Since our last newsletter we have released several new projects...

Websites:

Sacco Eye Group 

Pullano Physical Therapy

Never Forget 343 

Trip Savers 

Compost 2 Door 

Logo / Identity:

Consider Kinesiology  

Photoshop World 2011

As we mentioned previously, in February of 2011, we celebrated our 5^th year anniversary of the formation of our studio.  As part of our continued growth strategy, we took a week out of the studio and headed to Photoshop World 2011 in Orlando, FL from March 28, 2011 to April 1,  2011.   

We left with a few specific objectives;

• To successfully complete the pre-conference, hands on workshop on the cutting edge production of DSLR video.
• To obtain current information on the trends and happenings in video production, web development, print design and new cross platform techniques.
• To further grow our network of peer resources, equipment vendors and industry advisors.

Other than significant delays and issues with our Air travel, our experience was incredible.  In addition to exceeding each and every one of our expectations on meeting our pre-defined objectives, we learned so much more.  From tricks & tips on lighting and the use of various speed lite flash configurations for design and development to learning about new technology, software releases and potential new products for our clients. Each day was packed with new ideas, information and concepts which we are already working to develop.

While we could go on and on for hours about what we learned and how we intend on applying it to our daily activities, we want to focus on just one aspect of our week. In a word... Interaction... 

The days of simply providing quality content in a newsletter or on a basic website are rapidly coming to an end. In a recent international study involving over 15,000 consumers reviews found that 40% of participants expected some type of interaction on a website. (Moving graphics, slide show, animation, flash, video, etc.)  Thirty percent (30%) said they would leave a site if they did not find this interaction.  And most shocking 63% said that they would like more interaction... but they don't know where to start...   

Throughout our week we learned all about interaction... interaction with photos, video, motion graphics, audio editing, cross platform compatibility, etc.  We had the opportunity to see some of the new technology around the corner, but more importantly how to leverage technology and equipment available now.  The importance of maintaining our place on the edge and bringing it all together in a simple package for you was further internalized throughout the week.  

We started the integration and implementation of our new knowledge, skill sets and techniques immediately following the sessions.  To further support our commitment, we have already pre-ordered the cutting edge Adobe CS5.5 software which releases in May. This significant investment in our studio will allow us to further enhance our products, allow cutting edge cross browser/platform compatibility and new integration for the iPad and other Apple products.   

In the coming months we'll be sharing more specific details as the technology becomes available, we become competent with the new techniques and can offer you cost effective alternatives that are on the cutting edge of the industry.

We would like to thank our clients for their patience during our absence.  If you have not yet seen our photos, they can be viewed on our Facebook Page .  A few have also been added to our web gallery.

For a few months we've been completing the final steps in the development of our new video services.  In addition to our recent completion of an extensive hands-on workshop in Orlando we have had the recent opportunity to work with three different consultants and advisers to help us develop our work flow, build our new editing suite and put the final touches on the acquisition of our new equipment.

We are on track to receive all of our equipment by the first week in May and hope to begin our video operation shortly there after.  We have already been working on growing our skill set and experimenting with video and audio acquisition as well as editing.  We recently released the product of our workshop in Orlando on our Facebook page...  if you have not yet had the opportunity to view it... check it out and let us know what you think.  We believe it's a solid start and look forward to working with our local clients as we move forward with this venture.

If you are interested in video for your website, looking for a new commercial or have other video needs, contact us.  We are confident we will continue our history of exceeding expectations, maximizing client's return on investment and providing you the quality product you have come to know and expect from Grey Goose Graphics.

The Snippet Section

Over the past few months we have collected snippets of information which we believe may be helpful to pass on.  This month we are starting a new section of our Newsletter to bring these random facts and findings to you.

• It was once acceptable to embed additional text on a page to simply stimulate search engines.  From a general list which coincided with a sites meta data to using text colored the same as the background to hide the text... this was once a very successful trick of the trade.  Unfortunately, like many things in life, a few bad apples ruined this for the rest of it and both of these techniques are now considered to be "against the rules" by Google and other search engines.  Once helpful, if these techniques are picked up by the indexing algorithms, site can and have recently be punished by the search engines with lower rankings or removal from search results.
• Digital Camera technology is changing and evolving at a dizzying pace.  Did you know that DSLR video technology is now being used by many high end studios?  Full length movie productions are underway using the same cameras many professional photographers are using, but just using the video mode.
• Have you recently printed business cards, brochures or other promotional items?  When doing so, be sure to have your total project quoted at the number of pieces you ultimate want, and also add on an additional 25% , 50% & 100%.  Most print pricing significantly drops as the quantity goes up.