Tag: video editing

Who is A Digital Media And Communications Consultant? Understanding The Role
Only businesses that hire consultants to work for them clearly understand the role they play in a business or an organization. We are living in a RESULTS driven world. A business that have clearly defined objectives can easily find the right digital media and communications consultant.

A Digital Media and Communications consultant briefing the client before interview / Photo by Mwathi Muiruri

The most important question one should ask when considering to hire a digital media and communications consultant is; can the consultant deliver the results that they are looking for? That’s where most corporates and organizations fail in. They value the level of education of the consultant more than their experience.

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Digital media and communications industry is full of creative experts with certificate or Diploma in media and communications training. These professionals have long term experience and knowledge to deliver high quality media and communications services. If given a chance, they are able to prove that they are fit for the assignment.

Educational level is one of the biggest barriers to breaking through in the consultancy business and getting high paying contracts.

If a media and communications consultant with Certificate or Diploma is not careful, he/she is prone to being tricked into accepting low pay on a high value contracts owing to their educational levels.

But what does a digital media and communication consultant do? To answer this question, lets first understand who a consultant is?

Who is a Consultant?

Consultants are professionals who have rich experience in their field and a deep understanding of the industry they are in e.g digital media and communications consultant like myself. Consultants help their clients achieve their business goals by providing them with expert advice and business solutions in their field of proficiency.

A digital media and communications consultant therefore in this context is someone who combines creativity, strategy and technology to helps clients create, manage and optimize their online presence in different communication channels.

Roles of a Digital Media Consultant
- Developing and implementing digital media strategies that align with the client’s goals, brand identity and target audience.
- Creating and managing digital content such as websites, blogs, social media posts, podcasts, videos, newsletters, etc.
- Monitoring and analyzing the performance and impact of digital media campaigns using various tools and metrics.
- Providing feedback and recommendations to improve the client’s digital media performance and engagement.
- Researching and staying updated on the latest trends, best practices and innovations in digital media and communications. e.g Artificial Intelligence(AI).
- Collaborating with other professionals such as graphic designers, web developers, copywriters, SEO specialists, Animators, Videographers, Video Editors etc. to deliver high-quality digital media products and services.
Needed Skills & Competencies

Training and Knowledge in media and communication

One needs to have at least a certificate, Diploma or degree in media, film or communications in order to serve well as a consultant. Education helps one organize their ideas as well as prepare quotations and make money in the business as a consultant.

Creativity and Innovation

The ability to generate original and appealing ideas for digital media content and campaigns.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

The ability to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, as well as to work well in teams.

Technical Skills

The ability to use various software, platforms and tools for creating and managing digital media content and campaigns.

Analytical Skills

The ability to collect, interpret and use data to measure and improve the effectiveness of digital media content and campaigns.

Project Management Skills

The ability to plan, organize and execute digital media projects within deadlines and budgets.

How A Digital Media and Communications Consultant Work
1. Freelance: Working independently or as part of a network of consultants for different clients on a project basis.
2. Setting Up a digital Media & Communications Agency/Company : Registering a company or agency that offers digital media or communications services to various clients.
3. In-house: Working for a specific organization or company that has its own digital media or communications department.
Conclusion

The demand for digital media and communications consultants is expected to grow as more organizations and businesses recognize the importance of having a strong online presence and communication strategy.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for public relations specialists, which includes digital media and communications consultants, was $62,810 in 2020. The job outlook for this occupation is projected to grow by 7% by 2029.

And that is it. I hope this gives you a clear understanding of who a digital media and communications consultant is.

Are you considering hiring an experienced digital media and communications consultant to work for you? Let me know here. That’s my area of expertise and I will be much interested in working with you.

Otherwise, I hope you found this article helpful.

Share your feedback and thoughts in the comments section below.

