Power of creativity

We are created. Everything around us is created. Nature knows what to do by itself—by design. And that includes us (people). We have infinite possibilities and one of those is the power of our imagination. We dream, we envision, we imagine… ideas, thoughts, feelings, and actions all brought to life with first a simple creative thought. Some are born with a higher natural level of creativity, and some need to work on it more—but we ALL have the ability to be creative. Tapping into creativity and imagination are probably the most profound forces there are. So be creative in your ideas. Imagine your life, your world. Imagine your business, your product, your service. And use that creative imagination to propel that idea forward. What imaginative and creative idea do you have in your gut?

Power of Power

What does that mean? Everyone and every business (a good business) is a reflection of the owners true talent and vision. What that means is you have an idea (again, hopefully a good one!) and you now bring that to the market place. That alone has power. So that idea now unfolds, and if done well is a very powerful expression of imagination, talent, and expression. So letting it “flow” so to speak is like letting the waterfall fall. So in a sense, you are allowing the power of a thought work through you— into your product, business, project, etc… Think of Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Lebron James, Elton John, or any “successful” person in life or in business… They let their true power show. They brought their “game” to the world— and THAT is power. What powerful talent, interest or ability do you have?

The common challenges with properly “investing in modern business branding and marketing”

 First— here are 5 initial questions to help you see where you really are:

1. Where are your honest quality and standards or expectations? High level 10— (Thriver: Leading, successful business master) — down to a Level 1: “Weedy lawn” laggard (Doesn’t matter much)

2. Where do I value website, social media, and marketing? (10 absolute must — 1, neh, don’t think I need it)

3. How important is your team, hires, or equipment? (10, need the best— 1, whatever works)

4. What’s your attitude behind your business? (10 is I love business, I value teamwork, trust partners and third-party vendors… whereas a 1 is; “It’s frustrating, I don’t trust companies, I’m not all that content…”

5. What are your expectations as far as the future of your business related to marketing? (10 means you plan on continually investing and working at it, whereas a 1 is I hope I don’t need to do much)

If you are in the 10s here— then we need to get started and get working. Now. And prepare for growth, an exciting future, and more customers and income! If you are in the low numbers, then expect the same old thing, and eventual failure or closing of you business! 

The common challenges with properly “investing in modern business branding and marketing” 

Challenge #1: Not considering the most important employee and piece of equipment

Most small and medium business owners (as well as many large corporations) don’t figure in the number-one employee and/or piece of equipment. An typical employee might cost anywhere from ~$20K—$50K+ (with benefits, insurance) PER YEAR, a building—many tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, a new vehicle—maybe $25K-40K+, computers, furniture and office expenses—thousands of dollars more. 

Think of it like this: The right “equipment” (web/social/marketing) employee—even an intern, might cost you about $25K/year— at LEAST. And that’s junior, entry level… not high end. And only for a year or so until they want to find other work and leave you hanging— OR you pay more each year and they grow with you in an ideal scenario—but more $$$. Instead of settling for a high quality “pencil sharpening” — invest in a future-worthy set of high tech pencils custom built for you that will last you years to come. If you invest in enhancing your brand image and messaging, gain a large social media following, nurture your customers, and increase your marketing efforts—you then increase business by $10K-$50K/year or more over the years ahead.

Challenge #2: Not putting ANY value into online (Web), Social Media, or Marketing

Most business owners (at least the laggards—"ones that lag behind”) don’t VALUE quality website/social/marketing. They simply think it’s too expensive, or just unnecessary. The biggest misconception of all. This is what differentiates the failing businesses, scrambling around wondering why their business stinks— vs. thrivers, leaders, and successful businesses. They value an outstanding website, quality messaging and content, growing, strategic and engaging social media, and engaging, interesting, and effective (and REGULAR) marketing. Today— website (THE key brand element), social media, and marketing are THE number one investment tag team.

Challenge #3: Assuming that hiring “anyone” will do the job

Anyone can hire ‘cousin Johnny’ to do their online work. They usually don’t even do that. But even then— you end up with ‘cousin Johnny online work.’ I can write a 20 page paper on all the ins and outs of websites, social media, and marketing… how to create Google ads, how meta data is used, value of social media today, why blogs are important, etc… Just like you can write me papers on your expertise. And you wouldn’t hire, assign, or partner with just anyone. You would want the right person or team to be on board to do what? Do it RIGHT, do it WELL, and help grow your business. So assembling or hiring the right team to align with your goals make a HUGE difference. Period. Quality and expertise have their place.

Challenge #4: Leading with a “cheap” investment and evaluation mentality

Out-the gate valuation as “cheap”— sets the stage for a cheap, low-quality future. For example, If I want a ‘cheap Home Depot hose’, then expect a cheap, leaky, kinked broken hose— and another, and another… Invest in a nice, resilient hose, it will last longer and do a better job. If on the other hand, my mentality is “I want to do this right, and smartly invest in the right solutions to grow my business” that will have a different outcome. WARNING though: There are “over-evaluations” as well! You can spend too much, or overblown things that make no sense. Buying nonsense you don’t need, too much equipment, over-qualified people, etc… So there is a sweet spot in the middle. The “RIGHT” evaluation and investment. And each is unique.

