Press Release: See In Colors Awarded Project Restore Grant to Expand Business Operations

Press Release: See In Colors Awarded Project Restore Grant to Expand Business Operations

by | Mar 15, 2023 | Business

PRESS RELEASE

March 9, 2023

For Immediate Release

See In Colors Awarded Project Restore Grant to Expand Business Operations

Greenbelt, Maryland – See In Colors, a woman owned visual communication company, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Governor of Maryland. The grant will help support the business’s efforts to promote economic growth and job creation in the area.

The award is a part of the Project Restore initiative, which seeks to help businesses that are expanding, opening, or moving into previously vacant commercial space. The Governor stated that the initiative has been a huge success, and that the latest round of grants will further extend its impact across the state. See In Colors was 1 out of 376 select business owners awarded this round.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for the importance of our work and efforts to make a positive impact on our community.” said Lisa Nelson, Founder/CEO of See In Colors. “Our new office is situated in the heart of Old Greenbelt at The Granite Building. We look forward to working with other local businesses to support economic recovery in Greenbelt and across the state.”

About See In Colors
See In Colors is a visual communication company that “draws the big picture” for organizations using strategic planning, training, and meeting facilitation. These services enable public and private sector organizations to see solutions and have impactful programs. For more information about See In Colors, please visit their website at seeincolors.com

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Make Your Virtual Staff Retreat A Success With These Out-of-the-Box Ideas

Make Your Virtual Staff Retreat A Success With These Out-of-the-Box Ideas

by | Jul 14, 2022 | Business, Event Planning, Uncategorized, Visual Thinking

After two years of virtual everything, we understand the screen fatigue. People want to retreat from Zoom, not go on a virtual retreat on Zoom. But don’t blame the virtual platforms. Virtual meetings, events, and staff retreats don’t have to play second fiddle to in-person meet-ups. A virtual savvy tech host and a consultation with experts like See in Colors can elevate your virtual staff retreat to one that’s memorable in all the right ways. 

Whether you’re hosting a mid-year retreat to rally your team to dig deep through the end of the year, or planning an end-of-year celebration, here are the three components that make for a successful, impactful, and dare we say it…fun virtual staff retreat.

1. Create a Theme

Now we’re talking. Themes are great for unifying an event and getting people off the sidelines and into the action. Develop a comprehensive theme that lends itself well to teams, events, activities, and competitions. A retro theme offers opportunities for costumes, old-school music, and nostalgic TV quizzes. A sports theme brings out people’s natural competitiveness, and can be plenty of fun if you opt for less conventional sports. A theme is great for setting the intention of your time together, while also encouraging participation and good-natured competition. Choose one that’s inclusive and that will resonate with your team. 

2. Celebrate the Wins

Too often in day-to-day life, we fail to celebrate the wins – big and small. A virtual staff retreat is the ideal time to cheer on team members who have made a difference, met milestones, or who have done great things within (or outside of) the company. Schedule an award ceremony (formal attire recommended) to cap off your event, as well as daily “awards” to help start each day off on the right note. These can be serious or silly, or a mix of both. By the way – just because the event is virtual doesn’t mean the awards have to be. Arrange to have a small gift or novelty trophy sent to each team member’s address with details of their award.

3. Add Some Entertainment

Sure, staff retreats are a place to come together and do business, but you can’t be all business, all the time! Book entertainers from all walks of life to entertain your team, keep them engaged, or help them tap into their creativity and communication skills. Turns out fun and professional growth go hand in hand! At See in Colors we’ve seen  great results including magicians, improv coaches, mindfulness instructors, wellness coaches, and even book authors. These all offer a refreshing perspective that can help your team feel re-energized and excited about how they approach their work.

If a virtual staff retreat is on your to-do list of things to arrange, make sure it’s a good one. Talk to See in Colors about how to ensure your virtual retreat is one everyone will be happy to log on to.

Meeting Facilitation Must-Knows

Meeting Facilitation Must-Knows

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Business, Facilitation

After two years of largely virtual events, the summits, seminars and conferences are starting to show up on our calendars again. In-person team meetings and gatherings are making a come-back as well as we all revel in getting things done – together!

If your meeting facilitation skills are a touch rusty, use these five must-know tips to achieve a polished result.

1. BYOM (Bring Your Own Markers)

Come ready with a fresh pack of dry erase-friendly markers. This way you’ll be covered in case your venue doesn’t provide them or the provided ones are dry or in hard-to-read colors. Avoid low-visibility colors like yellow or orange, and use markers with a thick point. If your audience is expected to take notes or contribute, have extra writing implements and paper available.  

2. Check COVID and Other Safety Protocols

COVID might not be #1 on people’s minds these days, but it’s still with us! Check case numbers in your area, follow recommended protocols for masking, social distancing, and vaccination status, and provide virtual attendance options for the immunocompromised. Share information about health and safety procedures such as emergency exit routes or the location of first-aid spaces. 