Follow me on all social media using the links on the footer of this post.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.
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September 20, 2023
3 Red Flags To Watch Out For When Looking At Deals On Social Media

Unlike in the past where freelancers and business owners went out searching for deals via the search engines and social media, deals are now searching for freelancers and business people. In many occasions the deals that comes looking for them are too sweet for them to ignore.

On the other hand the deals that you find via the search feature on social media platforms like YouTube, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram looks very appealing and easy to start earning from.

What stands between you and the deals is the judgement you make. Also the financial position you are at the time of finding the deals plays a major role. Are the bills at hand overwhelming you?

For instance if you are compelled to search for these deals at a time when you are broke and have no money, the probability of you falling into them is high.

So what are the red flags you should watch out for when deals comes looking for you or the deal you find on your search adventure is so sweet?

On this blogpost, I will share with you 3 red flags to watch out for when looking at deals on online.

The Project Manager Is Claiming to Be The Director of A Popular Company

This trick is very popular on Telegram groups and Facebook. The conversation starts when a person offering a job that requires the skills that you have posts on the group. You start the conversation and they tell you he/she is the project manager at a Freelancing platform you know e.g. Upwork, Toptal, Appen e.t.c.

And for them to award you the contract, you will need to sign a contract they send you in PDF or .JPEG:-). Contract presented to you in .jpeg is a biggest red flag I have seen so far.

A closer look at the contract letterhead shows the name of a popular company you have been wanting to work for. That’s another red flag. Freelancing platforms don’t hire people that way. They use their secure platform with escrow payment to do that.

If you find a sweet deal with characteristics like these posted on Freelance group on social media, take you time to analyze before committing.

You can only accept a deal if the person offering it is subcontracting the work to you. For such, the terms are clear and straight forward. You can tell this from the deal amount and how they intend to pay you.

The Job is Easy and pays 3 Times The Market Rate

Before I expound on this, I have a disclaimer. You can be paid any amount to complete an assignment. Its up to the client to decide. But think about this.

A prospect posts a job on a freelancers group on social media. He/she is looking for help to post jobs on the popular freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer e.t.c. They offer $1000-2000 weekly to do this job. For one to qualify, they need to have an account of 2-3 months old.

Imagine this offer is posted on a Telegram group that has more than 1000 freelancers.

How many freelancer do you think will DM the person who posted this? Several right. This is a good deal if you think about it.

If you are a member of the freelance group, you will find the same person posting the same thing everyday.

When you express interest, they send you a contract document that requires you to fill all your personal data and sign. In the contract, you agree that you will be paid after the job is done and approved.

Question is, how sure are you that you will be paid despite their assurance? How sure are you that the same job has not been given to other freelancers same as yourself?

Incase you are not paid, what will you do? Will the contract help? Do the client have a website? Did the client agree to do a video call with you?

Do they use escrow payment? All this questions unanswered are red flags. Run before they varnish with the completed work.

Ask these questions before spending your time to do the job. Otherwise, you may waste your time and end up not getting paid despite giving out all your personal data.

They Want Logins To Your Cryptocurrency Account

Nearly every freelancer or business person who works remotely have a cryptocurrency account even if they don’t use it. On occasions as an account holder, you look for deals that pays in cryptocurrency. The popular cryptocurrency platforms here in Kenya is Binance and Paxful.

If you join groups with users in either of these cryptocurrency platforms, you will see users post juicy deals. I decided to try one of them with my Paxful account and ended up getting my account suspended.

So on a Telegram group a guy posted that he wanted someone with an account with good reviews to help him transfer $3,000 USDT. At the end, the holder will get a commission for the help. So he wanted logins so that he can load the money from his Visa card.

I have never seen something like this on Paxful where one loads money using a card but out of curiosity, I went ahead with this deal despite the red flag.

With 2FA activated, I gave him my login details. The guy logged in from Accra Ghana. That means he was a Ghanian.

I was to wait for 6 hours for his funds to reflect and we could finish the deal. 3 hours later, I receive an e-mail from Paxful that my account has been restricted for attempting to defraud users through trade.