So here are the basics— invest and strategize wisely. A solid game plan… not being cheap, but also not over-spending. High level leaders in businesses adapt, learn, grow and invest— quality people, teams, and equipment which includes your brand image, messaging, communication, website, content, media, social media, marketing, and advertising. What you put in is what you get out.

What I do!

What I do— is condense a year or more in branding, messaging, PR, and planning—along with website consulting, planning, and designing, as well as social media building (an important sister to websites), and marketing planning and content development to help your business thrive, grow and adapt. Increase awareness, grow customers, increase revenue, and expand with visible and measurable results. Plain, simple, and comparatively VERY affordable. I get businesses from NO social media presence, old-school, old website, and zero marketing— to a modern, current and engaging website, significant social media following and raving fans, and a robust and energized marketing plan that helps you grow your business.

Keep in mind, If I help do a “cheap,” quick “pencil sharpening,” it’s only going to be the nub of your pencil and last a short time. Who’s going to market you? Who’s going to set up social media? Who’s going to create content? Engage customers? Advertise? Etc.. If you drive around and see beautiful yards, it’s from the work put in. Weedy, unkept yards, are a sum of the “value” put into that property as well… In business, it’s the same thing.

But yes— there are options, and sometimes a full array of services that sometimes aren’t necessary. Maybe a few pieces to get started. Thus, a good discussion with a quality creative professional!

 
Here’s a list of the types of things you are getting behind the scenes:

Branding, messaging, and PR

Fine tuning your look and feel so it’s accuate, modern, high quality

Pricing: ~$1200 - $10K+/- depending on how much and what you need, size of business, etc…

• Logo quality, updates, revisions

• Messaging— what it says, how it’s written

• Images— are they modern, quality

• Content— is there good quality content for your customers

• Review current structure, how you relate to the outside world—how we need to change it

• Discuss MODERN business: Do you have a video feed? Do Zoom meetings, etc?

• Podcast, videos?

• Branding strtategy: What we need to do… the GAME PLAN!

Website

Determine update existing or create new (new is usually the case) so it’s modern, current, and engaging

Pricing: ~$5K - $15K+/- depending on the site

• Evaluate the whole site, what the best game plan is

• Detemine your costs and where you are now and where you need to be

• Design new site

• New graphics

• New text

• Strategic navigation

• Marketing messaging (so it sells!)

• Forms and download creation

• Content— videos, papers

• Edits

• SEO (search engine optimization): Key words, meta tags, decripts, and all SM integration

• Analytics

• Training— showing you how to make basic edits

• Hosting and domain support: Where the site lives, and is hosted— we can save money often here

Social Media

Determine and execute the ideal Social Media (SM) game plan for you business

Pricing: ~$1K - $100K+/- depending on channels, amount (scale, quantity) of SM marketing, monthly, annually, etc… Basic 3 month marcomm plan is in the $15K range ($5k/month) 

• Evaluate where you are at, what you need

• Create SM channels, set up acounts

• Create graphics for acounts

• Create meta data, descriptions on all accounts

• Build qualified and targeted leads (followers) on SM accounts

• Create and post regular posts on all accounts (1 or 5 a day, 1 or 5 a week, etc…)

• Content development (writing)

• SEO (search engine optimization): Key words, meta tags, decripts, and all SM integration

• Analytics

• Graphics-creation for posts

• Custom content for posts (videos, papers, downloads, etc…) to excite the audience

• Engage in and interact with cusomers on SM

• Integrate SM with webiste

• Continually engage, grow, post, and interact

Marketing

Develop an appropriate communications plan to engage with, build and grow your audience

Pricing: ~$1200 - $10K+/- depending on what channels, what methods, frequency, and extent— and additional expenses

• Determine best fit: Email, Social Media (SM), website, print, mailers, video, feeds, events, or combination

• Content creatio

• Writing

• Graphics

• Email marketing

• Website content to market your business— goes on website

• Print mailers to mail to customers

• Event presence; Create material for relevant shows and events

• Flyers and ads that can be put online, emailed, mailed, and on social media

• Develop and eengage active plan— should be on going!

• Emailing customer list

• List building

• Alternative listings: Organizations, affiliations, an groups to help spread your brand

• Social media ads: Google ads, FB ads, etc…

• SEO (search engine optimization): Key words, meta tags, decripts, and all SM integration

• Analytics

• Quartely planning: Thinking ahead to continually post, monitor, and engage!

• CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT! Create continually— and always engaging customers

• Newspaper ads

• Billboard and signage

• Vehicle, labels, stickers, magnets, giveaways

A beautiful yard, a beautiful soul, business, product, or service— all take work. The right equipment, investment and attitude make all the difference in the world!

Simple, practical, and inspired creative. Free creative coaching. Free first project for qualifiers. The best creative solution.

3.2.1. Get creative. http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, (508)494-8182.

© Copyright Todd Mitchell, Mitchell Creative Group, LLC

Embracing change and creative-wellness for ultimate business fitness

Change and health. Important to optimal existence, and two of the secrets of growing your business.

Change happens in nature as well as in our own lives. It happens in the expanse of the universe, and all the way down to our cells. And if we embrace the change and work with it—changing form, and “flowing WITH the river,” it becomes a very beautiful migration that leads to growth—flowing with change… “making lemonade out of lemons.” 

