Matthew A. Hawkins is available for creative design in all things media.

PHONE: 604.316.4404 EMAIL: matt@filmads.ca

Category: On My Desk

1Day Design: November

Posted on October 14, 2011

Over at 1Day Design we have a special coming out for November.

Typically we offer 1Service 1Price 1Client 1Design.
Well for the month of November, to help current clients and prospective clients of FilmAds – we’ll be offering 5 motion graphic ads to 5 companies for $100 each. (I should note that we’ve also booked 1Client for 1Logo design in November already!)

Half of the profits for Novembers 1Day Design, which will take place on November 10th, will go towards gift and food baskets that the local fire department distribute to families deserving a little extra around Christmas time. We’ll be sharing this event with you in future blog posts as well.

So if you, someone you know, someone your mom knows, or whoever, would like to get a motion graphic ad done for their business in one or all of our 12 FilmAds Theatres OR just for Internet/Facebook/Blog/Twitter usage, then head over to 1Day Design and sign up right away! We are limiting the spots to just 5 (FIVE!) so make sure you sign up today!

Here’s an example of what we can create you in a day*

*With 1Day Design you pay $100 for the ad as is. You supply us the content and we design away. We promise by the end of the day, you’ll have an awesome design at a crazy low price!

Posted in 1Day Design, filmads, On My Desk, Promotional, Videos Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1Day Design Launches

Posted on October 3, 2011

I’ve been working on a little project. Something that has been in the back of my head for some time now. Well at least pieces of it has. It’s just finally all come together now.

Running FilmAds I get the chance to work with businesses all across BC and now Alberta.
FilmAds offers local exposure in 12 theatres across Western Canada, as well as, production and design for ad creation. Local businesses typically work off of very tight budgets and don’t have a lot at the end of the month to put towards advertising, especially with a high quality ad. It’s one of those tricky things, because you need to advertise to get more attention to your business, but you also need the money to pay for it.

SO, I came up with 1Day Design. A way for local businesses to cash in on some quality design that is more than affordable.

How It Works:

1Day a month we offer 1Company 1Design (website, photo shoot, motion graphic ad, etc.) at 1Price ($100 on anything) that will be started and finished in 1Day (Oct 10). So for October we have 6 spots (6companies), 5 that are now available, where a company can sign up for 1piece of design work – logo design, video shoot, etc. Check the site out for more details – 1Day Design Website.

It’s a pay-low-take-as-is-and-run-with-it kind of idea.

You can sign up for it today!

Goals:

I’ve been talking with a number of people I know in the design world and they love the idea. They especially love where I want to take it.

My goal is to get small local businesses, that need a little boost, some quality design work and then offer the proceeds to a local charity. For the month of December we’ll be donating 50% to the local Salvation Army Food Bank. From there we’d like to look at getting involved with other local charities to offer a little financial help.

What I need from you, my faithful few, is to get the word about what we’re doing. Let people know their website doesn’t have to stay hidden in their mom’s basement anymore. Tell them that the logo their neighbours 15 year old kid did with a ripped off copy of Photoshop doesn’t have to make up the identity of their company. Tell people the Facebook profile pic they have for their business that shows off their iPhone in the mirror as well as their face, doesn’t have to be that way.
Simply, help me get the word out.

Cheers,

Matthew A. Hawkins

Posted in On My Desk, Promotional, those moments Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Women I Work With Part 4

Posted on September 23, 2011

I’m privileged to do the work I do.

I’m more privileged and honoured to work with some of the women I work with.
You see, a few weeks ago, I was thinking about all the work I do and who I get a chance to work with. I have a variety of things I do: educational biology shorts, credit union & financial marketing, school district information & communication, health & wellness videos and so on. I started to connect who most of the people are that I work with on these projects and I saw a pattern – strong, smart, beautiful, talented women. In case you missed Part 1. Or Part 2. Or Part 3.

_________________________________

Stacey Adamczyk

I met Stacey through my wife’s old childhood friend Aaron. Most of the time I have spent getting to know Stacey has been through online conversations via Facebook chat, Twitter, email or Skype. I actually think there was a time that Stacey and I met at a family wedding but both of us have forgotten if that actually happened or not.