On contacting the guy, he never replied to my calls or messages. That was when I knew he was a scammer who wanted to use my account to defraud others.

Conclusion

Don’t let your financial situation dictate the decisions you make. You will end losing more instantly than what you were to gain from the deal. Be patient and honor your instincts when you spot a red flag. As you look at deals online, always know that your personal data, your money and your reputation is at stake. Handle yourself with care.

You have the power to protect yourself online by shunning away fraudulent deals even if its presented to you by your relative.

And that is it from me.

What are those red flags that you watch out for when looking for deals online on social media or when the deals are presented to you by prospects on social media?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

And if you need help to produce video content, let me know about your deal by reaching out to me here:-).

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

March 16, 2023
4 Video Editing Blends With The Best Final Video Output
Changes in technology has positively transformed video editing. Today, there are several video presentation variations that one can apply on their project depending on the message they are trying to put forward.

Video production

So what are those styles of presentations and how can one apply in their video to bring out the best final video output?

On this blogpost, I am going to share with you 5 different video design styles that are common in the online marketplace. Also, I will share with you how a combination of 1-3 of these styles of video presentations will bring out a stunning video.

5 Common Online Video Design Styles
1. Recorded Video Footage and B-rolls.
2. Explainer/ 2D Animations.
3. Infographics Animations and motion graphics.
4. Screencast Videos
5. 3D Animations
For a detailed explanation of each one of these styles of video presentations, please read the blogpost I wrote here on 5 video production skills that will make you money online in Kenya today.

#1 Combination- 3D Animations, Recorded Video Footage & Screencast Video Recordings

These three can work together depending on your script and budget. This combination is perfect for product demo videos and software tutorials. To safe on time and money, here is how you can combine them.
- 3D Animations – This is perfect for use in intro and outro logo animations. This appears for 2-3 seconds in the video at the beginning and at the end.
- Recorded Video Footage and B-rolls – It is best used to splice up a video. For example, if the script is talking about a software program or a website service; before the actual screen recordings, one can display someone busy on their computer working.
- Screencast Recordings – This is usually the actual screens of the digital product being demonstrated.
When you combine these 3 video presentation styles, you will get a professional and polished video.

#2 Combination- 2D Animations, Infographics Animations And Motion Graphics

These are 3 different types of animation designs that are closely related. As I mentioned up there, please check this article on 5 video production Skills that will make you money online in Kenya today to learn more.
- 2D Animations -This is best used in scenes that need human, living things, cars e.t.c representation.
- Infographics Animations – Suitable for scenes in a video that needs some data illustrated. e.g Sales performance comparison between different products.
- Motion Graphics – Motion graphics vary from text animation, motion backgrounds appearing at different scenes in a video as seen fit by the video creator.
#3 Combination – Screencast Video & 2D Animations

A Combination of Screen recorded videos and 2D Animations can perfectly work for explainer and app demo type of videos. In scenes where the presenter is talking about the problem at hand and giving a case study, 2D animations can be used to illustrate the message. Then in the midst, one can bring in screen recorded videos to demonstrate the solution the digital product is providing.

#4 Combination -Video Footage & Infographics Animations

The lifeline of long form documentaries and feature videos is video footage and b-rolls. However, It’s paramount to consider using infographics to splice up your video presentation. Since every video presentation’s end goal is to sell an idea, some data will be included. That’s where you can use infographics animations.
Also, in some parts, motion graphics animations will play a role.

Conclusion

As a video creator, you can play around the 5 common video design styles. At the end of the day you want to communicate clearly. You can come up with your own combinations.

However, have in mind that all of these 5 different type of video design styles require one to specialize in order to deliver the best results. This means that you may have to collaborate with a 2D animator if you are creating a video that require some 2D animations incorporated. So, if you are a video production business owner, consider getting all costs right when preparing a quotation.

And that is it from me.

