our group ended up using all the help we had and assigned certain people to a role in the video. We also used the tools we had in the room to create the panning shots. After about 2 hours of filming, we called it a wrap.

What I Learned

I learned a ton from this project. First of all, I became more familiar with using the DSLR camera and tripod. And second, I became more comfortable with Adobe Premiere as well. I learned how to use the echo effect, which makes the people in the video look wavy. It turned out to be really cool, and somewhat similar to the original music video.

Improvement & Next Time

The only negative feedback we received were our costumes. Mr. Cooper suggested we go to a thrift store and get disco 70s clothes to match the theme. So, next time, we'll do just that.

Overall

I think our group did a really great job on this project. We varied the shots, which made the video more interesting to watch. We also closely replicated the original video, although not exactly. Overall, I'm proud of what our group created and am looking forward to the next project.

Semester Graphic Design Reflection

Fall Racoon & Postcard

The project was to create a raccoon using the tools in Illustrator. It took about two to three weeks to finish the entire raccoon and its background. Certain tools in Illustrator were often challenging and difficult to work with, being the hardest part of the project. I learned about new tools and how to create certain shapes and I was given feed back on my postcard. I ended up changing the text in the snowman postcard to say, "And a Happy New Year!". I was really pleased with this project; especially the postcard aspect of it. 

Chiefs Infographic

The project was to create an infographic on a certain topic, using the tools in Adobe Illustrator. I chose to compare to Chiefs players. It took about two to three weeks to make the whole design as well. I had to update the stats every week, so you could say that might be challenging. The hardest part, in my opinion, was cutting the players out in Adobe Photoshop. I learned more about Photoshop, though, and also got more familiar with the tools in Illustrator and what an impact a non-computer based font has on the overall design. I was given feedback on my arrange of the player's names and positions, so I switched them around, making it look better. I really enjoyed this project and I feel like my design is simple, yet informative and right to the point.

Vector Portrait

And finally, for this project we were to create a vector of ourselves using the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator.  It took about three weeks to complete. Some of the challenges I faced were in making the hair (especially) and making the shadows (around my neck). I learned more about the pen tool and also learned that making a vector is not an easy task. I wasn't given much feedback, but I did add a gray background to make the design pop out. I liked this design because it looks clean. The process was a long one, but the final result was what I wanted.

Time Management

I feel like I have used my time in class effectively, as I usually finish the project somewhat early. I used the extra time to create each Behance cover photo and mockup to make my profile look great. I stayed after school at least three days to finish my vector design, so I feel like that built my skills and helped me to finish on the deadline. 

Strength

I am definitely better at some tools than I am others in Illustrator. I am also more familiar with Illustrator than Photoshop, so that has definitely helped my designs. I like to be simplistic, so I feel like that is a good strength to have when it comes to design. I maximize these strengths by carefully creating my Behance portfolio to look clean and simple.

Weakness

Some of the areas needing improvement would definitely be the use of Photoshop. I'm not very familiar with it (although we completed tutorials at the beginning of the year). To improve this weakness, I used Photoshop in my infographic project to create pngs of the players.

Summary

The best thing about this semester was easily the infographic. We got to choose our topic, so that made it more enjoyable. I also liked trying to create a design similar to what you see on ESPN or SportsCenter. One thing I would change is the raccoon postcard. I would work to make the tree look more realistic. Also, the original raccoon background could stand some work. I could have created a tree or something to place next to the raccoon. The number one thing I learned this semester would be the use of outside fonts to create your design. I mean, I can TELL if someone using a computer generated font for their design. I made sure to use unique fonts in all of my projects. One goal for next semester would be to get more familiar with Photoshop, integrating the photos I get from it into my design. I enjoyed the projects we did this semester, and can't wait to see what's next.

ONW Now Sophomore Edition

 

Overview

For this project, we were to create an ONW Now news segment as a sophomore journalism class. We were split into two teams and were assigned roles. I was a part of the production team, which was in charge of the lower thirds, graphics, intro, and outro. 

Process

For our intro, I decided on the theme of "The Office", a popular sitcom. We were assigned characters and filmed almost all of the intro in class. The next day, I went outside in cold, cold weather and filmed the opening shots of the school. In editing, I modeled of "The Office"'s intro and made it somewhat similar. I used graphics at the end to show that it was a sophomore edition. 

What I Learned

I learned about creating an effective intro and became more familiar with Adobe Premiere regarding graphics. I also worked with others to create each shot, modeling of "The Office" intro. Finally, I had a different experience using handheld for the camera, as that was the style in "The Office". 

Improvement and Next Time

I could have used a better font or color corrected some of the shots better. I also could have included shots of everyone (even though I listed them at the end). For next time, I will spend more time color correcting and on fonts/graphics. 

Overall

I think we did quite well in creating an effective and fun intro. I think it really captured what video class is all about: learning and having fun. I will continue to build on my Premiere skills throughout the year as well!

Power 50 Feature Story

Overview

For this project, we were to film a feature story outside of our class. My group chose Power 50, a new program at our school. We interviewed two people: Mr. Cooper and Quintin Talbert. They talked about their experiences with Power 50 and how it's going to look in the long run.

Process

During Power 50, I went around and filmed several locations where students were eating. Later on, we used a mic to interview Quintin, who gave us insight about experiencing Power 50 as a student. We also Mr. Cooper to give a teacher point of view. In editing, I made J and L edits, overlaying the b-roll over both interviews. I also added voiceovers between soundbytes. Finally, I did a little color correcting on darker shots.

What I Learned

I learned about framing the shots and got better and interviewing someone. I also got more comfortable with Adobe Premiere and learned how to make out story by using voiceovers. Finally, I used the delayed lead and ending to begin and end the feature story.

