by Ydraw | Dec 5, 2013 | video
Can We create an Explainer video Using other peoples artwork?
Great question.. and one that we get asked a lot. The answer is…AB-SO-LUTELY.
Client Sample sent to Ydraw
The other day a client came to us and asked us if we could put together a video using his artist’s work instead of using one of our Ydraw artists to create the video layout. It was important that the scenes could be matched perfectly once it was recorded under camera. Before we even received the sample, we knew that not only was our artist capable of the task, but he would make the video amazing! Well, needless to say, our client was more than happy with the results.
Here at Ydraw we know that there are lots of talented artists outside of our ‘Ydraw Bubble’. We understand if your mom is the most incredible artist you know, and you want her to create the artwork for your video. We aren’t even offended by that! We welcome clients who give us the opportunity of duplicating other artist’s work. We find it uniquely challenging, and quite frankly, refreshing.
In Ydraw’s past, we have done numerous videos for clients that fall into this category. All of these videos have turned out amazing and our clients have always been happy with the results.
So, if you’re worried that Ydraw might not be capable of recreating or duplicating artwork that you bring to us.. DON’T! Check out the sample we received from a client and the video sample above to see what we can do.
Here at Ydraw, we are always open to trying new things and doing whatever we can to make your finished video look exactly like you wanted it to.
Let us know if you have any questions or comments for us here at Ydraw.
+Haley Zitting
by Ydraw | Nov 27, 2013 | video
Silhouettes in Drawing
One of the important principles in good drawing is the silhouette. If a drawing can be blacked-in so that all you see is the shape, and the image is still readable and communicative, then you have made a good silhouette. The interior lines of a character or object will enhance a drawing that has a clear silhouette. A person will be able to tell what a character is feeling many times through the body language communicated in the silhouette.
The simpler the pose is, the better it will be at revealing important information intended for the viewer.
Logos also benefit by the impact of a simple silhouette. See how the following images are all examples of clear communication without extraneous detailing.
As you can tell, you are able to easily identify all of the shapes above and what they represent. Logos use this because it’s easy on the eyes, it’s simple, and it gets the point across. They are able to apply their logo on just about anything and it will look good because there isn’t too much going on and it isn’t going to clash with any other designs.
You’ll also notice that there is nothing going on in the background of the silhouettes. So if you are wanting to try to create one…you can set up a camera and take a picture of something against a white background. Then just outline the image and fill it in. See if a silhouette will work for that object. Or you can set up a light that hits directly onto the object, which will cast a shadow, or a silhouette.
Silhouettes are easy and simple, but can often times add a lot of flair to your design.
Let us know if you have any questions or comments for us here at Ydraw.
-Jared Beckstrand
Artist
by Ydraw | Nov 20, 2013 | video
Setting Expectations: How You Can Win with Your Customers Every Time
Have you ever had an experience where you were sure the customer was going to love your work, only to find out they were disappointed or downright ticked? It was your best effort, or so you thought, and everything was delivered on time. So how could this happen? Where did you go wrong… or did you?
If you want to achieve success with most any customer, in most any situation, then it really boils down to this – you need to set proper expectations.
Sounds simple enough, by doing this one critical thing you can eliminate frustration, open more effective channels of communication, and have both parties satisfied with the results. Truly! And here’s a little bonus, this does not just apply to business relationships, but can be used to great effect with co-workers, friends, family, spouses… just about anyone with whom you share a relationship of some kind.
So how do you set proper expectations? Here’s how a great mentor once taught me a simple yet very powerful method:
1) Set expectations up front
2) Expectations must be mutually defined and agreed upon
3) If possible, write them down
1. Set expectations up front
Once you’ve let the cat out of the bag, it’s a pretty painful process to get him back in there. Same thing applies with expectations. While my memory isn’t ironclad, I can still remember first impressions, first expectations, first thoughts and feelings of a particular experience or project. Those can certainly change over time, but it typically requires a lot more work to do so. The same generally applies with your customer. Once they have an idea in their head, good luck convincing them to let it go.