Do you think taking into account a combination of different video designs is necessary when planning for a video production? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Finally, if you are looking help with professional video production services from start to finish, Techtube Video Studio can help you out. Request a quote here today. You will get a response within 24 hours.

And until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.
July 21, 2022
3 Ways To Edit Video Using Camtasia 2022 Editor

In this video, I will show you 3 ways to edit video and remove unwanted parts using Camtasia 2022 video editor.

Video: 3 Ways To Edit And Remove Unwanted Parts of a Video Using Camtasia Studio 2022

Camtasia Studio 2022 FREE download Link

Camtasia Studio 2022 FREE download Link

For professional video production services, request a quote for free here.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

July 13, 2022
How To Edit Video With Camtasia Studio 2022
How To Edit Video With Camtasia Studio 2021

In this video I am going to be showing you how to edit videos with Camtasia studio 2022.

New Features on Camtasia Studio 2022
1. The Camtasia welcome screen is new. Here you can access new projects, templates, learning resources, and more.
2. Automatic cursor replacement. Camtasia automatically replaces the cursor in your recordings.
3. Cursor Path Editing. It’s now possible to Edit, delete, or add cursor paths to Camtasia recordings or images as you desire.
4. Visual effects. These include blend mode, spotlight, and outline edges.
5. New visually appealing transitions.
6. Simplified export windows.
Download and try Camtasia studio 2022 today here.

Looking for help to produce screencast video tutorials? Request a quote for free here.
June 18, 2022
6 Step Guide To Setting Up Your Terms As An Online Business Owner or A Freelancer
‘Having Clear Terms‘ is the means to success online as a business owner or a freelancer. Experience has thought me that if you don’t have well defined terms, the probability of you succeeding online is very slim.

So where do you start? The answer to this is reliant on your level of experience serving online clients as a business owner or a freelancer. Do you understand how online marketplace work?

For example, have you used Escrow payment before or do you know how it works? Working out your ‘own terms‘ is not something that you can do in one day. It comes in as they are needed.

Let’s say it’s a paragraph or point that you add to your existing list of terms in a document as the need arises.

When defining your terms, its good to know where to start. That is what I will focusing on this blogpost.

1. Scope of Work

It starts with the clients scope of work. What does the client want you to do and can you do it?. This is very important. Many online business owners and freelancers I know in the video production industry are good at video creation and editing. However, when it comes to animations and motion graphics, they outsource.

Make sure you are very clear with your client in what you can provide, outsource and what you cannot. Don’t lie that you can do it or find someone who can do it and end up not doing it. You will have failed the client and yourself.

Making your stand very clearly understood by the client is in itself a term. e.g Telling the client “I will require you to provide a given list of items” makes it clear to the client on what you will provide.

2. Cost of The Project

Once you have agreed with the client on the scope of work and both of you are happy, move on to the cost of the project. How much will the project cost? Based on the defined scope of work, come up with a quotation listing each item and it’s cost. Most clients are ok if you do this directly on the e-mail body.

Professionally, I recommend doing your quotation on Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets and sharing it as a link or attaching it to the e-mail as a PDF file. This way, collaboration will be easy and the client can print the document and put it on a file for records.

Costing is usually easy if you have your own standard production rates.

3. Payment Terms

Now that the client has agreed to your proposed quote and the deal is closed, go ahead and discuss with him/her, how you would like the client to pay you. Mostly, it’s good to break down this into two parts.
- Payment Breakdown – Since you have not met the client in person and probably the client is on another continent, have them make a down payment of 50% as a show of commitment. Alternatively, if you are using Escrow service, have the payment broken down to 2 parts of 50/50. 50% when you deliver the first draft of the video and the remaining 50% once you are done.
- Payment Methods – Share with your client the payment methods you prefer. e.g. PayPal, Credit card e.t.c.
Most clients love it when you are clear on how you would like to receive your payments. They know that by honoring your terms, their work will be completed on time.