Health—is partly innate, meaning that all living things have certain abilities and processes that are all unique. Some are innately very healthy, whereas others my have certain tendencies to be susceptible to various issues that relate to health. Some are asthmatic, some are not. Some can run long distances, some cannot. Some are allergic to grains, some are not. Regardless, there are always decisions and efforts that can be made that can have a positive effect on overall health. Eat right, sleep right, think right, breath right, drink right, and do right— will have a positive impact. Eat poorly, sleep poorly, think negatively, drink poisons, and do bad deeds— will affect your health negatively. It’s pretty simple.

Well the same applies to business. We can apply change adaption and health planning to anything at all in life. Weather changes, we tend our garden differently. We tend our garden and nurture it—it grows favorably.  In business— if we embrace change, and apply optimal health planning, it has a tremendous impact on the outcome of our business.

Technology and business changes fast. Get on track now, or watch your business suffer. And just like personal health and fitness, there are a number of things that you need to do for your business to ensure optimal health of your business and a long healthy life. As we’ve all seen— things can change quickly in the world. Are you prepared? Were you prepared? And are you ready to make changes that will get you ahead of the game for years to come and ready fo more changes to come?

Like many people—they often sit complacently. They wait. They do nothing. They eat, sleep, drink, think, breath, and act poorly— then wonder why their health is poor. Same with many businesses; They often sit idle, not embracing change. Not “feeding” the business optimal energy to help it grow and thrive. Rather than developing a creative “health plan” for their business and implementing it— they complain. Here are some classics: “Things are bad, we’re in trouble, we’re getting no business, no one visits our website, I hate social media, the economy sucks, the President screwed us, taxes are too high, prices are too high, there’s no good help anywhere, no one likes this business anyway…” There are THOUSANDS of excuses. This is what kills business. Imagine if giants like Apple did that? They’d have become dead and gone years ago.

Now— think about the leaders. The mentors, the masters. The survivors, thrivers, movers, and shakers! It can be the 100 year old walking miles each day, or the multi BILLION dollar business. They don’t get “lucky” and they don’t get there my mistake, or by doing NOTHING. They get there by making their, or their businesses health a top priority. And the key here is that they don’t do it alone. Nothing is singular. The universe conspires together, living cells work together, our personal relationships and health relies on others— and businesses, rely on working together with others. Assembling teams, networks, associations, relationships, and partnerships that help align their values. You are a sum of those around you. Hanging out with negative nay-sayers, poor and unhealthy people, or choosing poor diet, exercise, smoking, will have a direct impact on a poor outcome. It’s pretty simple.

That’s one critical key. Follow, surround yourself, and attract high energy, high level, God-conscious level, winning, thriving, positive, and motivational influences and the outcome is the complete opposite. Think about it. Everything is a sum of its environment.

So start there. Seek winners, thrivers, helpers, positivity—those that appreciate life and the “best” in people and all of life. Redefine your values and beliefs, and CHOOSE to make change in your self, and CHOOSE to align with ONLY those that match up with that higher level. In business, key partnerships include those that want to help you attain your best self— your best business.

When you form the right business relationships, make better decisions, and fuel your business: With the right attitude, values, ‘diet’ and discipline and —the best—a group of masters that work together to keep you on track, help you change with the times, and help you THRIVE not just survive! Think about it— you are the best at what you do! You want to help people with what you do, and provide them a service, product, or expertise that you think will help. So simply allow that concept to help you as well. Let others guide you and create a successful synergy. 

That’s one of my fundamental and critical personal and business core values: I provide a full service creative solution that will help you achieve the highest level of success in your business. Ideas, strategies, and execution to get you on track today— as well as leading you into the future.

I apply over 20 awesome years in the creative, personal and business field to help you achieve the best self, and business you can create with key questions, strategies, and executive creative agency level tools and solutions. Here’s a basic overview of my business health plan to help you attain creative-wellness for ultimate business fitness:

Embracing change and creative-wellness planning for ultimate business fitness

Brand “physical” and modern strategy planning

Like your physical health— your business health needs the right diet, exercise, and mental strategy to achieve ultimate health!

• Discuss where you are and where you need to be— TODAY!

• Get rid of old garbage— and develop a better “business fitness routine”

• Embrace modern change—and implement realm honest, and AGGRESSIVE strategies

• Ideas to GROW your business. Increase customers, gain following, become an influencer in your field and area

Pricing: Varies depending on factors to discuss. Often included in many plans below.

Website modernization

• Create on a new CMS platform

• Easy editing, even for DIY

• Integration of modern tools— analytics, SEO, email marketing, and more…

Pricing: Varies between $2.5K and $10K depending on factors to discuss.

Social universe building

if you aren’t making social media a priority— you are going to fail. This is critical!

• Create the RIGHT channels for your business

• Gain the RIGHT followers

• Create the RIGHT content

• Develop and refine the RIGHT strategy—ongoing! 

Pricing: Varies between $1K and $50K depending on factors to discuss.

Marketing and advertising structuring

• Create a strategy, game plan, and system developed specially for you and your business/product.

• Website development and content

• Social media marketing

• Email marketing

• Subscribers, lists, and audience building

• Engaging—CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT! Flyers, videos, graphics, papers, and more… Content is KEY!