3. Get on Top of the Food Situation

If you’re in charge of food, ensure that snacks, beverages, breakfast, and lunch are provided. Cater to a variety of dietary requirements and make sure that food is labeled. Prior to your meeting, confirm any allergies and provide separate, allergen-free food. If food isn’t provided, make it easy for attendees to order meals, or share a list of nearby dining options.

4. Use Visuals for Wayfinding and Time Management

Visuals set the mood, guide people to where they need to be, and help keep your meeting on track. Print and place welcome signs, wayfinding messaging, and meeting outlines. Have a large sheet or whiteboard where you can “park” attendee questions or ideas to return to after the end of the meeting. 

5. Organize Room Layout and Seating

Avoid a free-for-all when it comes to seating. Arrive early to set up your meeting room in a way that’s most conducive to your agenda and format. Don’t forget to check your tech before you start! Provide adequate seating, with some seats designated for speakers or those with mobility requirements. 

Facilitating a meeting involves juggling a number of moving parts. We hope these five simple tips will help you prepare for a successful in-person event! Need tips on hosting a memorable meeting, or assistance with note-taking and recording? Get in touch!

If your meeting facilitation skills are a touch rusty, use these five must-know tips to achieve a polished result.

Breaking Down the Role of the Meeting Facilitator

Breaking Down the Role of the Meeting Facilitator

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Business, Facilitation, Leadership, Uncategorized

Meetings don’t run themselves. An experienced facilitator can help keep your meeting on track, ensure that all voices are heard, promote discussion and conversation, and streamline transitions between topics and speakers. 

At See in Colors, we’re experts at facilitating meetings – and we’re committed to delivering an elevated experience for every participant. Here’s what makes a powerful meeting facilitator.

Has Processes for Getting it Done.

Meetings are complex and organic, with many moving parts. A great meeting facilitator has proven processes and procedures in place to meet identified outcomes, keep the meeting focused, and adhere to the schedule. Working these things out on the fly is never recommended – a good facilitator will know when and how to step in to maximize productivity, communication, and impact.

Knows Facilitation Ebbs and Flows.

Meetings are like symphonies: they ebb and flow in terms of speed, energy, and presentation techniques. An experienced meeting facilitator will be able to match the energy of the presentation and dial things up or down in order to keep the meeting moving along comfortably and naturally. They won’t force a pace or a tone – their goal is to work from the sidelines to guide things along and ensure smooth transitions.

Gives Everyone a Voice.

It’s all too common for one or two voices to dominate the floor in a meeting. A good facilitator will be mindful of giving everyone equal opportunity to participate, and will create space for people to do so (especially if the boss is in the room.) They might invite questions, lead a discussion, or monitor the group chat for key talking points. Their presence also provides more opportunity for managers to chime in: having a facilitator overseeing the meeting takes that task off the plate of your senior staff.  

Leads from the Rear.

A facilitator is a guide, not a keynote speaker. They don’t take center stage, but rather lead from the back of the room. An experienced facilitator will lead with a light touch, giving presenters and participants the spotlight. At See in Colors part of the meeting facilitation our clients often leverage is our graphic recording services. This type of visual meeting notes and minutes allow us to capture questions, action items and aha! moments throughout the event. It’s active listening made visual and holds the attention of the room long term. 

Is a Neutral Voice.

Meeting facilitators are a neutral party there to help a meeting succeed – not to put their own stamp on it. Their job is to build trust, create a communal space, and make sure the meeting addresses the points and goals outlined in its schedule. They might diffuse a situation or help a meeting move past a roadblock, but they’re an impartial spectator, not someone there to push an agenda.

At See in Colors we’re expert meeting facilitators. We can help take meeting management off the plate of your team leaders, freeing them up to listen and participate – and ensure an inclusive, productive, streamlined environment that makes meetings something your team will look forward to attending. Talk to us today about our meeting facilitation services. 

Finalizing Finishing Touches: What to Keep in Mind When Selecting Voiceover Talent and Music for Your Animation Video

Finalizing Finishing Touches: What to Keep in Mind When Selecting Voiceover Talent and Music for Your Animation Video

by | Mar 14, 2022 | Animation Video, Business, Technology

You’ve dialed in your script, storyboarding and even animation. Now all that’s left is making decisions regarding the audio components to drive your message home. We say “all” like it’s a small thing, but audio is make or break when it comes to your animated video. It sets the tone, shapes expectations, and aligns your brand with certain markets and audiences. Here’s what to think about when choosing your voiceover talent and music. 

Defining Your Music Selection

Music is key for evoking a certain mood in your audience. The type of music that’s ideal for your animated video will depend on the purpose and tone of your video – and also your overall brand. But in general:

  • Informative video: use a light instrumental track with a slower, quieter beat. 
  • Advertising video: use an upbeat and motivating instrumental track or pop song (although beware of licensing fees)

Consider your audience when choosing your background and foreground music selections. Think about the demographics of your audience and their interests. Also be aware of how your music selection will work with or against your voiceover or animation – you generally don’t want anything too loud, disruptive, or distracting that takes away from your message rather than enhancing it. Typically, we recommend avoiding music with vocals, a driving beat, or prominent instrumental solos. 