4. Revisions And Modifications

Once you deliver the project and the client needs revisions or modifications, what are your terms on this? For example you can say, you offer 3 rounds of revisions for free. Anything after that is billable.

If you are new to online business and freelance marketplace, you will not know it until a client requests for several revisions to a point you are tired of making them.

When revisions and modification term is in place, everyone will be careful not to make any mistake from their end because of the cost implications.

5. Mode of Collaboration

As an online freelancer or business owner, expect to receive large files from your clients. This means you must be subscribed to a paid cloud service like Dropbox, OneDrive or GoogleDrive. This way, you can have your file sync automatically on the background.

Agree on a mode of collaboration for their project. E.g If you are a content creator, you can decide to use google docs for scripting and Dropbox for videos. Either way, it will be easy for each of you to quickly locate a shared file and share their feedback.

If you are dealing directly with the client, communication through e-mail is ok. However if you are dealing with a team, then using free collaboration apps like slack will be great.

6. Refund Policy

Lastly, it’s good to have a refund policy in place as part of your terms. What happens if the client requests for a refund after you have started work with them? That’s why this is important. This way, when the client is getting into work agreement with you and making partial payments, they understand clearly the policy.

A good refund policy is the one that is considerate. A win win. i.e. ‘If the client cancels the contract after delivery of the first draft of the video with no clear reason, 50% paid as the down payment will not be refunded.’

Conclusion

Ensure the client signs and sends you back the contract terms you share with them before starting work.
We all know, people hate signing documents with long form terms. Insist that you have an NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) in place anyway before starting any work. Clients with high value contracts are the ones who requests you to sign an NDA because they know the risks and consequences of what may arise later.

For example, if you offer video production services like me, and in your contract with the client, you had a clause on commercial license fee of 10% of the contract sum. You can sue the client if they use the content commercially without consulting you. Contracts are there to protect each party from abuse.

And that is it from me here.

What are your guiding pointers when defining your terms to a client as a video producer?

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.

And if you need professional video tutorial services for websites and apps, you can request a free quote on www.techtubestudio.com . You will get a response within 12 hours.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.
May 12, 2022
5 Video Production Skills That Will Make You Money Online in Kenya Today
The demand for video services online today is huge. More and more companies are looking for competent video producers to work on their video projects.

Watch video – 5 Skills to Make You Money Online Today

Anyone who is committed can succeed making money online producing videos for individuals and businesses.

In this day and era, you can learn any skill related to video production online for free on YouTube.

Arts and Design category leads with 77% in representation by freelancers compared to other categories. This is according to Freelance Forward Economist Report 2021. This means there is a huge demand for Arts and Design skills compared to others.
Upwork

Getting Started

So how does the video producer decide which skills to employ in a given project?

Its mainly based on the script provided to them by the client. Largely, video producers, editors, animators and motion graphics designers are paid to work on projects that are meant for use commercially.

The end determines the means. How best will the message be communicated? This question will be answered based on the assets the client has and proposes to be used in producing the video. From here the skills needed will come out automatically.

On this blogpost, I will be sharing with you Top 5 video production skills that can make you money online in Kenya and are self thought.

List of top 5 Categories in Video production that will make you money online.
1. Screencast Video Production
2. Motion graphics and infographics animations
3. Production of 2D Animation And Whiteboard Explainer videos
4. 3D animation
5. Video Editing
1. Screencast Video Production

Screencast video production is a little hyped category in video production but has a lot of demand in the tech space. The potential of growth with this category of video production is high. Screencast video production is basically recording computer/tablet/phone screens of a software or SaaS application in action showing users how to use the product or service.

Application of screencast video production knowledge can be used in many areas in video production.

Screencast videos are the ones you find posted on most of the giant website help pages showing users how to do certain tasks on the platform.

While this can be done by anyone, most of the product owners prefer to have the work done by someone else professionally.

