Hey fellas! It’s been a while since my last Blog Labs post. Now that Instagram has video everyone seems to be all over it, so I think it’s a good time to create a little guide to make the most out of this new feature.

Aside from any cyberspace wars that may be brewing between colossal social networking companies (cue Twitter and Facebook), it’s clear that video is the way to go. This not only applies to blogs but also to apps. First came Vine, now it’s Instagram’s turn. I’ve seen mixed comments about it, and to be honest I’m still on the fence – not sure if I’m digging it 100%.

For the last couple days I’ve been taking notes about things that bug people and things that seem to work really well. So without further ado, here are the Do’s and Dont’s of Instagram Video:

DO practice before creating your first post: take a few minutes to play around with the filters, buttons, timing, etc. Get to know the ins and outs in advance.

DON’T post the very first thing that pops in front of you: chances are it’ll be a less than attractive video of you flushing the toilet or chewing an apple. Honestly, do we need to see that?

DO continue to curate your feed: this comes back to don’t post the very first thing that pops in front of you. When taking a video, keep in mind your overall aesthetic. Don’t spoil your feed just so you can jump on the hype train.

DON’T drunk post: it seems pretty fun at the time, but the next day you might feel Instagram remorse. Admittedly, I’ve posted a few “mildly tipsy” videos on Vine and felt that way, so take it from me. Don’t do it!

DO mix your content: try to post videos with images in between, breaking up your content will keep your feed interesting. Even better: post one cool photo and follow-up with a “behind the scenes” video.

DON’T spam the world: yes, that concert was unreal but it sounds like a bunch of cats scratching a chalkboard ’cause the recording quality of our phones – as smart as they can be – isn’t Beats-by-Dr-Dre-approved. Keep it simple. If you’re freaking excited about something, take a bunch of videos, then go home and choose the best one.

DO get creative: one thing I’m loving is how people are creating so many stop-motion videos. There’s lots of planning involved, but the results are usually amazing and super fun. Wanna go above and beyond? Do a 15 second short film! Now that’s a challenge. Maybe give your Instagram followers an inside look at your studio, or tease them with snap shots of your next project!

So there you have it. Pretty basic stuff, no? So basic, we sometimes forget about it. These tips are not meant to prevent you from posting whatever the hell you want. They are meant to help you create quality content, especially if you use Instagram for your blog or brand. Remember, continue to curate your content, including any videos. Take this as my two cents; advice from a spectator that has been stalking several feeds.

If you want more tips check out these posts (some are for Vine, but same thing, it’s all video):

- The ultimate guide to Vine by Photojojo.
- 10 iPhone apps to make your videos shine via Vimeo.
- How to embed your Instagram video via Mashable.
- Instagram’s weekend hashtag project ft. several videos by different users.
- 11 brands already using video for Instagram via Social Fresh.
- Video kill the Instagram star, a fun read by TechCrunch.

So, let’s take it to the comments. Are you totally sold on this new feature? Or do you think it’s all becoming a big mash of messy things?

OH MA GAAAD. You guys. Bjӧrk – the queen of all things awesome and bizarre – has released yet another incredible video directed by Andrew Thomas Huang, you know? The guy that did this other INSANE clip? Yeah.

Mutual Core is absolutely magical, with costumes and colors worthy of a dreamy runway. Ok, sorry I get carried away – less talking and more watching. Enjoy the show!

VIA:Booooooom

Get your zen state on friends!

In his installation, reverse of volume RG, Onishi Yasuaki uses the simplest materials — plastic sheeting and black hot glue — to create a monumental, mountainous form that appears to float inside of Rice University Art Gallery. In this short documentary by Mark and Angela Walley, Yasu’s delicate and tedious process is captured as is the beauty of the completed work.

Couldn’t say it better myself. This short film sent shivers down my spine – so peaceful, so beautiful! I would give up pastries for a month to be able to see this live, I’m that serious about it.

Thanks so much to Mark and Angela for sending this!

video: Walley Films

all images: Nash Baker © 

The following stop-motion video was created by Three Shot – a production studio in Tel Aviv that seems to be able to cast magic spells that shrink entire cities – in this case – Kiev. For a second I didn’t know if those were real people or props. Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Nope! It’s just the magic of tilt-shift lenses and stop-motion.

Before you watch it, here are some fun facts: for 5 days and 2 nights Three Shot took around 25,000 pictures. Out of those, they chose 4,500 to be able to create this miniature wonder and the hardest part; post production, which took months and months of editing.

Shit, these guys are cool! I suggest we all go and give them some love…

OH! One last thing, now that we are talking about videos and movies, my friend Punky from Punky and The City has a pretty cool blog project: Punky’s AFI Film Club where you basically get to watch some of the best movies of all times and share your thoughts with other bloggers and film lovers, pretty fun yah? I already got my eyes on Alien, Vertigo, Blade Runner and Invasion of the body snatchers! Head over to her blog to read more about it and participate!

]]> http://www.theartfuldesperado.com/its-a-small-world-after-all/feed/ 7 http://www.theartfuldesperado.com/artful-fridays-weekend-links/ http://www.theartfuldesperado.com/artful-fridays-weekend-links/#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2012 05:19:52 +0000 http://theartfuldesperado.com/?p=4747

image Bulaclac Paruparu

Hello desperados!

In the voice of Rebecca Black – it’s friday friday fun fun fun…ok I’ll stop, but seriously, this post IS fun. I found so many cool things for you, you’re gonna love it! I’ve got a little bit of art for everyone, from the DIY addicts to the abstract paint lovers.

Our artful weekend journey includes an adrenaline-packed video with roller coasters in Argentina, a cool idea to use your leftover thread at home, a few beautiful paintings that could be hung on anyone’s wall (anyone with rad style, and that’s you of course!) and some beautiful flower portraiture. So let’s see: colour – check, creativity – check, inspiration – check. Looks like we are set!

To start your artful adventure all you gotta do is click on the images. Fun fun fun! (please don’t unsubscribe, love you).

Enjoy and have a great weekend!