Pricing: Varies depending on factors to discuss. Often included in many plans above.

Modern Communications Adaption

• You NEED to set up modern tech— meet people where THEY are. Not where you “think” it is.

• Tele-services, online, and live video ideas and implementation

• Podcast and audio services

Pricing: Varies depending on factors to discuss. Often included in many plans above.

Where to start

The quick considerations are (1) first, how serious you are about getting you business to the next level. How bad you want it. Next (2) plan on investing in it—you have to think of money as energy and “diet”… investing in your business wisely, and correctly will help your business THRIVE… for example, say you spend $12K on updating and upgrading— it in turn doubles your exposure, doubles your customer base, and doubles your income, and protects you from failure… Remember you get out what you put in. But you need to partner with honest, successful, and equal-minded friends, partners, and relationships.

Start with a conversation.

I will meet with you and discuss where you are at, where you need to be— and ideas on how to get there. As well as some strategies, direct and honest services that I can help you with— or lead you to. I’ll explain them all in simple terms, answer questions, and help get you in the right direction. You can then make a decision based on what you believe is best for you and your business.

Let’s discuss! (508) 494-8182, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com.

Online Data Visualization

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Infographics, data, and content can easily thrive online.

We are visual beings. We’re blessed with senses like sight, hearing, taste, touch, and feeling. And when it comes to the visual part of the senses we can experience an amazing array of experiences that leverage color, text, typefaces, design, pictures, illustrations, that all have a profound effect on the visual experience. This experience can be customized and leveraged specifically to present a very precise message. It’s what we use for advertising, marketing, and design. As creative types, we create an experience for our viewers. 

A variety of choices

Specifically, when it comes to data visualization— aka infographics, we are starting with data—content. And then we portray or display that data in a certain way for a certain experience. Let’s start with a basic document—kind of like what you are reading now. It can be simple text as a simple and hopefully informative read, or can be re-assembled or designed in such a way that it’s more graphically engaging and thus making it more fun to read. A good infographic can make the content exciting, interesting, and tends to lead you somehwere—be it more information, or other infographics. IF done well…

Just as there are thousands of design possibilities with infographics, that can just as easily be applied to online versions of that same data. With tech the way it is today—and obviously growing, we can visualize graphics online in numerous ways. And not just on the computer screen. We can implement sound “responsive” content that looks just as great on a smart phone or tablet.

Online infographics as one option

With numerous software enhancements and availability, it’s easier than even for creators to develop amazing digital content for online users. We can develop not only robust and interactive digital content on desktop—an interactive pdf document for example, but we can create the content to be viewed online—be it through hyperlinks, on websites, or platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and others—or directly emailed, texted, or driven through social media, another huge trend.

If you work with the right creative team or professional, we can provide not just the creation—but provide other ideas and examples of presenting your content in new and exciting ways. It’s important to stay on top of what’s happening in the creative space to help keep you on the interesting and exciting creative front, trying new and fresh things—but also to be able to provide ideas to colleagues and creative clients as well.

There are numerous opportunities for developing and delivering engaging, and meaningful creative content. And online visualization, or “online infographics” is just one of them.

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Here are some online infographic examples we’ve done. A variety of possibilities…

And be sure to explore them on mobile!

Cloud Communications Delivers Better Business Outcomes
Total online responsive infographic, Sponsored by Vonage
(has analytics tracking on it as well)
SEE SAMPLE

The Shift to the Third Platform
Online hosted infographic with share, pdf download, and other features… (see tools at bottom)
This is an example of an infographic that can EASILY be created as an online version (additionally)
SEE SAMPLE

Data Dilemma
Responsive (on any device) vector-based, ANIMATED html infographic
SEE SAMPLE

Min.igraphic
Small, simple infographics. Responsive, and online only—3 samples…
http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/minigraphics/1/index.html
http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/minigraphics/2/index.html
http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/minigraphics/3/index.html

Disaster Recovery Solution 
More extensive web page-based infographic experience. Like creating an online site experience in leu of an infographic…
SEE SAMPLE

Supply Chain Planning
Converting a static infographic to an animated online version—you end up with both!
SEE SAMPLE

Blueprint for Success
Online infographic, basic html, non-responsive, static
SEE SAMPLE

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Simple, practical, and inspired creative solutions. Free consulting. Free advice. Free first project for qualifiers. Creative strategies and solutions—made easy.

Get creative. http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, (508)494-8182.

© Copyright Todd Mitchell, Mitchell Creative Group, LLC

The Art of Animation

Some ideas, guides, and thoughts on animating content

By todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com

I grew up inspired by animation masters like Disney and Looney Tunes. We all marveled at the screens as characters, scenery, and storylines blended with sound, music tracks, and voice into emotional experiences that kept us coming back for more. It literally brought imagination to life. And it continues today.

Commercially, it’s not much different. Bringing stories to life helps elicit emotion. It sells products, brings awareness to situations, events, and worldly affairs. It builds community, teams, and excitement. Animation is an art that brings imagination and creativity to life— through the senses.

As technology has advanced over the years, we are able to create animations much easier, and much quicker than we were ever able to. Powerful computers, robust software, and well tuned designers can create amazing animated material—faster, better, and less expensive than old-day “cell animation” with huge teams hand-drawing animations—then, about 24 drawings per second of animation.

