The art of visual storytelling requires not only creating an interesting narrative flow but also the right combination of imagery, movement, music and text to sustain someone’s attention for a short time. Visual narratives do that with few words and a lot of motion. I recently ran across an example that we would classify as a Hybrid - Flash/video narrative because it uses video and animation together with voice over to tell a story. Worth watching: Click here

Keep the message sharp and to the point

There’s a nice piece in the WSJ that discusses how hard it is for papers and magazines to get to the point. Here it is with nice links included:

Michael Kinsley, writing in The Atlantic, takes some 1,800 words to argue that newspaper stories are too long, and that Internet stories “get to the point.”

Robert MacMillan, writing for Reuters, takes almost 700 words to argue that there’s a lot of lousy and long writing on the Internet, too.

They’re both right! And both worth reading! And this post is 64 words long.

http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/20100105/short-shorter-shortest/

Sheffield Marketing Partners Names Three Sheffield Scholars for 2010

Recent graduates begin internship program to gain professional experience in graphic design, video production

DOWNERS GROVE, IL., Jan 4, 2010 – Sheffield Marketing Partners (Sheffield), a boutique agency that specializes in message and content development, announced today the addition of three young professionals to its Sheffield Scholars program. The program is a strategic initiative to help university students and recent graduates gain access to hands-on experience by working on projects that utilize and develop a variety of skills in the areas of marketing and media.

Those selected are Mary Jesse a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Lucas Heinrich a graduate of John Brown University, and Chris Brown, also a graduate of Notre Dame.  All graduated in May of 2009.  These candidates passed through a multi-step application process, surpassing more than 100 fellow applicants to secure the available positions.  Jesse and Heinrich both majored in Graphic Design and will be working closely with Sheffield’s senior graphic designer. Brown, a film major, will be working with the Sheffield video production team assisting at video shoots and with post-production.

“I am eager to put my skills to work and start building a professional portfolio with the guidance of experienced marketers” says Mary Jesse, who at Notre Dame, designed a football fan t-shirt that was worn by more than 125,000 fans, alumni and students.

“We started the Sheffield Scholar program to give talented young professionals like Mary, Lucas and Chris a leg up in a very competitive industry,” says Joe McCormack, managing director and founder of Sheffield Marketing Partners. “We will do everything we can to ensure they have a thoroughly formative experience that will positively impact the rest of their careers.”

For more information on the Sheffield Scholars program, please visit the Sheffield Institute page.

Overview:

We are seeking a highly organized and motivated graphic design student or recent graduate who is hungry for design experience and looking to create a diverse portfolio of client work.

Duties and responsibilities:

The candidate will play a key role in designing a variety of marketing materials and interactive presentations. Guided by our professional designer and marketing veterans, the qualified candidate will gain valuable hands-on experience while embarking on a career in graphic design.

Applicants should meet the following qualifications:

• Current student or recent graduate of a graphic design or visual communications program
• Organized, with exceptional attention to detail and innovative ideas
• Excellent communication skills; ability to work well with others
• Reliable individual with a professional demeanor
• Curious about the potential to use technology to communicate in new ways
• Must be proficient in Adobe CS4 programs including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Knowledge of Dreamweaver and Flash a plus.

Hours and Compensation: 35 hours per week (Monday–Thursday). Compensation based on experience.
Duration: 2-6 months

To Apply: Download the application and submit to:
Charles Thornton

By mail at:
1311 Butterfield Rd., Ste. 300
Downers Grove, IL 60515