Page 13 - The Decorative Painter Spring 2018

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Participants were offered the choice of three mini projects. I went through 50+ kits during the first day. It was an overwhelming experience, so we brought the show to the Heart of Ohio Tole Chapter’s Convention last August. Again, the concept was well-received. People were grateful to be able to try using the Internet as an education tool. For some of them, this was the first time they sat at a computer. There were people who didn’t even own a computer. By the end of the hour class, they were experts. A few even returned the next day!
Artists were curious about what kind of equipment
we used and what the investment costs were; they were pleasingly surprised to see all the attendees participating in this new adventure. This is the direction decorative artists must go in together in order to be current and stay relevant.
Cindy’s Decorative Painting, with Alex’s assistance,
will be setting up new e-projects at the upcoming SDP International Conference & Expo in San Diego, California (June 6-11, 2016), the Heart of Ohio Tole Chapter’s Convention in Columbus, Ohio (August 8-13, 2016) and the New England Traditions Convention in Marlborough, Massachusetts (October 4-9, 2016). Please stop by my booth and see what these classes are all about!
My goal is to get you – artists and students – comfortable using your computer for more than just emails and shopping! Keep calm and paint on!
TIPS FOR MAKING QUALITY VIDEOS
n If you would like to start making quality video lessons, the first thing you need is a good video camera. You can use iPads, iPhones and other recording devices, but make sure they are on a stable mount. This will eliminate a shaky video. Check the angle so nothing is blocking your students’ view.
n Lighting is very important as well. Sometimes lighting can throw off hues, create a glare, wash out color, etc. Continually look up from your project to assure that you are in the camera view and that your end user can see your project clearly.
n Make sure you have a good microphone. You don’t want to sound like you are in a tunnel or whispering. You want to be clear with your directions.
n A good computer with a high-speed processor and current video editing software is a must! I own a Macintosh and the latest version of iMovie. There are
several movie-making softwares out there like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X, Pinnacle Studio, Shotcut and more. Look for the one that best works with your computer and video equipment.
n Video storage sites are plentiful as well. YouTube is probably the most popular site at the moment. There are others too, like Vimeo, Vzaar and Daily Motion.
n Before making a video lesson, you should have a lesson plan. Gather all your materials and tools that you will need and review your shooting area so that you don’t go off camera. Turn off cell phones as well. Speak up, keep your head out from under the camera, and pay attention to your inarticulate speech (i.e., ah, um, you know, like) and words that your audience might not understand. Remember, you may have a true beginner viewing your videos; you want them to be successful and enjoy the process.
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