There are still companies today that do that— and do quite well, and create a unique niche in the industry. Claymation, stop-motion, and many other nifty techniques can be used to deliver a real unique personality to an animation.

This animation created for QuickPivot involved a small key team to develop a fun project outcome and what turned out to be a very successful campaign. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J0qhHnemd8&feature=youtu.be

There are many types of animation modern technology allows

Modern tech, also allows creative folks to multi-purpose material, and bring animation into the realm of recycled-content possibilities. For example, turning a static infographic into an animated version of it. Using the parts and pieces of the illustration and adding motion, effects, sounds, and music to it literally peels it off the static page and into motion. An exciting, engaging, and different format that can be used on multiple platforms—and now, you end up with 2 formats simultaneously.

In commercial design specifically, although imagination can take us anywhere, there are three primary types of animation that can be created to present content or data in an engaging, active manner— or to promote an idea, service, company, or product:

The three primary types of commercial animation:

1. Standard motion graphics. Here, we take any content, and simply add motion to it. It can literally be as simple as an animated Powerpoint document, or text and graphics with motion added in sequence, with or without effects or sound— on more upscale software like Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, or even Apple’s Motion or iMovie.

2. Up-leveled animations and motion graphics. Here, content is put together and created with animation in mind. For example, an infographic is created— text and graphics. They then are “animated,” or put into motion, so as to walk the reader through the storyline, with sounds, music tracks, and captions to help create an emotional, engaging story.

3. High end animation. This varies quite a bit. This range can be a custom-built animation on a designer’s desktop computer— with graphics, text, voice talent, and music— on up through something Pixar might produce as a major motion picture. Nonetheless, either one can net a beautiful, exciting, emotional, and highly engaging product. These higher ended projects take more time, planning, creativity, and imagination to develop— but for the right reasons, are well worth it.

The cost to create animations

Before the cost is established when creating an animation, it’s important to think about the “goal” of the animation. Roughly, WHY are you creating it? Is it for fun, personal use— or is it to bring awareness to an idea, set up information, service, or product? Are you looking for new and exciting engagement content for your audience? Or maybe you’re on a mission to be the next Academy Award winner… the “why” and the goal helps you start off the right foot.

The cost in developing an animation can also vary—depending on four key factors: The importance of the project (simple stuff, or for something real important), the budget of the project (little to invest, or have more to invest), the size of the project (how big it is), and it’s value (what are you getting from it). And each of these factors impact the outcome. For example, big company, big budget, real important information, and a huge audience with engaging content— vs. simple data to a small audience will each warrant a different strategy. So step one is determining the four key factors.

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The four key factors to developing an animation

1. Importance. How important is the project? (not very, moderate, extremely)

2. Investment. What would an ideal ballpark budget range/investment be possibly? (under $1000, $5000, $10,000, $100,000, etc…)

3. Size. What size project do you envision? (simple and small, average, or major production— how long is it?)

4. Value. What is it’s value? (a lot of people will see it, not many people will see it, or millions around the world?)

So cost-wise, animations will vary depending on the four key factors above. Expect anywhere from around $1000 upwards of $10,000 plus— and with major motion pictures, documentaries, etc… upwards of $millions! Yes, a wide range of cost, but that’s the importance of pre-planning the project to know clearly what the goals are.

For basic to moderate animations, such as animating an infographic or even a slightly more advanced animation with voice talent, sounds, music tracks, and effects, expect an average range of $2500—$10K.

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The basic steps to creating an animation

Once you determine the general goal, or consider factors to developing the animation there are a few basic steps in getting started. Following these steps help you organize and ensure a successful final product. It also helps save time and cost, as well as help you fine tune it and craft it along the way to avoid costly and timely changes later on.

WARNING: Before you begin, consider the “team.” Who will be involved. Who will review, who will approve, provide funding for, etc… and ALWAYS work with a solid, experienced creative person on the team. Experience, talent, and high caliber creativity has a huge effect on the outcome. And having that creative expertise along the way helps keep it on the right track. Think of it as if Steven Spielberg or any other famous, successful director were producing or directing it… you’d want his/her input all along the way. Team up with a good creative professional.

This example illustrates the importance of “theme” to create an interesting and engaging concept behind content. https://youtu.be/Czi860QTImE

Here are the basic steps to consider in creating an animation, this is AFTER going through the four key factors to developing an animation:

1. Theme. What is it about? What’s the basic story line and idea. The “main pitch.”

2. Style. What flavor, type, or feel does it have? Fun and lighthearted, dark and spooky, animated cartoon characters, or a lot of video footage? Describe the style of it, and provide examples of what you might like here. Will there be voice talent, what kind of music? Describe it as best yo can here.

3. Rough storyboard. Storyboard the project. A rough walkthrough of the animation, describing scene by scene of what’s happening. Team can review and discuss the general flow and idea to hash out the best outcome.

4. Initial creative. Develop or sketch the basic artwork for the project to help the team envision and hash out the “look” of the artwork. There are many styles, and types of artwork that can be created so it’s imperative to work that out up front and make adjustments before final content is created.