You may already be setting expectations with customers and not realize it. How? Your website, your social media sites, your posts and tweets. Be mindful of what you’re “promising” or offering to customers through your various media and properties. Prices, deadlines, guarantees, services all better be 100% realistic or your customers will insist you do it, call you on it if those change, and may even it hold it against you if it doesn’t all add up in the end.
What few companies realize is that this is your “golden” opportunity to help shape the behavior of your customers. If you want your customers to complete a form, submit documents, understand your process, etc, its up to you to set that up in the beginning. It takes a little more focus and deliberate action on your part, but it will pay dividends, big time, now and down the road.
WORD OF CAUTION: If you’re in sales, you’re a big part of setting a customer’s expectations. You’re typically at the front of the process, so whatever you promise, agree to, and reinforce will be etched into the relationship from this point forward. I’m not just talking about price either. The old saying of “under promise, over deliver” is really saying don’t set expectations you can’t meet, deadlines that aren’t realistic or results that can’t be reached. Don’t set the rest of your team up for failure because you did or said “anything” just to get the sale.
2. Expectations should be mutually defined and agreed upon
“What do you want?” “I don’t know, what do you want?” Sound familiar? So here’s a tip. Unless you want a customer asking for the moon, or a 45 minute monologue of the history of their company… don’t ask “what do you want?”. Trust me, there are better ways to define expectations. Here are the 2 best questions I’ve ever heard that help people narrow down their answers to something that makes sense:
What is your best case scenario (for this project, product, experience, etc)?
Ok. Now tell me, what’s your worst case scenario?
Simple, yet incredibly effective. Why? Well, most people can articulate their best case scenario. They really can. It’s also true that most people can tell you their worst case scenario too. What I find fascinating is that often times a customer’s worst case scenario is far better than what I was imagining. But this is good. These two questions help you define the parameters, or the borders of your relationship and possible expectations. Now you can narrow it down even further with this follow up question.
So if this is your best case, and your worst case, would this (say for example ⅔ of the way to best case) be considered success to you?
If your customer answers yes? Bravo! You’ve just set the expectation of what success or victory looks like. If not, offer another possible example as success, or ask them what they consider success.
Here’s why I absolutely love this technique. First, since you’re asking the questions, you’re in control of the conversation. Second, it’s very non-threatening. It’s a comfortable discussion with no wrong answers. Third, it’s mutual. Both parties are involved in defining what the expectations should be. Fourth, it makes you seem very smart, even though it’s incredibly easy to do!
Now that you’ve defined what the expectations for success are, make sure you both agree upon them. I would recommend saying something like, “so we just decided that this (example) means success. Do you agree? Does that work for you?”. The mutual agreement is critical and here’s why. So you can hold each other accountable. If you don’t mutually agree then it’s one party imposing their expectations upon the other, and that rarely works out as intended or in a truly positive way.
3. When possible, write it down!
You’re doing great so far. You’ve set expectations at the right time – up front. You’ve had a great conversation with your customer and mutually defined and agreed what success means. Now you’ve got to write it down. Why? Humans are emotional beings, and to be honest, they change their expectations all the time. What made sense then, seems crazy now. It could be they had a bad breakfast, or got yelled at by the garbage man… who knows. But all those external elements, stresses, and situations can internally affect emotions… and expectations. Throw in the fact that people interpret body language, word meanings, and expressions differently (not to mention may have a faulty memory like mine) and you can see why setting expectations can be tricky if you don’t write it down.
It could be your regular contract with addendums, but it could also be just an email reaffirming what was discussed. But here’s why this step is really important too: What happens when one or both parties don’t meet or exceed the agreed expectations? If it hasn’t been set up front, mutually defined and agreed, and written down – it’s hard to hold either party accountable. But by writing it down and sharing it with the other party, you now know how short, close, or beyond success you’ve achieved. And you know exactly where they stand too!