This is where they employ the skills of a screencast video producer, freelancer or a production agency. Screencast video production is more than recording the computer or software screens.

There is a learning phase where you study how the software or application works before doing the actual work.

To do screencast videos, you need to have access to a professional screen recording and editing software like Camtasia studio.

Potential Earnings Per Month

This skill has potential of earning you a minimum of $1000 to $5000 a month as a freelancer. It requires a lot of patience and commitment at the beginning before you break through.

2. Motion Graphics and Infographics Animation

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Motion graphics has many different definitions. I will define it using my own words. Its basically animation of text, graphic designs, videos and images to communicate a message in the most entertaining way.

Kinetic typography is a good example of a motion graphic videos.

Infographics animation on the other hand is more less the same. The difference is that with infographics, your are adding motion to existing informational graphics or data. e.g case studies.

Depending on your experience, you can use basically any professional software. To be on the safe side, I recommend learning how to use Adobe after effects. With the software, you are not limited in what you can create.

Motion graphics skill has demand all over. Once you have built a name around it, your earning potential will be huge.

Potential Earnings Per Month: One video of 2 Mins can make you $300-1000. If you do let’s say 5 videos a month, you are good.

3. Production of 2D Animation and Whiteboard Explainer Videos

2D animations and whiteboard explainer videos are two different things but share a common ground. Vector graphics and illustrations are used to produce them. For 2D, its more of custom designs and animations. e.g Tom and Jerry or the The Pink Panter.

On the other hand, whiteboard explainer videos are produced using pre-designed templates that comes with the video production software you purchase. You just only drag and drop the elements you need in the video based on the script you have.

2D animation projects pays well if the assignment at hand entails working on a TV show or a movie.

Potential Earnings on 2D Animation

One can earn up to $100k to work on a long form movie animation that may take almost a year to produce.

On the other hand, whiteboard explainer videos created using premade illustrations and templates don’t pay much but is highly on demand.

Earning Potential Doing Whiteboard Explainers

On average one gets paid a minimum of $100 to create a 1 minute whiteboard explainer video. You only need to produce 10 Minutes of animation to make $1000.

Software’s like Animaker, Vyond and Powtoon are popular for use in creating whiteboard explainer videos.

4. 3D Animations

Photo by ThisIsEngineering on Pexels.com

3D animation is one of the most demanding skill compared to other categories in video production. That’s why many video producers don’t like it much. In order to model a very smooth and good quality 3D animation video, you need a computer with high specs, time and a lot of RAM to render your animations.

That’s why it may cost up to $3000 to develop a 1 Minute high end 3D Animation.

If you have the right equipment’s and software to work on 3D animations, the potential to earn good money as an independent professional is high online.

Earning potential

$500-3000 per minute of a 3D animation.

5. Video Editing

With many individuals and businesses embracing Youtube as a way of marketing their businesses, there is a constant and growing demand for video editing services. Business minded individuals are looking for video editors to work on their YouTube content.

This means if you are a good video editor, you have the potential to earn good money editing videos.
The secret behind succeeding as a video editor is looking for many long term clients.

Earning Potential

If you charge $20/hour to edit a video and a client hires you to work for 10 hours a week, you make $200/week. In a month, you make $800 from one client.

If you are able to get clients who collectively pays you for 40 hours a week and offers to assign you work for a long term, you make good money. In a week you will be making $800 and $2400 a month.

Conclusion

Earning potential of any creative in the video production industry depends majorly on their aggressiveness, how well they communicate, their creativity and negotiation skills. If one is able to negotiate for a good pay, they will earn good money at the end.

And that is it from me here.

What other category of skill in video production can a creative make money with online?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

And if you are looking for professional video production services, Techtube Video Studio is ready to sort you out. You can request a quote for Free on their site here.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony
April 19, 2022
3 Common Video Editing Mistakes That Most Beginners Make

Video editing is a skill that one gets better with time. When one is on their early stages, they make simple mistakes that only professionals in the video production industry can spot.