5. Develop final content. Storyboards, script, screenplay… Write the actual script for the voice over, develop actual scene artwork. Add descriptions on each scene to walk through what’s happening. 

6. Get team sign off. Important to not have any costly and timely surprises later. Make sure everyone that needs to be on board, signs off and agrees on what’s to be done.

7. Development. Full gear creation here. Assign assets, get the voice talent hired and recording, artwork gathered and created, music and sound research, getting those assets in hand… work efficiently at getting done. Done promptly, but done well.

8. Review and fine tune. Team or client review to make any adjustments or fine tuned changes. There shoudn’t be many here, but expect a few to tweak it and get it accurate. Fine tune it and finalize!

9. Publish and promote. Get it out there! Upload to YouTube, Vimeo, or otherwise. Be sure to incorporate meta data, descriptions, and other SEO-related criteria to help make it more visible. Promote it on website, by direct email, and on all social media channels. This step is critical so it reaches its original objective—being viewed! Promote, promote, share— and promote!

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Here are some samples of our animation work:

Quick pivot example 1
https://youtu.be/brK7sKNhaog

The US Market Is Ready for Contactless Payments
https://youtu.be/xQVyrKStV9U

SAP -  Use Technology to Chart a Better Course for Your Business
https://youtu.be/Czi860QTImE

Data Dynamics. Manage Your Data
https://youtu.be/b9_vdXrl6XA

Adobe Digital Transformation
https://youtu.be/fCxNyMXiPaY

Quickwin 2 segmentation
https://youtu.be/0J0qhHnemd8

The Secret Sauce for Accelerating Indirect Sales
This example is from a presentation…
https://youtu.be/X2KeCwz3ATU

AAP seasons greetings
https://youtu.be/0QDMm2uYTcY

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Simple, practical, and inspired creative solutions. Free consulting. Free advice. Free first project for qualifiers. Creative strategies and solutions—made easy.

Get creative. http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, (508)494-8182.

© Copyright Todd Mitchell, Mitchell Creative Group, LLC

The Importance of Branding

To your product, business, service, or idea— branding can be the difference between success and failure.

A “brand” is a story. It’s a relationship, a label, a mark, and a meaning. It’s another word for a logo, but the logo is only a small part of a brand, and it has a lot of information behind it. A brand has a much wider narrative and descriptive nature that outlines every aspect of whatever it is. What it means, what it represents, why it is, how it is… the color, the font, and how things are said about it. A brand can turn a $2 piece of cloth into a $45 Nike t-shirt. THAT is the power of brand.

Think about a box of cereal, carton of milk, a t-shirt with a logo on it, or a pair of sneakers. Everything that exists by manufacture or in concept—by people—including many actual people, is a brand. Lebron James is a brand. Michael Jackson, the Pope, and even Donald Trump is a brand. The Boston Red Sox, Nike, Google, Dole, Subaru, Coca-Cola, etc… they are all brands. They all have a special story behind it, and they all have an effect on a certain number of people—personally, emotionally, and financially.

Imagine the effect historical figures have had even after thousands of years. Jesus, Lao Tzu, Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Muhammad, and so many others have a deeply emotional meaning to so many people and have such an impact on millions. Each of us has our own personal brand as well. Who we are, what we are, what we do, what we believe, and our talents and abilities all branch out and touch others. We have an effect on the world and others. How we wear our hair, our clothing, and all of our choices—are all part of our personal brand.

And then what do we do as people? We are drawn to, follow, brag about or despise other brands. We wear them, we eat them, we discuss them… Think of all the “labels” right now you are wearing. Think of the brands of coffee, food, water, and products around your home or all around you— online, in stores… Brands, brands, and more brands!

So from a marketing perspective, that’s important to understand. When you are actively marketing a brand—a product, service, or idea—you need to have a thorough understanding of two key parts: The brand story, and the audience. When you understand both of those, you can first tell the correct—and hopefully interesting, engaging, and exciting storyline of that brand, and then thoroughly understand the people who want to see it, why they might want to see it, and what it is they need to see.

That way, you can put the two together, and then the relationship is born. That relationship Is the person and the brand. They go hand-in-hand and again, can be personal and intimate brands (for personal use) or consumer-based, financially motivated, and business related brands. And many of these brand relationships can and often do last a lifetime.

In marketing, advertising, and design therefore all aspects of the product, service, or idea needy to be perfectly assembled. A product has to have the right description and meaning, colors, fonts, packaging, ingredients, website, social media accounts, advertising and marketing plan, financial plan, growth plan, and more. A service has to have importance, value, uniqueness, and messaging that really connects with the audience, as well as all the aspects of a product above. An idea, yes even that, needs to have a tremendous amount of excitement, intrigue, value, and interest to even have potential to become a great brand.

There are BILLIONS of brands, and BILLIONS of failed or wasted and un-useful brands. But there are also BILLIONS of amazing, life-changing, inspiring, and powerful brands. And the difference often starts in the beginning in the planning phase, but can also be destroyed anywhere along the way. Think of any famous person that does or says something hurtful or foolish and “POOF,” gone is the brand… But heck, even the cigarette industry with its known super-deadly capacity, still remains strong. Branding!

