Building a Quality Me(dia) Product

Charles Shewell
Aug 23, 2022
4 min read

A Simple Guide for Multimedia Creation

Introduction

Through the current module I am in for my Advanced Application of Media & Tech course while pursuing my M.Ed. at Sul Ross State University I was assigned to create an infographic, logo, or flyer by applying learned skills with consideration of typography, color, line, spacing, and imagery. Because I am currently teaching my graphic design students how to create infographics, I chose this option and placed it in this blog as an example of my designed work. We were able to choose any topic so I decided I would create something that I am interested in as it holds true for myself as well, which is Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory (Andragogy). This is something I have discussed in a previous blog if you would like more information.

My Designed Infographic

Reflection

As an educator that teaches audio/video production and graphic design I have experience and knowledge in the realm of creating multimedia products, so much of the information we covered in this module I have previously been exposed to and cover in my courses, however there is some new information I came across that I find myself eager to use, such as creating animations using PowerPoint. Typically I have used Google Slides and Adobe After Effects, but will be giving PowerPoint a try in the near future.

When creating media I typically focus on specific standards or components of design such as color scheme, text, composition, and the use of images when designing graphics. With video I mainly focus on clear quality audio with clean non distorted video. When creating an infographic I find myself focusing on what comes more naturally for me which is a color scheme, composition, and using graphics or images. I would say that what I find difficult is using the right text that compliments, and sometimes using a hierarchy to lead the viewer's eye.

Having a previous knowledge of multimedia design, much of this information was not new, but having it reinforced definitely helps keep all of the components of creating media fresh in my mind to create a better product. I found enjoyment in finding colors that compliment each other, as well as trying to create a more appealing composition. Having said that, I am not sure I found the pinkish red color to be pleasing as I feel it may be difficult to read as the font size may be too small for my liking.

The Components of Multimedia

Color Theory

Finding the right color schemes can be difficult as different colors can be used for different types of media, as well as evoking emotions or speaking without using text, for example, you could use a red hexagon in an image to tell viewer’s to stop doing something. The wrong color scheme can lead to under stimulation or extreme stimulation causing the brain to reject what it is seeing, so using colors that compliment each other creates an engaging visual experience.

Typography

This area along with the use of color schemes are the most important in my opinion. They are also the hardest for me. The style and appearance of text can make or break your media. Avoid using more than 2 different fonts if possible. Instead, try using a variety of font sizes and boldness. Higher level words should be bold and bigger. You want to lead the viewer. For extra guidance try using serif fonts for more traditional media projects, sans serif fonts for things more modern, and display fonts for media heavier on graphics.

Composition

Keeping composition in mind allows your layout structure, whether it is through alignment, negative space, contrast, or hierarchy. Your media projects should always be pleasing to the eye and guide a viewer through.

Imagery

When using images in your multimedia projects, the last thing you want is a pixelated or blurry image. Try using larger images to shrink down or crop instead of resizing a smaller image. I focus on using PNG and vectors, which typically create a sharp, clear, crisp, and distortion free image. Images can make media more engaging, but always keep composition in consideration when adding images. There is such a thing as too much or too little.

Components of Audio/Visual Media

Sound

When creating any media with audio, whether it is a simple voice recording, podcast, or video with sound, there are some ways to improve your audio. Having good quality audio can boost any media from good to great, or turn it down a notch from good to unbearable. For better sound quality you should always silence anything you don’t want recorded such as your phone alerts, that annoyingly loud fan, or the dog that won’t stop barking. Using something to block the wind and minimizing echoes can really help create clean, crisp sound as well. If possible, using an external mic can take your audio from amateur to professional sounding as well. Add in replacement dialogue and ambient sound during the editing process for that extra oomph.

Video

When filming a video there are a few things to take into consideration such as quality, audio (which was just discussed), the use of a studio, and your delivery. Whether you are using a camera or your phone, you should make sure you record in landscape mode with HD or 4K quality, making sure you are not over or under exposed. Your delivery is key, so always have bullet points or a script prepared so you don’t find yourself using filler words such as “uh” or “um”, or going on a rant. Just try to talk in a friendly, relaxed manner. If you make mistakes that is okay because they can always be edited out … unless you are live streaming. Either way, make sure to have a clean appearance so if you make a mistake, at least you look good doing it.

Here are some resources if you are interested in creating your own multimedia!