Improvement and Next Time

I could have shot more b-roll and closeups, as well as ask more questions while interviewing. For next time, I will remember the delayed leads and parts of a feature story to make the next one even better than the last!

Overall

I feel like we did a pretty good job this time around. Definitely better than the last feature story. I will use the knowledge I acquired this time about feature stories and implement it in my future projects!

Feature Story

Overview

For this project we were to interview a member of our group. The objective was to get them to tell a story, because everyone in ONW has a story to tell. We chose Brian as our interviewee, and he talked about his experience in transferring to Olathe Northwest.

Process

We were allowed to use a mic this time, so Brian strapped it into his t-shirt and we were ready to shoot. He was placed by the main stairs. We adjusted the white balance and made sure the audio was good. Shelby asked him a series of questions relating to Olathe Northwest and e-Communication. Once I put it on Adobe Premiere, I made sure to overlay several different b-roll shots on top of Brian's interviews. I didn't do any color correcting this time.

What I Learned

I learned a lot about interviews. As the interviewer, you should get to know and listen to the person you are interviewing. You should also make sure the audio levels are correct and that the interviewee is placed according to the rule of thirds. Adobe Premiere was also easier to work with and navigate through.

Improvement

I could make some of the b-roll shots shorter as well as brighten up the clips that we were interviewing Brian. We could also shoot some more b-roll and add voiceovers between Brian's soundbites.

Next Project

I will definitely use these new skills I've acquired from this project for the next feature story. The rule of thirds and b-roll are just two of the many things I could implement into the next project for an even better product.

Overall

All in all, I feel that we did pretty good. I think that we got enough b-roll to get by which allowed the video to be more interesting. Brian was also easy to interview so it allowed us to get great soundbites. I can't wait for the next feature story!

Photoshop Reflection

Overview

For this project, we were to use photoshop for various different designs. Some included deleting objects from a picture, and some included adding objects to a picture. We went through a series of tutorial videos and created several different designs. I learned how to navigate through the different layers, use the marquee and magic wand tool, and also use adjustment layers to edit the final photo.

What Did I Learn?

I learned that, by putting a certain layer on top of the others, it would show up on top of the final photo. Also, renaming the initial layer "Layer 0" changed its settings from a background layer to a normal layer where you could edit at will. This became very important later on in the design, as I would need to edit that exact layer. I also learned about the magic wand tool, which came in handy quite often. To use it, you would click on a certain object you wanted to select and it would "magically" select it based off the smart selection. At that point, I would be able to edit that object and move it around. Finally, I learned about the adjustment layers. You could change the color, brightness, saturation, etc. of the specific layer. This became important because it added contrast and made the photo better looking overall.

Favorite Tool

Magic wand. All the way. This tool pretty much does all the work for you! Let me explain why it will be useful later on: if I am working on a project that requires me to mask out the rest of the background but keep the center object, I will just select the object with the magic wand tool instead of selecting it by hand. It is that easy!

Strengths/Weaknesses

My strengths would include navigating through the layers and using the magic wand tool. However, I found it somewhat difficult to edit an individual layer as well as find everything Photoshop (tools, panels, etc.). I definitely think once I become more familiar with the program I will remember where everything is at.

Different/Same

One thing I would do differently is make the edge (above) cleaner where the sky meets the father's head because it looks a little dark compared to the rest of the sky. I would also make the blue shirt (above) cleaner because it still looks a little rough after removing the logo. Some things I could stand to keep the same are the removal of the logo on the surfboard, removal of dots on the white wall (with the man to the right of the picture) and removal of the flecks of mud on the kid's face (left above). The removals don't take away from the photo and actually add more to it in a sense. The photos look cleaner and more professional with the adjustments.

Summary

Overall, I think the course went pretty well, although I had a few problems with photoshop along the way. I think the designs could use some improvement but the general idea is there. We are also given the task to create a design using five or so images and this is what I came up with:

Procedures Video

Overview

The objective of the project was to create a video highlighting procedures of some sort. We were to create a 30 second to a minute video. I worked with Dylan and Jake to create a video about what and what not to do in Mr. Cooper's class.

Process

First, we created a storyboard with the different shots, mostly of which were over the shoulder. The idea was to make a shot of what NOT to do in Mr. Cooper's class, and then another very similar shot glorifying what TO do in Mr. Cooper's class. We grabbed a camera and started shooting right a way in the sound room with the soundboard. We were able to shoot every scene in a timely manner, adjusting the white balance and iris along the way. Then, post-production was next. I used Adobe Premiere Pro to edit the 1 minute video. I placed an X on the shots of what NOT to do, and a check mark on what TO do. I also did a little color grading and brightened the video up a bit. The video took 16 minutes to render!

I Learned.

I learned how to use the white balance settings on the camera as well as the iris. I also learned about zooming in on the Panasonic camera. The real gain of the project was that I got more comfortable with Adobe Premiere. I was able to find all the effects and sift through the project timeline easier than  last year. I worked with Dylan and Jake, so we all came up with suggestions along the way to improve the shots (i.e. what if we did this?).

Improvement

Some things to stay the same in the video would be the music and the sound effects as well as the graphics because they add to the story. As for improvement, I could have used a tripod to stabilize the shots. I was trying to go for more of a sitcom type of camera movement, but this is not what the project was asking for. I could also brighten up the shots more and could stand to not zoom in but instead have several more different shots. 

Next Project

I will use the added skills I have acquired from using Adobe Premiere for the next project I have. I will also use a tripod as well as spend more time on the storyboard. Finally, I will draw up more shots to make the next video more interesting. 

Overall

I feel like we did a pretty good job.... or at least for our first video. There are definitely things to be improved upon though. One major thing would be the use of a tripod, as well as more storyboarding. I look forward to the next project and can't wait to get started!