So when we develop a brand—by thought and idea, or in actuality—all o the above criteria needs to be a part of that process to be effective. A lot of thought ideas, creativity and imagination, passion, and experience all need to be plugged into the process. Great brands are born out of creative and inspired thinking. And the miraculous part of that is that the best creative and imaginative process is deeply spiritual, creator-based (God or whatever your belief is), talent-based, and something you just can’t explain. It’s a skill that if nurtured, practiced, and literally allowed to flow through you—develops into the best personal or product-based brand that ever existed.

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Here are a few starting points to start a killer product or company brand

1. Ideas first 

A good thought process or discussion about the idea develops into many notes, concepts, drawings, and directions. Add awesome people to your conversation, and really explore and think and speak freely to let the process unwind.

2. Trust your inner Self

Begin with your self. Trust your self first and be really thoughtful and mindful of your ideas. Trust your heart and your own creativity and imagination and stick to that. Make sure you follow that deep inner guide. Trust that. This is where the brand begins—and should stay.

3. Team up with masters

It’s wise to seek relationships with masters. People you can not only trust—but have been there, have super high quality value, and even greater skills to really help guide you and contribute to great ideas. Learn from others, team up with others. While the idea is yours, it always takes a team. So hang out with winners, achievers, and go-getters.

4. Make action be your first priority

Ideas are great. But action is what makes the difference. Nothing exists without someone taking action. And I mean BIG action. Do it. Get started. Continue to take action. You must, must, must get the ball rolling, keep the ball rolling, and never stop. You are ALIVE and meant to live— to push on, to excel, exceed, and move. You have to put your ideas into action. Start with a single step today, plan for tomorrow’s, and after that… continually move, learn, grow, and change direction—but ACT!

5. Make your next best ally a creative professional

Unless you are one, you need creative talent. And GOOD creative talent—the best. The right logo, colors, fonts, websites, marketing, social media, printed material, and branding guidelines and management LITERALLY is everything. Any one of these parts if not done well will be the difference between success and failure. And like my own personal creative business model—make sure it’s someone you can really trust that puts your best interests first, will work harder for you than anyone else, is fairly and honestly priced, will work quickly, and values the relationship as if life depending on it. Second to that, but equally important is that they are passionately, spiritually, and powerfully experienced and extremely talented. The right creative team will be a caring, committed life-long partner, and will help you create the literal branding pieces you will ever need, make sure you remain consistent, change with the times, and continue to grow—and THRIVE! They will help you make more money, spend less money, affect more people.

6. Do the research—Without “analysis paralysis”

It’s important to see what else is out there. What else is being done, how it’s being done. Getting ideas, making sure there’s a market for it, etc… But don’t get hung up on “over” researching it. You can literally get mentally paralyzed by over examining or overthinking things and then never taking any action. So always be on the research, examination, and look out for what else is going on, but make it efficient—not a hinderance. Learn from it and ACT.

7. Create the what, why, and how

Create what many call a mission statement, elevator pitch, or creative brief. Write down WHAT it is in a very compelling, interesting and descriptive manner, WHY it is what it is or WHY you are doing what you are doing, and then HOW you intend on changing the world or marketplace with it—or HOW you intend on getting it out there (marketing plan). It should only be a paragraph, should be very concise, and VERY interesting and engaging. Run it by people you trust and/or admire and ask them what they think about it. “Test market” it to see how other might respond to it. See of someone might buy it before it even exists. But your mission—your statement—is probably one of the most important parts of the brand! If your what is lame, your why is trash, and your how is boring you can rest assured wasted time, money, and energy.

8. Market it well—and market it often

It’s also important to work with the right creative team to help you market your product, company or service today more than ever. With so many “channels” you have so many advertising, website, social media, event, email and other facets of delivering your message, you need to not only stay on track, be aggressive, and consistent—but know which ones will work specifically for you as well as which ones to avoid. You are now in a future of EXTREME traffic, competing with millions so your messaging needs to be perfect, and your audience reach needs to be crafted perfectly. And if done well, will establish a very solid future and successful outcome. You need to market your self, product, service, or company every day— and often multiple times a day to succeed. And the messaging needs to be perfect—not pointless rambling. So make the right relationship with key creative and marketing teams. They will guide and teach you.

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Simple, practical, and inspired creative solutions. Free consulting. Free advice. Free first project for qualifiers. Creative strategies and solutions—made easy.

Get creative. http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, (508)494-8182.
© Copyright Todd Mitchell, Mitchell Creative Group, LLC

Get Sticky!

What’s the mystery behind stickers? Well, they’re pretty basic. They’re stickers. But there are a wide variety of sticker types that all have their purpose and using the right ones are really important.

Key questions:

What are they for, how will they be used?

Rolls or individual stickers or labels?

How many might you need?

Investment or value—are they important or is cheap ok?

On one end—a simply-shaped sticker plopped right down on a piece of paper. On the other end, a huge window label in a department store (actually a window cling). There are for example permanent stickers (also called labels) that are more durable and won’t peel off easily. There are removable labels that easily come off (although depends on the material they are on). There are roll labels that come in certain quantities (starting usually at around 250 labels), and there are individual peel and stick labels.

So it really comes down to usage—how you will use these, and what they are for. On products, will they be outdoor or exposed to water? Are they food products that might be frozen? Will they be on a tool that you want clear edges on so there are no white colors detracting from the look and feel? There are labels so large you can literally wrap an entire vehicle with them. 

