DW Kitbuilder 2.0 Web App

January 21st, 2011 § comments 0

If you have a few minutes — okay, more like 18 minutes, check out this thorough tutorial that Drum Workshop (DW) made for the new Kitbuilder 2.0 web app that I designed and directed — completely built in HTML5.

Coinciding with this January’s NAMM show, Drum Workshop and Speedshape launched a first of its kind web app that allows drum enthusiasts to build their own custom kits — KitBuilder 2.0.

Supported on various browsers and mobile devices including touch devices like iPhone and iPad, Kitbuilder 2.0 allows for users to visualize a myriad of beautiful drum and hardware finishes using three archetype sets, or customize a photographic overhead kit schematic using templates of some of the world’s most popular drummers such as Tommy Lee, Dave Grohl, Neil Peart, Sheila E. or Steve Perkins. Thousands of images and models offer limitless possibilities of drums, hardware, pedals, accessories, finishes, assorted patterns, finishes and color combinations.

Based on DW’s patented SSC technology, users can sample and compare different sound variations, download images of their personalized drum kits for wallpaper, easily share with friends via Facebook, Twitter and TinyURL, generate a quote and then pick-up their new set from a list of DW Drum dealers. All mobile-friendly HTML5 compliant. No sheisse.

So whip out your ipad, but when you’re done, make sure to share your custom DW kit on Facebook or Twitter.

Here are a few additional images from Kitbuilder 2.0

GE “Ecomagination” Photo Project

November 20th, 2010 § comments 0

Speedshape and BBDO New York set forth to make a positive impact on the global environment in a recent collaboration with GE and Flickr on a new website using personal photos for charitable donations — designed and directed by moi.

The Ecomagination Photo Project is a first-of-it’s-kind 3D Flickr photo gallery allowing users to upload and tag photos that represent Wind, Water and Light, then share via Facebook and Twitter. And when I say 3D, I mean that actual Flickr photos are dynamically loaded and displayed in three separate 3D environments.

Every eligible Wind, Water and Light photo uploaded helps to reach the goals: 4.8 million gallons of clean water through the building of fresh water wells. 1.7 million hours of solar power through the donation of solar lanterns in east Timor. And 45,000 kW hours of energy created through small-scale wind turbines that will power health clinics in Rural Peru.

I’m proud to report that in only a few short weeks all of the goals have been reached. That’s what I would call a successful philanthropic campaign. Why not go visit the Ecomagination Photo Project to have a look at all of the photos?

While you’re there, search for my contributions via username nelsdrums.

Speedshape 2010 Digital Montage

August 30th, 2010 § comments 0

Test Link

Just in case you were wondering what I’ve been up to lately, here’s a compilation of some of our best digital work. All neatly packaged in a dynamic reel that totally rocks.

When you watch this, keep one thing in mind: All is computer generated imagery, except for people — which were real. At least, most of them were.

Optional 30 mb HD version.

Lexus Dark Ride on L Studio

August 21st, 2010 § comments 0

A five minute cut down of the Lexus “Dark Ride” project we completed visual effects for at Speedshape has been added to the L Studio website (another project I concepted while freelancing at Team One). While you’re watching, keep in mind that all exterior shots of the vehicle have been tracked and replaced with CG, and all action interior driving sequences were shot with a buck on a green screen stage.

Emotions Book

July 9th, 2010 § comments 0

The Emotions project is now a book. I was digging this little widget tool from Blurb. The fullscreen and thumbnail pagination views are very nice. I’ve added a new “hipstamatic” film light-leak style image for each student.

If you haven’t used Blurb, I encourage you to make your own book. Thier Booksmart application practically does it for you — with templated styles to choose from. Order it with the paper upgrade. The quality of printing is fantastic.

Emotions Photo Project

June 16th, 2010 § comments 14

Yesterday morning I completed an “Emotions” photography project for my son’s 3rd grade class.

Last Thursday, I went to speak to the class about advertising. We discussed modeling and making emotional expressions with our faces. We brainstormed a lengthy list of emotions, and then stepped outside to take some pictures. Fellow class parent Kelli Martin and I photographed each child doing various emotions in a marathon session yielding hundreds of photos.

I selected nine images for each student, and then cropped/retouched into an 8×10 grid for printing and framing. Four fun versions were created: color graded, distressed, gradient map illustration, and cartoon.

I returned yesterday morning and presented the imagery to the class in a fun Keynote slide show that included their images, and a clip of video showing several of the students doing their expressions.

In addition I supplied each student with a printed poster of their classmates, and links for digital copies to share with their families.

What do you think? Here are a few more samples.

THIS IS THE TEST AREA FOR SLIDEPRESS.

1. This is using the standard code for lightview: Emotions Slideshow

Fall Fun 2010

February 4th, 2010 § comments 29

fall-fun-2010-1

Monday night I completed “Fall Fun 2010″, a Gap-like art project featuring all 23 of my son’s kindergarden classmates. Just before Thanksgiving I photographed the children in the schoolyard. I explained my job as an art director for advertising, and told them that they were all “Talent” or “Models” for my project.

It was challenging to fit so many people into such a small space. Blame that on the state budget. Number two son, Miles, is featured jumping into a pile of leaves.

Today I went back to unveil the final product via a big screen projection complete with music. I described the “client presentation” process, and told them they were the clients. They were very good clients, since they liked everything. I gave them each “leave behinds” of an 13 x 19 archival giclee (poster print suitable for framing) and a personalized 5×7 image with a link to this post. It is really fun how excited the kids are when they see themselves on the screen for the first time. They literally vibrate with energy!

This is part III of a 4-part series. Last year I did a summer scene called “Summer Break 2009″ and two years ago a winter scene titled “Snow Day 2007″. Only one season left!

Right click the image above and choose “Save link as…” or “Open link in new window” to download a copy of the large version.

What do you think? (make a comment below)

Lexus Innovation Full Line Expanding Video Banner

July 27th, 2009 § comments 0

innovation-300x250-expanded

In these stylized expanding video banners, users can explore three Lexus innovations per vehicle via hot spots and a building block nav. Featuring the entire Lexus fleet of twelve vehicles, these banners function more like a microsite. One of the many click-thru destinations is the Lexus Innovation section of Lexus.com.

300×250 expanding,
728×90 expanding,
160×600 expanding,

Don’t forget to  rollover to explore Lexus technology  so you can see my nifty transparent block wipe transitions.

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