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News & Updates
November 2, 2017
9 ARKit apps to try on your iPhone or iPad using iOS 11
Although we first got to see ARKit demonstrated in June, those using iOS 11 can now make use of the feature. To help get you started, we’ve rounded up some ARKit apps for you to try.
The post 9 ARKit apps to try on your iPhone or iPad using iOS 11 appeared first on Digital Trends.
Source: Digital Trends VR
November 2, 2017
Photoshop CC and Adobe Stock Tutorial: Creating a spooky Cinemagraph
Photoshop CC and Adobe Stock Tutorial: Creating a spooky Cinemagraph
It’s not usually our day to share a tutorial but why not. Thanks for our friends from Photoshop CC and Adobe Stock, we are sharing this cool tutorial about making a cinemagraph using those very same tools. Staying in the theme of Halloween since it’s still a novelty, also the tutorial is by Chris Converse from Codify Design Studio. Let’s take a look!
In Chris’s words
A cinemagraph captures the “moment in time” of a photograph, while incorporating the “cinematic effects” of motion. This combination gives us the experience of animation without the need to interpret a linear story. This means we have many more options for creating a cinemagraph experience. In this article, we’ll explore a workflow for creating a cinemagraph by compositing video, illustrations and photos with Adobe Photoshop.
Start with an Illustration from Adobe Stock
In searching Adobe Stock, I found this illustration of a spooky tree. I liked the black and white composition, and decided I’d like to keep that essence while replacing the background with moving clouds and fog. The first thing I needed to do was mask out the background. I created a new layer and began by painting over the branches of the tree with a bright color. I’ll admit, this was a bit tedious, even with a few selection tricks; but the fine detail really helped the final result.
Next, I loaded the pixels of the new layer as a selection. A short cut for this technique is to hold the Command key (Mac), or the Control key (Windows), and click the layer thumbnail icon. Then, select the original tree layer, and add a new layer mask.
The result is the branches of the tree appear in white on the layer mask, and the remaining appears in black. The result is a silhouette of the tree against a transparent background. Then, I simply added a new layer, moved it to the bottom, and filled the layer with a gradient from dark grey to black.
Adding the moon
Next, I searched Adobe Stock for a full moon. Once I found one I liked, I added the file to my composition as a linked Smart Object. In order to apply a mask, I editing the new Smart Object, added a circular layer mask
With the moon masked, add a 165 pixel white outer glow, with a spread of 6 and a blend mode of screen. This will create the effect of the moon glowing through dense clouds.
Working with video in Photoshop
Next, I downloaded two videos from Adobe Stock that we created to apply special effects for photos and video. I designed and animated these black and white videos to help you simulate cinematic effects for a cinemagraph, video, and motion graphic project. In the Photoshop file, open the Timeline panel and create a video timeline. Import a video into a layer by choosing File > Place Linked, then selecting the clouds.mp4 file. Note: If you use the “add media track” option ( the + button) in the Timeline panel, Photoshop will group the video into a video group. To remove the group, select it, and choose Layer > Ungroup
Position the clouds behind the tree and set the blend mode to screen. This will drop out the black areas of the video, and allow the moon to show through. Apply a layer mask and fade the right and left sides to be fully transparent. This will make the clouds appear to be lit by the mood. Next, import the fog video, convert to a Smart Object, then position it behind the tree. Duplicate the fog video Smart Object, and position the copy above the tree. This will create some depth within the fog. Add a layer mask to both fog video layers. On the further back fog layer, set the opacity to 30% and mask the right and left edges to be transparent. This will create the same effect for the fog that we set for the clouds.
Finally, mask the right and left edges even further than the back layer, giving the illusion that this fog is even closer.
Render
The fastest growing file format for a cinemagraph is video, specifically an mp4. This file format allows for many more frames than an animated GIF, and results in a much smaller, single file. While CSS- and JavaScript-based cinemagraphs can be even smaller and randomized, they do require more files, and are a subject for another article. To render a video from Photoshop, select Render Video from the File > Export menu.