Somehow Stacey and got connected about doing video work together. Stacey and Aaron had both mentioned how much they loved the SilverScreen Tots videos I had been creating and Stacey began asking about doing them in her hometown in Red Deer. We begin talking and coming up with various ways to promo the videos around town. That was when I began to see the entrepreneurial side of Stacey and just how hard she works for a living.

I am impressed with each of the women I have a privilege of working with closely. For some reason we have all connected well and we push each other to strive for our very best in our careers. Stacey is no exception. I have seen a drive and passion in Stacey that you don’t see very often. She is very, very determined.

Stacey owns and operates Clearview Design from just outside Red Deer, Alberta. She specializes in website design, but more specifically, precision marketing for small business owners. She’s been using a combination of social media, web presence and quality design to help her clients with their marketing needs. Aside from the work she does, Stacey is also an incredible networker. She understands the value of pounding the pavement and getting to know everyone and anyone you can. One phone call, one knock on the door, one email, one connection, they all can lead to a sale and Stacey is one of the best people at this that I have ever met.
(In fact I have a blog post coming up on a challenge that Stacey told me about during our visit to her new home in July – the post is called “21″)

When we were in Alberta this past summer I had the privilege of helping Stacey create an ad to show off just exactly what she does. Here’s the video:

Thank you Stacey for all hard work, challenges you’ve told me about and the chance to film you at work.
I look forward to the many more chances we’ll have to work together.

Matthew A. Hawkins

Posted in Lessons Learned, On My Desk, Promotional, those moments Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

My Take on Buying New Gear

Posted on September 20, 2011

Often I get asked about what type of camera or what type of computer to buy.
I figured I should write a post about what I really want to say and what people don’t always like to hear.
To be perfectly honest I don’t like being asked what type of gear someone should buy. I feel like I’m somehow going to be held responsible for their decisions, even though I had nothing to do with what they bought, other than an honest opinion. So here goes what I think you should buy the next time you’re looking for a new camera, new camera accessories, computer, software etc.
Most people won’t like my opinions here because you have to go out and do some of your own work… that sucks doesn’t it? Having to figure things out for yourself? Anyways…

General Tips
- Try before you buy. All of this stuff you can try it out for a certain period of time: software 30 days, camera gear (pay up front + return safely = free rental), computers (unsure…)
- Read reviews online. Lots of them. Amazon is awesome for reading reviews (.com not .ca) and has a lot of the equipment and software you may want to buy. Find out what the Interwebs are saying.
- Buy what works for you. The most expensive isn’t always the best. I started out on a basic camera and Windows Movie Maker. I learned and worked my way up. Just because you go out and buy all the latest, greatest and most expensive doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it. Make what you have work and if you like it go from there.
- Watch tutorials on all things. There are so many video tuts out there it’s not even funny. If you can’t GOOGLE for them, you’re lazy and should stay on the couch.

1. Cameras
I’m a Canon guy. The first digital camera I bought was a Canon. My first digital camcorder was a Canon. My first pro-level camcorder was a Canon. My current camera is a Canon.
I’ve found I really like the Canon brand and warranty. Personally I have never had a problem with any of my Canon’s. I know people who have had problems, but for me it’s Canon.
You need to find what you like. Some people swear by Sony. Some people swear by Nikon. Find which camera does what you want it to and stick with that.

2. Computers
I hate being asked what computers people should buy. People automatically think that because I work with computers a lot, that I know a lot about computers. I know a little. Enough to keep me from having to see a computer guy all the time. I buy the warranty so I can send things back if I need to. I GOOGLE things to learn how to fix stuff. Other than that I’m just a hack with a decent computer.
Basically it comes down to Mac vs PC. It’s age old and tiring. I’ve worked off both. I had way more headaches, frustrations and issues with PCs then I have ever had with my Macs. Personally I would never go back to PCs, I think they are horrible machines unless you buck up and put a lot of time and money into one.
There are some PCs out there that just fly for video and photo editing but I know they spent a small fortune on their machines to get them like that, plus they knew exactly what they needed to put into them (not what some low budget computer shop or London Drugs rep told them to buy).
With Macs right out of the box on a basic Mac you can be flying with some basic video editing. Yes you pay a little more for the fancy Apple, but you get a great machine to do a little bit of everything with right away.