If you are a beginner video editor, you will relate with some the video editing mistakes that I am going to share with you here. How you edit a video will determine the viewers perception. People rate the quality of content by how it is edited.

Does it communicate clearly?

Is the sequence pleasant to watch?

These questions can only be addressed by a video editor who knows how to well arrange different video components on the video editing timeline.

On this blogpost, I will be sharing 3 common mistakes that beginner video editors make so that you can watch out.

Balancing the Background Music and Voice over

This is a mistake commonly made by beginners. You find out that the volume of the background music is higher than the presenters voice. This makes audibility very difficult to the personal watching the video.

In order to contain this, its important for the video editor to learn how to control audio on the timeline. Learning how to do this manually as opposed to using automatic premade audio templates is the only way out. When you approach it this way, you will be able to control the volume as you listen to changes in real time. You can do this until its on the right levels that you are satisfied with.

Adding Several Transitions and Sound Effects

Video transitions and sound effects are cool as it spices up a video. But too much of it becomes distractive and draws away the viewer. Most beginners love to use several video transitions and sound effects as a way to wow their viewers. It’s fine if creatively put together.

Video: 3 Common Video Editing Mistakes People Make

But as they say, too much of something is poisonous. As an editor, try to minimize the use many of those effects.

My rule of thumb when it comes to video transitions is narrowing down to a minimum of two per video. This way, if it appears in multiple sections of a video, the viewer will be already familiar with it as it’s registered in the subconscious part of the brain. Also, it makes my work have a professional ‘corporate feel.’

Serious action takers appreciate videos with little or no ‘koso koso‘ in it. They are interested with the information you are sharing with them. So, prioritize your message.

Poorly Designed and Placed Text Or Graphics

This is a very popular mistake many video editors make thinking it’s creativity. You watch a video and text suddenly appears and disappears fast before you can even read them. On some occasions, the video editor uses very bright background color with text formatted in different colors and font. They have no transition or animation at the beginning and the end of the title.

Such kind of text and graphics presentation on a video is unprofessional in my view especially in this day and age. As a video editor, you should first do your research, see how other people design their tittles and then learn how to do it directly from your video editing software.

Basic knowledge on design requires that you use a minimum of 3 colors on a tittle for it to look professional. Secondly, choose a font that is visible and easy to read. And lastly, add a transition at the beginning and the end of the tittle. ‘Fade in‘ transition works well on most corporate type of videos.

And that is it from me here.

I know there are more. What are those mistakes that you see video editors make every day?

Share them with me on the comments section below.

And if you need help to produce any of type of video, do not hesitate to let me know here. Remember you can request a free quote on www.techtubestudio.com.

And until next time, bye bye and take.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

February 23, 2022
How To Take Screenshots Inside Microsoft Word And Annotate On Them

When using Microsoft word to write step by step guides for software’s and applications, its important to know how to take and annotate on screenshots.

In this tutorial guide, I will share with you how to take and annotate on screenshots inside Microsoft word.

Watch Video: How to Take And Annotate on Screenshots Inside Microsoft Word

How To Take screenshots

Open Microsoft word. Click insert on the top menu.

Click on screenshot icon and select screen clipping.

Taking screenshots Inside Microsoft Word

Microsoft word will minimize and your mouse arrow cursor will change to a plus. Left click, hold and drag to select the section you want to screenshot. Once selected, release the mouse button. Your screenshot will be automatically taken and inserted into Microsoft word.

Screenshot Look Inside Microsoft Word

How to Annotate On The Screenshot

It’s possible to annotate on a screenshot inside Microsoft word. You can highlight and add text description to some parts of the screenshot you have taken based on the tutorial you are working on. For example, you may add a box to highlight a menu item for an app, an arrow to point on the box you have highlighted, and some texts to describe the menu item.