More Links
- Adobe Stock Resources: Background and Moon
- Learn more about Chris Converse at chrisconverse.com
Via Adobe Blogs
AoiroStudio
Nov 02, 2017
Source: Abduzeedo Tutorials
November 2, 2017
Illustration Portraits for Stylist Magazine by Mercedes deBellard
Illustration Portraits for Stylist Magazine by Mercedes deBellard
We are taking a closer look at the work of Spain-based illustrator named Mercedes deBellard and her latest illustration series for Stylist Magazine. Among the people shown in her series, you might have recognized “Mike”, the kid from Netflix’s Stranger Things. It’s a lovely collection of both drawings and paintings; I am quite fascinated by the treatment on the hair. Each portrait is greatly defined by a unique set of lines that characterized their own personalities, it’s just beautiful.
Mercedes deBellard is a freelance illustrator based in Spain. I am surprised that we have never featured her work before on ABDZ, well make sure to check out her stunning portfolio via her site and also more updated on Behance.
More Links
- Learn more about Mercedes deBellard at mercedesdebellard.net
- Follow Mercedes’s work on Behance
Illustration, Drawing & Painting
AoiroStudio
Nov 02, 2017
Source: Abduzeedo Illustration
November 1, 2017
New Music! SXSW Artist Releases – November 2017
We’re deep into the fall, and November’s release schedule is looking strong. September and October are generally two of the busiest months for new releases each year, and we see a slight drop off in terms of quantity once November begins. This year sees this trend continue, but there are many highly anticipated albums from SXSW alumni artists that we will be pointing out for your listening pleasure.
November 3 Releases
This week there are 5 new releases from SXSW artists. English singer Sam Smith returns with his second album titled The Thrill of It All. Canadian indie-rockers Casper Skulls release Mercy Works. UK veterans Stereophonics have jumped the gun and released their album Scream Above the Sounds at the beginning of the week, and are already enjoying a good release week. Industrial leaning rock band AUTOBAHN have The Moral Crossing hitting record store shelves on Friday as well.
After organizing the list of new releases, we pick one new album and make a playlist incorporating new music from past SXSW Showcasing Artists for fans to discover other like-minded artists. This week’s playlist features indie dance music and is inspired by Shamir, whose new album Revelations is dropping this Friday. Act quick because these playlists will only be active for seven days before we pick a new artist to focus on.
Keep up with our playlists on the official SXSW Spotify channel, and be sure to follow the playlist.
Past Showcasing Artist November 3 Releases
AUTOBAHN – The Moral Crossing
Casper Skulls – Mercy Works
Sam Smith – The Thrill of It All
Shamir – Revelations
Stereophonics – Scream Above the Sounds
Join Us For SXSW 2018
Firm up your plans to attend SXSW buy purchasing your Music Badge today for primary access to all SXSW Music events including conference sessions, official showcases, mentor sessions and more. Register by Friday, November 17 to save $300 compared to the walkup rate, and book your hotel through SXSW Housing & Travel ASAP to get the best rates on rooms closest to the event.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage, announcements, and updates.
Shamir – Photo by Jason Macdonald
The post New Music! SXSW Artist Releases – November 2017 appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Music
November 1, 2017
Join Us At Austin Design Week: November 6-10
Austin Design Week 2017 is almost here!
SXSW provides a platform for designers of all disciplines to come together to share findings and new ways of practicing within the broader community of technologists and creatives who come to SXSW each March.
From the Place by Design competition to our SXSW Conference Design Track, every year we see how the power of design shapes how we interact with our world. Design is a major part of our event and we’re proud to celebrate our local design community as Austin Design Week’s media partner.
For the second year, Austin Design Week is celebrating the local creative community with 60 diverse events hosted by local companies, agencies, organizations, and design enthusiasts.
Beginning next week, meet the visionaries behind your favorite branding or architecture firm, get your hands dirty in an early morning workshop, or participate in a rich, town hall discussion about our community. This year, Austin Design Week is exploring how we “find place” – in our cities, our workplaces, our homes, and our communities.