Ok. So what happens if the expectations don’t work, or need to be adjusted or changed? What happens if one of the parties isn’t happy with the expectations once you get down the road? Don’t worry… it happens… it’s life and things can, and often do, go sideways.
Don’t panic. All you need to do to reset expectations is follow the same process. It will work again. I do, however, like to start by asking, “What changed? What changed to make you unhappy with the previous expectations?” This may give you insights into the other party’s concerns and provide some guidance when resetting, redefining and agreeing to a new set of expectations.
Conclusion. So there you have it. I challenge you to give it a try. It can be anything from a small task to a major project. I’ve had tremendous success for years using this method and technique. Setting expectations is such a critical part of business and personal relationships. Without doing so, it can lead to miscommunication, frustration, and poor results. But, by following the steps of setting expectations up front, mutually defining and agreeing upon them, and writing them down – not only will you know what you have to do to achieve success for your customer, they’ll know it when you claim victory and be right there with you!
+Chris Salisbury
Senior Creative Director
Ydraw
by Ydraw | Nov 20, 2013 | video
5 Reasons Why You MUST Have a Corporate Training Video
A work place filled with happy employees who are ready and eager to learn is a great sign a company hired well. Employees who are willing to learn more about the company they work for, and the industry they work in, is sure to improve their performance. So here are 5 reasons why you must have a training video.
Will a training video get my message across?
Training is a big investment employers make in their work force. When large companies offer training to their employees, it shows your employees that you value them, and the contributions they make to better the company. For example, look at this video from The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. It is creative, will keep your employees interested, and your employees will actually remember what they watched because it’s entertaining. Seeing as zombies are in “style” now days, we decided it would be fun to incorporate them in this video while at the same time, getting your message across.
Helping your employees understand the guidelines of your work place
Each and every employee is vital to the organization and overall function of your company. Not every guest or customer sees what goes on “behind closed doors”. Training will help insure that employees understand how what they do fits into the companies’ structure, goals, and what they are trying to achieve! As a result, your employees can be motivated and excited about their work and how what they will help grow and stabilize your company. A corporate training video can help you relay this message to your employees on how important their job is to the company.
What will a corporate training video do for you and your employees?
Many times we are taught to read a book or listen to a lecture on how things are supposed to go in every day life or the work place. A video can help insure your employees are learning everything they need to know in the work place, about what do to incase of injuries, policies, daily procedures, safety, job procedures and suspicious activity. The video will put your mind at ease that your employees have learned what they need to know in regards to working for your company.
Can a corporate training video help in our employees career development?
YES! Many employees join a company not just for the job itself, but also to build an actual career. In your training video you can put in tips and opportunities for advancement within the company when the employee is doing a good job, or show them the potential they may have to advance. Training helps employees realize their goals by giving them the education they need to be more successful at their jobs. In addition to that, it will help your employees learn many of the aspects of business and higher management skills down the line.
Training is an attraction and retention tool.
Many of you may be thinking, if only it was as simple as hiring trained people and calling it good. Well, the truth is, there will always be a need for training, regardless of how experienced someone may be. Experienced people are still required to have ongoing training. Surprisingly enough, many on the lookout for a new job will not even look at a company that does not offer training and/or continuing education as apart of its employment offer. Keeping up to date on your training and eliminating your 1980’s training videos will help insure your employee’s future with your company. And also, how much you can depend on them in the future. Training is not only necessary to keep your employees current on the ins and outs of the company; it also contributes to your company’s needs and goals.
By using a whiteboard video, you will keep your employees attention and they will have greater retention. It’s time to throw those old manuals out the door along with dry power point slides. Get your training video now.
+Jace Vernon
by Ydraw | Nov 12, 2013 | Ydraw
The Ydraw Guru — purveyor of nonsense knowledge, convoluted conclusions, wacky wisdom, and wrong-headed reasoning.