If you want me to tell you what kind of computer to buy, here it is. An Apple. Don’t like my answer or want to argue it? I don’t care. I think it should be an Apple.

3. Camera Accessories
If you get into the DSLR world of filming this area could go on forever. There are so many accessories out there. It almost feels endless at times. For me, and this is just my opinion, you need a good tripod to start off (I’m not going to list brands) but something with an adjustable tilt head is great and something very smooth (again work your way up from what you can afford). Next a mic, video sucks if the sound sucks. You can pick up some decent shotgun mics that are 10x better then an on-board mic and again work your way up. Next up, lighting. There are so many lighting options out there but some DIY lighting kits are great ways to start. My first lighting kit was a cheap one on eBay and it’s proved to be more than worth it. Good lighting, good sound and steady shots (you can add camera shake after if you want!) are key to a good video.

4. Software
This one basically comes down to Final Cut or Adobe (and there’s options within those).
Try before you buy. They usually offer 30 day trail periods. Some people love Final Cut, I’ve actually met people I think were sleeping with the program that they are so in love with it. Adobe seems to have a lot more direct plug-ins, filters, add-ons you can buy compared to what FCP does, but I use Adobe and love it so you’ll just have to figure that out for yourself. If you love Final Cut, well I’m sorry your program sucks and Apple is asking you to pay too much for an updated copy.
I should also mention some people like Sony Vegas too. I don’t know anything about Vegas, but I hear it works sometimes.

 

 

There you have it my useful but not so useful take on buying new gear. Just my honest opinion on everything ‘new gear’ related.
It comes down to you putting the work into it. If you want to get into this hobby or line of work, you need to invest some time into it.
There are a myriad of options out there and you need to find what works for you and your budget.

Cheers,
Matthew A. Hawkins

Posted in Lessons Learned, On My Desk, rant Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

My Summer

Posted on August 23, 2011

Well it’s been an interesting summer to say the least.
I wish I could post photos of the things I’ve done/been up to, but truth be told I don’t have many, if any at all.

Since I left my previous job just over a year ago, excuse me, since I was asked strongly to leave my previous job and instead to work on contract for McDonalds pay for Keg style work, I have had a crazy year. New daughter, new opportunities, new insight into who I am and what I can accomplish, new vision, etc, etc. It’s been a year of ups and downs, but one I will remember for a long time. So glad I left when I did.

I’ve been making a number of contacts all across BC and into Alberta this summer. I’ll be sharing more of those links this week.
It’s been interesting getting a sense of what business is like across Western Canada. Up in some places, down in others, but overall a bright picture.
Business has been good and is only going to get better. We’re making some exciting expansions I can’t wait to share with you.

Aside from those exciting things, I’ve taken on a challenge for myself to living life a bit more.
1. I started playing hockey again. I joined an adult league and began playing with a team in which I knew no one. Intimidating and fun. We lose a lot but we’ve got heart and I’m rolling into a full season with them now. Some great guys and a lot of fun and exercise. I’m hoping this sparks the desire to play hockey in my kids now too.

2. I took up fishing. I have always wanted to fish and kept waiting on others to teach me. I finally had enough waiting and went out and bought a rod & reel for me and my kids. My wife is next.
Fishing has taught me a lot about myself and let me find a place to get away from the noise of the world. I’d even say it’s a spiritual place for me where I really enjoy this world we live in.

3. I’ve auditioned for and got a part in a play. I’m playing a small role in the upcoming play “Witness for the Prosecution” put on by the Chilliwack Player’s Guild in October. Again, I’ve always wanted to try live theatre but I just was too intimated. I finally set off to do it and loving it so far.

What I’ve learned from all this, is that there is so much of life waiting to be explored that is right in front of you. You just have to be willing to work for it. You have to be willing to make mistakes (I don’t know how many times I’ve tangled my fishing lines or lost lures) and go with it. Don’t wait for someone to ask you, go out and do it. You don’t need someone to give you permission, you already have it.

Cheers,
Matthew A. Hawkins

Posted in Lessons Learned, On My Desk Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,