Austin Design Week is completely free to the community (with RSVP), from November 6–10, 8:30am–10:00pm in various locations around Austin.
Austin Design Week Highlights
Design-a-thon
Open Monday, November 6 – Friday, November 10, 4pm-7pm
Team up and design solutions to some of the city’s biggest problems.
Austin Design Week Hub
Open Monday, November 6 – Friday, November 10 , 10am–5pm
Hang out in between sessions, meet friends to head over to the next event, and grab lunch or refreshments at the Resplendent Hospitality Lounge. Also at the Hub, explore art and design installations or participate in a roundtable discussion.
Intake on the Lake: A night of Projection, Music and Design at the Iconic Seaholm Waterfront
Monday, November 6, 6pm-9pm
Join Mayor Steve Adler for the Austin Design Week kickoff with music and design.
Improving Your Urban Experience: Tactical Urbanism Immersive
Tuesday, November 7, 8:30am-10am
Learn how to use everyday tools and small DIY improvements to spark change in your urban experience.
Reclaiming Space: Equality & Placemaking
Tuesday, November 7, 6pm-9pm
Join us for a panel and short film screening that explores the ways in which gender equity impacts both our built environments and how we interact with them.
Integrating Media Arts into the Public Sphere
Thursday, November 9, 8:30am-10am
Learn best practices for launching a global creative practice in art and media.
Making Design for Good a Part of Your Career
Friday, November 10, 6pm-7pm
Join us for a discussion from individuals that have made giving back a part of their everyday lives. Join the community in building a movement for change.
Check out the full lineup and RSVP for events on the Austin Design Week website.
The post Join Us At Austin Design Week: November 6-10 appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film
November 1, 2017
2017 SXSW Film Festival Selections: Animated Shorts [Video]
This week we’re highlighting the 2017 Animated Shorts Competition. Featuring an eclectic array of styles, each film is sure to inspire.
You can view our SXSW 2017 Best Animated Short Award Winner, WEDNESDAY WITH GODDARD directed by Nicolas Ménard, and many more on Vimeo.
Check out more great short films from past editions of SXSW on our SXSW Film Festival Vimeo Channel.
2017 SXSW Animated Short Film Selections
TOUGH directed by: Jennifer Zheng
Somethings can only be understood with maturity. New light is shed on childhood cultural misunderstandings when a Chinese mother and her British- born daughter speak as adults for the first time.
GLUCOSE directed by: Jeron Braxton
Glucose is sweet, marketable, and easy to consume, but its surface satisfaction is a thin coating on the pain of many disenfranchised people.
WEDNESDAY WITH GODDARD directed by: Nicolas Menard
A personal quest for spiritual enlightenment leads to romance and despair.
HOT DOG HANDS directed by: Matt Reynolds
This woman can’t stop growing fingers.
IT SHOULD BE EASY directed by: Ben Meinhardt
What happens when your mom calls for help with the computer?
Other Animated Shorts that were part of the SXSW 2017 program, but are not yet available to watch on Vimeo include:
CATHERINE directed by Britt Raes
SUMMER CAMP ISLAND directed by Julia Pott
BLOOP’S BIRTHDAY directed by Julian Glander
BIRDLIME directed by Evan DeRushie
PUSSY directed by Renata Gasiorowska
LOU directed by Dave Mullins
Join Us For SXSW 2018
Grab your Film Badge today for primary access to all SXSW Film events including world premieres, roundtables, workshops, and parties. Register to attend by Friday, November 17 and save. Make your hotel reservations through SXSW Housing & Travel for the best available rates. We hope to see you in March!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage, announcements, application tips, and updates.
The post 2017 SXSW Film Festival Selections: Animated Shorts [Video] appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film
November 1, 2017
Q&A and Portrait Gallery: Ringo Deathstarr
All photos by Dylan O’Connor
The SXSW portrait series focuses on one SXSW alumni band, either local or traveling through Austin on tour, to find out what they have in the pipelines and shoot some cool photographs.