Q. Dear Ydraw Guru. What causes muscle cramps? tim
A. Snorkeling…in a wheelchair. Why? It is a simple matter of the scientific principle “form follows function.” Just look at a snorkel and doesn’t it look like a muscle cramp in action? It’s all twisted and makes you clench your teeth and breathe like Darth Vader. As for the wheelchair…I don’t dare say too much for fear of nasty comments from wheelchair manufacturers but the next time you go snorkeling in a wheelchair take notice if you don’t start to feel a big muscle cramp developing in your lungs.
Q. Dear Ydraw Guru: I was happy that Obama won the election but I know a lot of people are angry. Conservatives seem to favor the rich and liberals favor the poor. Isn’t there a way we can all be happy? Ellen.
A. Ellen, you’ve asked a question so easy to answer that it won’t display my powers of logic and reasoning to their fullest. But I suppose even easy questions need answers so here it goes.
It’s true that half of the country is happy right now and half is dismayed, depressed and even angry. But as Obama promised, hope and change are on the way. History and a little educated forecasting by yours truly shows us we are on the right path. You see in 1980 only about 20% of our population needed government assistance and now we’ve progressed to 47% with more progress to come. Here’s how it will work.
It’s really a simple cause and effect equation. As liberals raise taxes on the rich, the rich will layoff more people from their companies which will create more poor people on government assistance which will mean taxes will have to be raised on the rich again and there will be more layoffs and more poor on government assistance. Up to this point conservatives will still be unhappy but then the tide will start turn for them. The rich will not like the high taxes and many will try to escape with their money. The government won’t allow that because then they won’t have anyone to tax and so they will erect a strong fence along all our borders which should make conservatives happy that government will finally be controlling immigration. And conservatives will soon see another favorite program being enacted– the flat tax. To pay for people’s welfare needs the government will have to institute a simple flat tax (of 100%). The few rich people left will finally join the ranks of the poor and all will be equal. And if everyone is equally poor then one could also say everyone is equally rich. This means everyone will be rich which should make conservatives happy and everyone will be poor which should make liberals happy. I challenge anyone to find a flaw in this logic. All we need is a little patience for hope and change to take effect and make everyone happy. It is really as simple as that. Now on to important questions that cause me a little bit of strain.
Q. Why are men so visually stimulated?
A. Men…visually stimulated? Obviously, this question comes from a woman. (I’m a genius when it comes to women) This is a modern-day myth perpetuated by hair salons and beauty cream manufacturers. Think about it. When is the last time a man noticed that the bathroom had just been cleaned, or that you had just put a colorful bouquet of flowers on the table or that the kids were sticking spaghetti sticks up their nose? Have you ever heard your man as you walk in to the neighbor’s house and comment on the beautiful carpet or reply in surprise when you walk through the door, “Honey, you’ve done something new to your hair?” (Unless you just came back from chemotherapy and forgot to put on your wig.) The fact is men have a much higher threshold to overcome to get any visual response jolting through their synapses and registering in their brains. Just as women according to tests have a higher pain threshold which is why they put up with men in the first place.
Q. Why are gas prices so high?
A. It all has to do with inflation of the lower intestines and…oops, that’s another kind of gas. Filtering this through my massive reservoir of useless knowledge I realize now that you are referring to gasoline, the petroleum product. The short answer to your question about high gas prices is— Dentists.
Understanding why though takes a little more research and reasoning. You see oil workers learned that dentists get paid hundreds of dollars for drilling a few millimeters through a hard rocky substance while they are getting paid much less to drill for miles through another hard rocky substance. So the Petroleum Products Union (or the double P. U. as they are fondly referred to) investigated the reason why dentist are able to charge so much more for drilling so much less. The union employed a skilled mathematician who came up with this formula—D x P2 = $$$$. (Where D=dentist and P=-pain.) Therefore, the double P.U. deduced that people will pay a premium for pain. That’s why we now have higher prices called “Pain at the Pump.”
Such Simple Questions
Mark Swan the (Ydraw Guru)
Look forward to Part 30490 of the Ydraw Guru (coming next fall or next week)