To do this, click on insert and select shapes. Choose rectangle shape. Click and drag to select the section you want to highlight on the screenshot.

Annotating on a screenshot with rectangle shape on Microsoft word

Click on shape fill, select none. Click on shape outline and choose a color of your choice.

Add highlight on a screenshot on Microsoft Word

Go back to insert then click on shapes and select line arrow. Click and drag to point on the box or any other place on the screenshot. Choose shape color and weight under shape outline.

Add line arrow on Microsoft word

Next, select text box under shapes. Enter a short description of the menu item you have highlighted by typing into the text box.

Screenshot annotated on Microsoft word

You can reposition the shapes to any section of the screenshot as you want.

And that is it.

It’s that easy.

You are not limited on the annotations you can make so long as they make sense to your audience. Be open and try out different shapes.

How do you take screenshots for use in tutorial guides on Microsoft word?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

And if you need someone to review your digital products or services and make a video, let me know here. Alternatively, you can request a quote here.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

February 7, 2022
5 Step Process To Producing A Professional Online Video

When planning to produce a professional video to be published online, its important to plan.

If you have little time on your side to plan, engage a freelance video producer to help you out. Processes vary depending on the kind of video you will be producing.

Watch Video- 5 Step Process To Producing A Professional Online Video

In this blogpost, I will share with you five common steps that creatives follow in all their video productions.

Ideation & Script

Photo by Startup Stock Photos on Pexels.com

A video always starts with an idea. By the time you decide to produce a video, you have an idea of what you want to communicate or share. The best way to solidify your idea is to write it down in form of a script.

By writing a script, you will be able to solidify your idea and make necessary adjustments before the actual recording. This is in reference to the final video output.

The script will also shape how you will do the presentation.

Collecting Video Assets

What assets will you need to make your video presentation worthwhile? Will you need to record yourself talking in case its a vlog? Will you need to record computer screen to demonstrate a software or website service to your audience?

If you don’t have video recording equipment’s, again consider hiring a freelance videographer to help you out on this.

All this are called video assets in video production. Its also worth mentioning the use of free photos and videos available online if you have little budget for your production.

Getting The Right Sound And Video Quality

Sound and video quality matters and it will determine how your message will be received by those who will watch the video. Do you have good equipment to capture them well? If you can’t achieve the best video quality, make sure the sound quality is right.

Photo by Kyle Loftus on Pexels.com

This way, whoever is watching can get your message very clearly. Plan this well by choosing a good location to record your video. Outdoors will be ideal if you don’t have good lighting equipment. Also, if you are you are using inbuilt microphone for camera or phone, ensure that the environment you are in have minimal background noise.

If your video presentation requires a voice over, record a very clear voice using a professional mic. Its worth noting that phones nowadays have the capability of recording very good quality voice over.

Video Editing

This is the another important and final step. Make your editing seamless by ensuring that your video sequence arrangement on the timeline delivers your message clearly to your target audiences.

If you are hiring a professional video editor, instruct them to minimize flashy animations unless its necessary.

People today are looking for straight forward videos that shares the message in the shortest time possible. Try to cut down all unnecessary information and share what you want your audience to know.

Limit yourself on edits that will take a lot of time to complete. This is unless you will be re-using them in your future videos.

All these can be done by a video editor when instructed.

Getting Better With Time

You will not get everything right on the first day. Every time you produce your videos, you will spot some minor mistakes in it. Note them done and implement the fixes in your next video.

With time, the quality of your productions will be the best. Be creative and try out new ideas by implementing them in your videos.

Conclusion

Perfection should be your ultimate goal. Every little change that you make to improve your videos will compound with time. Those who notice the improvements you make will appreciate and support your work.

And that is it from me.

If you find this article helpful, share and leave a comment below.

What are those important steps you follow when creating or producing a video?

Share your feedback in the comments section below.

And if you need someone to review your digital products or services, let me know here. Alternatively, you can request a quote here.

And until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

January 20, 2022