Local shoegaze mainstays, Ringo Deathstarr, have performed at SXSW multiple times over the last decade, and toured all over the world. We recently met up with them to take some photos and talk about their experiences performing at SXSW, new music on the horizon, and their recent performances.
Read on and browse through the gallery.
Q&A
When we visited your studio you were in the middle of recording. How does the music you are working on fit in with what you’ve already released?
The new songs are a diverse batch that we’ve all been working on over the past year and a half. To me this feels kind of like Mauve in a way but time will tell. We are recording on a Tascam 388 tape machine so that has made the recording process all the more tedious/rewarding. I think it will end up being a dreamy/heavy/real-band-sounding masterwork.
The band has done quite a bit of touring over the years, where has been your favorite country to visit and perform?
I think we all agree that Japan is our number one favorite place to visit/perform. The shows there are the best and the schedule is so comfortable!
Ringo Deathstarr has been an official SXSW Showcasing Artist 7 times, any interesting stories from these showcases?
To be honest, they all kind of blend together. We have done SXSW where we played like 12 shows in 3 days. Now we take it a little slower. It’s better that way. The weirdest SXSW memory I have personally was seeing Yoko Ono at Elysium. It was a very surreal experience.
What does the fall have in store for you all?
We just got back from a lil’ mini tour of Shanghai, Tulsa, and Ames, Iowa. The rest of the fall will see us recording and playing gigs around town unless something else pops up!
Portrait Gallery
All photos by Dylan O’Connor
The post Q&A and Portrait Gallery: Ringo Deathstarr appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Music
November 1, 2017
Free Interactive E-book: The Content Marketer’s Guide to Brand Video
If you don’t have video in your content mix, you’re missing out. It’s simpler to make than ever, and people really want to see it. (A 2014 Levels Beyond survey found that 51% of millennials would rather watch a video than read.) Now is definitely the time to dive in.
But we know you might be a little intimidated (or overwhelmed) to start, and you probably have a lot of questions. We’re here to help.
Our new interactive e-book, The Content Marketer’s Guide to Brand Video, covers everything (seriously, everything) you’ve ever wanted to know about brand video but were too shy to ask, including:
- Why are humans biologically wired for video?
- How can brands use video to deliver a strong message?
- What makes a truly great brand video?
- How do you measure the ROI of video?
- What does it take to produce video?
- How should you act on set?
It’s all there, plus great data, pro tips, and great examples of brand video. We also made it interactive so you can skip to the stuff you want to know—and bookmark it when you want to come back. Click below to check it out now.
And if there’s anything we didn’t answer, we’d be happy to chat.
Source: Visual News
November 1, 2017
Pitchbook Report Reveals New Data from 10 Years of the SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event
Each year, the SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event® showcases the most innovative and exciting technology from the global startup ecosystem, supporting new ideas and driving early-stage growth. Since its inaugural year, 403 participating companies have raised a total of $4.63 billion in funding. SXSW 2018 marks the event’s tenth year and largest to date.
PitchBook, a financial data and software company, has complied a decade’s worth of data into a report for the SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event. According to the new data, 2017 is on course to become the fourth straight year of more than $30 billion in venture capital commitments.
What’s more, the available venture capital to deploy has reached a benchmark high, currently sitting at $92 billion. In 2017, the median angel and seed deal size surpassed $1 million for the first time, and the median pre-money valuation was pushed over the $6 million mark. For SXSW Accelerator participants, the median capital raised has reached $2.5 million.
“As a data provider for global private and public financial markets, PitchBook has kept a close eye on the ebbs and flows of the venture capital industry over the last ten years, specifically how the SXSW Accelerator, and programs like it, have played a role in driving the industry forward,” said Steve Bendt, VP of Marketing at PitchBook. “What’s clear from our data is the SXSW Accelerator program has set the bar for early-stage startups, representing the quality standard VC investors now expect from prospecting portfolio companies. Much like past years, we anticipate 2018 SXSW Accelerator participants to take up VC mindshare and go on to disrupt the way we live, work, and play.”