Pricing: Stickers and label costs will all vary depending on the usage, type, quantity, and size. They might be as little as $20 for a handful on many online sites if quality is unimportant, and $250-$1000 plus for larger, more of, and better quality labels.

Clear, white, and zero backgrounds

Depending on your label or sticker, you may or may not want or require a background. For example, if it’s a letter character logo, you need something to hold the letters together so they all stick down together. So that may be on a white, colored, or clear background—such as like Scotch Tape material. Logos or graphics that ARE one solid shape, require no background, so can be “die cut” to that shape.

Imagine the clear background (top) holding the lettering together. Otherwise, blown apart, nothing to hold them.

As opposed to a graphic with a solid edge and colored insides—you can now die-cut this as this unique shape.

Sticker vs. Label

Stickers are usually digitally printed. Printed on machinery quickly and affordably. Resilient in most cases, but not always and good for simplicity. LABELS are often high end machinery-printed, and more resilient, and good with wet, cold, hot conditions.

Rolls of labels can be set up for your label machines or convenience in pulling and placing…

Variety

Here are an assortment of sticker and label types to show you the variety and possibilities to start with. Content here can also be found at StickerGiant website, StickerYou website, and many other sticker printers…

DIE CUT STICKERS

Individual stickers with the back liners cut to the size and shape of the sticker. No die cut fees for custom shapes. Printed in full color on white polypropylene with outdoor durable laminate, in your choice of Glossy or Matte finish.

KISS CUT STICKERS

Digitally printed with free custom shapes with the backing material a little larger than the sticker itself. Can be used indoor or outdoor. Printed in full color on white polypropylene with an outdoor durable laminate in your choice of a Glossy or Matte finish.

GLOSSY WHITE LABELS

These custom glossy labels are perfect for product labeling and will resist water and oils. Digitally printed in full color on white polypropylene with indoor use laminate, and finished on a roll.

CLEAR LABELS

These custom labels are printed in full color on a clear polypropylene and work great for products. They resist water and oils and are finished on a roll, with an indoor use glossy laminate.

MATTE LABELS

These custom labels have a satin-like look, and are finished on a roll. They give products a high end appearance and are easy to write on. Printed in full color on white polypropylene with indoor use matte laminate.

CLEAR STICKERS

Digitally printed using full color on clear polypropylene with UV laminate for outdoor durability. Choose either face or back adhesive. These are available with free custom shapes and finished with the backing material a little larger than the sticker itself.

SILKSCREEN STICKERS

Spot color stickers, printed on a white vinyl with UV inks for outdoor use. Individual stickers with the back liners cut to the size and shape of the sticker.

STATIC CLINGS

A flexible vinyl that has a smooth, coated finish and will stick to clean glass surfaces utilizing the moisture in the air and on the glass to adhere to the surface. These do not use a sticky adhesive like our other sticker and label options.

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Creative pricing— what will it cost?

When it comes to pricing creative projects it helps to keep three primary things in mind: Value (worth), caliber (oomph level!), and investment (what can or should be spent). And while there is a wide range for each of these, the ideal cost is what’s most appropriate for that project. No matter what, think of it as a range—from basic and simple, to advanced and higher level. 

The “value”— is what it’s really worth. Think of gold vs. a sheet of paper. And when it comes to your project, is it valued high like gold or as a simple piece of paper. Is your project high profile, important, to get high exposure, and have a big impact on the audience? Or is it a simple, one-off, very basic project with little exposure?

The “caliber” is the “oomph level”—meaning how much oomph you want it to have. Putting more work into it affects the outcome. If you spend more time on designing it, using certain fonts, images, colors, etc… you will have more quality there. If you spend more time on the animation or website you will get more impact. 

The “investment” is what it sounds like—how much you “should” invest. I emphasize that because mistake number 1 is that people think its about what they WANT to spend. If you want to spend $50 on a logo, you will get a lousy $50 logo. Whereas if you SHOULD invest in a real solid brand— spending the time, working a high caliber, and investing value behind it, the outcome will be tremendously different. And it’s not to say you should always spend more— in fact the opposite. Some projects SHOULD be a low cost. Some projects warrant simple, low cost solutions.

So consider these three pieces when pricing your creative projects. It will help you figure out the ideal and appropriate amount to spend.

Here are a few worksheets to help visualize the cost curves on certain projects.

If you are creative, create.

Too many people waste their time not living their true purpose. And if they’re creative, they often forgo their God given ability to truly create. That means letting go, and letting God as they say… Allowing your inner creativity sizzle and expand outward. It’s to be shared, exposed, and enjoyed by all. 

Think of it as harnessed energy—if even only mental energy, it’s still energy. And if it’s not used or allowed to vent it will find a way to manifest itself. Often, repressed creativity leads one to a strange sense of feeling “off.” As if not connected, or not doing what you think you should be doing— or often a feeling of unhappiness. 

When you are inspired (in-spirit) you are flowing. It feels right. Time passes by happily and often quickly. So imagine being a flower and “deciding” not to flower. Just a dead stalk. No beauty, no bees, no pollen, no sharing your nature with the universe. You are withholding and denying the purpose for which you were created. So if you are creative, CREATE.