One thing to take note of is the cost of licensing well-known songs. These can be extremely expensive and may require you to pay royalties. Unless your budget allows for it, consider the many low-cost and royalty-free music options available instead. 

A Voiceover Artist vs. DIY Voiceover

Voiceover refers to the off-camera voice that explains what’s happening in your animated video. Your choice of voiceover artist is critical to the overall experience of your video, helping to convey tone, expertise, brand alignment and audience alignment. 

A great voiceover is clear, well-paced, engaging, and natural, and aims to evoke a particular feeling in an audience. It’s a form of acting, and there’s a real skill to getting it right. Often, we recommend professional voiceover because they are great in cases where:

  • You need someone who reflects the gender or background of your audience.
  • You need an authoritative tone and delivery.
  • You need to create a certain complex emotion in your audience. 
  • You lack the professional tools and setting to create a high-quality voiceover. 

While it’s tempting to take on the voiceover role yourself or to assign it to someone on your team, this isn’t always the best choice. However, in some cases DIY voiceover can work well. Examples include:

  • If you are the known face of your brand or organization.
  • If you want to create a welcoming, intimate experience.

If you do choose to do your own voiceover, read slowly and clearly, with appropriate tone variation, and ensure that you use a professional recording set-up.

Our Voiceover Artist Samples

See in Colors has worked with a variety of voiceover talent, and we’re happy to point you in the direction of an experienced professional to help you achieve the outcome you’re seeking for your animated video. You can listen to this sample of a voice-over, and if you need help finding the perfect voice-over artist for your animation project, contact us.

So whether you’re knee-deep in animation video production or just starting to plan your project and need help putting all the pieces together, talk to us! We can ensure that your choices help create the mood and brand alignment you’re looking for. Request free quote here. 

3 Things to Keep in Mind When Creating a Storyboard for your Animation Video

3 Things to Keep in Mind When Creating a Storyboard for your Animation Video

by | Mar 8, 2022 | Animation Video, Business, Uncategorized

You’ve heard of storyboarding before – it’s something TV and film writers do when mapping out their project. But even the shortest video project can benefit from storyboarding. Storyboarding helps you dial in your script, maximize visual and animation elements, and ensure that your production team has the information they need to deliver an exceptional product.

Here’s what to know about storyboarding.   

1. A Storyboard is a Map

A storyboard is a visual outline of your script. It outlines your proposed video scene by scene, or in this case, drawing-by-drawing, including notes such as visual elements, special effects, transitions, voiceover and music additions. A storyboard helps you explain your idea to your stakeholders or production team so that others can understand your goals, vision, and intended narrative flow before beginning production.

A storyboard might look rough, but that’s on purpose. It’s not meant to be a polished final draft: it’s there to help you visualize and validate your idea, confirm whether your script works, and to see if there are any gaps, inconsistencies or tangents. It’s also an opportunity for your team to identify a production direction and flag any elements that might result in longer timelines or greater expenses. 

Once your storyboard has been approved, your animation artists and production team can refer to it often – ensuring that your final product is aligned with your vision.

2. A Storyboard Helps You Tell a Story

A storyboard is a linear, visual interpretation of your animation video script that breaks down your story into bite-sized chunks. A good storyboard is one that tells a good story – but also tells it in a way that gets across the information or emotion that’s at the heart of your idea in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

Remember, your animation video is probably about 90 seconds long, so every drawing, line, and transition matters. Storyboarding helps you zoom out from your script and see it from a fresh perspective without distractions, while also giving you opportunities to ensure that you’re leveraging the visual format to the max. Because storyboards use a thumbnail-style visual approach, you can easily add, remove or move panels around to try out different ways of communicating your story. Unlike video editing, drafting, and redrafting a storyboard is simple – so keep working until you have the perfect basis for your animated video. That’s where we come in. Our specialty is helping you organize the storyboard and align the visual elements with the message you’re trying to share effectively. We serve as experts who specialize in seeing the big picture and making it happen. We did that within a few of our recent projects like the one below.

3. A Storyboard Isn’t Optional!

We understand the instinct to send your script straight to production, bypassing the storyboarding step. Your script is clear, and you’ve communicated your ideas to your production team, right? But adapting a text-based script into a video animation is an act of translation, and things do get lost in translation. A storyboard is a failsafe that not only ensures that you’re telling your story in the best possible way, but that your production company knows exactly what’s expected of them. It takes the guesswork out of the creative process. 

Sure, creating a storyboard might take a little extra time upfront, but it’s time well spent. Without this critical visual roadmap, it’s easy for everyone to get lost in the weeds – and getting back on track can be time-consuming and costly. If your creative or production team wants to move ahead without a storyboard, be sure to hit the brakes, and introduce them to this concept first! It will save you a ton of time, headaches, and resources. 

At See in Colors, we consult with clients throughout the animation video process including  the storyboarding stage. We’ll make sure that you’re getting the most of your visual medium, while also effectively communicating your story and message. 

Ready to storyboard your project? Talk to See in Colors to ensure that your video animation lands with impact.