Download the SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event Report from Pitchbook to explore the 2018 industry categories and data on standout, past participants from the most VC capital raised to most active investors in SXSW companies and much, much more.
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Enter the 2018 SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event
SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event is seeking inventive startups to participate, offering the opportunity to demonstrate their product and the possibility to obtain funding. Connect and compete in front of a live audience, industry experts, venture capitalists, and high-profile media at SXSW 2018 from March 10-12.
“With the current trend of tremendous growth opportunities for startups in the marketplace, celebrating our 10th year couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Chris Valentine, SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event Manager. “The rapid success we’ve seen from past participants such as Tango, Spredfast, Hipmunk, Siri, and Soylent, and the rising trend in our international participation, proves that SXSW Accelerator has become the premier destination for global innovation and technology.”
To learn more, watch the spotlight video on the SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event, follow eligibility requirements, and read the FAQ.
Accelerate your startup company to the next level – enter your project before the application deadline on Friday, November 10, 2017.
2017 SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event – Photo by Alexa Gonzalez Wagner
The post Pitchbook Report Reveals New Data from 10 Years of the SXSW Accelerator Pitch Event appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Interactive
November 1, 2017
SXSW Alumni Film Releases – November 2017
Discover some of the SXSW alumni films on release this month, such as BILL NYE: SCIENCE GUY, THE LIGHT OF THE MOON, and MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND. Continue on for a complete list with trailers and more info.
BILL NYE: SCIENCE GUY
Documentary Feature, World Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
One of America’s most beloved scientists takes us along for the ride on his journey to save the world.
Now In Theaters
THE LIGHT OF THE MOON
Narrative Feature, World Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
Sensitive, frank, and as timely as it gets, Jessica M. Thompson’s feature debut is a clear-eyed inquiry into trauma and recovery, buoyed by an extraordinary lead performance from Stephanie Beatriz.
In Theaters November 1
MAYA DARDEL (screened at SXSW as A Critically Endangered Species)
Narrative Feature, World Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
Lena Olin’s ruthlessly effective performance in the title role anchors this gripping examination of art, mortality and eroticism.
Now In Theaters
On Demand November 14
MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND
Narrative Feature, World Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
Horrifying, allegorical and seductive, Most Beautiful Island is a remarkable debut from filmmaker, writer and lead actor Ana Asensio. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize in the 2017 Narrative Feature Competition.
In Theaters November 3
On Demand November 3
MR. ROOSEVELT
Narrative Feature, World Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
Former SNL player and Master of None co-star Noelle Wells appears in front of and behind the camera in her beguiling, hilarious directorial debut.
Now In Theaters
PORTO
Narrative Feature, North American Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
In one of his final roles, Anton Yelchin stars with Lucie Lucas as fleeting lovers in this gorgeous film, steeped in melancholy and romance.
In Theaters November 17
THE PRICE (screened at SXSW as DARA JU)
Narrative Feature, World Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
This cautionary tale follows a young Nigerian-American financier as he attempts to navigate the difficult terrain where ambition, temptation and responsibility collide. A striking debut feature.
In Theaters November 10
On Demand November 28
THE SECRET LIFE OF LANCE LETSCHER
Documentary Feature, World Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
A visionary Texas artist gets a much deserved documentary treatment in the directorial debut of editor and Richard Linklater collaborator Sandra Adair.
On Blu-ray/DVD November 7
SONG OF GRANITE
Narrative Feature, World Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
Uncategorizable and mesmerizing, Song of Granite is truly unique, hybrid portrait of Irish folk music hero and icon Joe Heaney.
In Theaters November 15
THE WORK
Documentary Feature, World Premiere, 2017
Website | Trailer
A powerful examination of rehabilitation and masculine fragility that’s as compassionate is it is confrontational and emotionally hardcore. A truly unmissable film. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize in the 2017 Documentary Feature Competition.
Now in Theaters
On Demand November 21
The post SXSW Alumni Film Releases – November 2017 appeared first on SXSW.
Source: SxSW Film