[techtalk] Tech-Talk: GRAPHICS - Create Your Own Animated Gifs

Wed Jan 31 09:58:44 PST 2018

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[animated gifs]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OBXuoC8EJZsYc2mXS6mF2v7Cuz2o4z0KDmF_1DoPVSSWhDYdXHmaMc9eIW4r8w2Kh--WWyrkjQ1fBreP_Dm67Hd0y9BPKDjHVDu-fD6jksWnwtxOfmXN1qGhmigZmoia9m-IrIIAtXqIP-EeT8KSsLJZvsJZjkX1Fk8zNkN9SaTLX4blfySFItR91CgMkjnNi0NbZOLJNfU=&c=ioUaBEdaQsF2GV4tNGvEmv0dU5RX0we33wuSI8M72byBx0wq47S6vA==&ch=uBU3aCZavFGJoezQpDcCS5fANFWrIX4d53Mr88FTyxGyEmUMSpnMDQ==>

 This Week's Tech-Talk: GRAPHICS

1. VIDEO ... Create Your Own Animated Gifs
2. ARTICLE ... Create Your Own Animated Gifs
3. COMMUNICATING ... First, be quiet.

NOTE: To view the VIDEO, click here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OBXuoC8EJZsYc2mXS6mF2v7Cuz2o4z0KDmF_1DoPVSSWhDYdXHmaMc9eIW4r8w2Kh--WWyrkjQ1fBreP_Dm67Hd0y9BPKDjHVDu-fD6jksWnwtxOfmXN1qGhmigZmoia9m-IrIIAtXqIP-EeT8KSsLJZvsJZjkX1Fk8zNkN9SaTLX4blfySFItR91CgMkjnNi0NbZOLJNfU=&c=ioUaBEdaQsF2GV4tNGvEmv0dU5RX0we33wuSI8M72byBx0wq47S6vA==&ch=uBU3aCZavFGJoezQpDcCS5fANFWrIX4d53Mr88FTyxGyEmUMSpnMDQ==>. Enter the Username and Password!

Tech-Talk: Graphics - Create Your Own Animated Gifs
Advanced

I'm standing in line at a popular fast food establishment, checking out the menu on the wall (you know, the list of burgers, chicken fingers and so on) ... when I am surprised to see the list of choices moving!

My eyes move to the left and see large, bright pictures changing as well. Whole slides! It's like watching a silent movie. I'm struck at how pervasive digital movement is in our lives.

Can't you just picture the images below moving, changing in and out, grabbing your attention? And making you feel something ... maybe excited about the meal?

[http://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/0f823750-028e-442b-ba1d-2a7c3cdfc7c0.jpg]

You've probably noticed this kind of treatment ... a subliminal approach to engaging you through movement. For instance, the weather app on smartphones can now display what is happening in your world: rain, snow, moving clouds. It moves!

We know that to capture and keep people's attention these days, it's best practice to use large graphics and movement. So that's where "gifs" come in!

A gif is a graphic format just like a jpg, png and tif. But the .gif can also be animated. We're seeing more and more of these critters popping up ... particularly on mobile devices and in social media accounts.

[http://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/93e6bf0b-4e00-40e5-9d19-c23f04b7ee5e.gif]

For instance, the image on the right (on the phone) is an example of one I received in a text.

My friend was saying thank you and added this dancing stick figure to emphasize how happy she was.

Gifs are fun, right?
[http://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/00f3b6f4-c129-488b-9719-7d9995fb448f.jpg]

NOTE: Some email platforms do not support animated Gifs. If you don't see movement in the stick figure above, click here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OBXuoC8EJZsYc2mXS6mF2v7Cuz2o4z0KDmF_1DoPVSSWhDYdXHmaMQTh49H5jiHtIoZ_x7M6zR_0Doa2VPVNsoaZ0ukbmDQu6XSswiuCugFzR0qh6lIGRGchNgukOqaThRpBkI-RfulBH2_yqSTvVw==&c=ioUaBEdaQsF2GV4tNGvEmv0dU5RX0we33wuSI8M72byBx0wq47S6vA==&ch=uBU3aCZavFGJoezQpDcCS5fANFWrIX4d53Mr88FTyxGyEmUMSpnMDQ==> to watch it move.

[http://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/bd39a51f-63cc-43df-9fb0-3031480896fd.gif]

A Fun Fact - How do you Prounce "gif"?

OK, there isn't exactly a correct answer here because it has been hotly debated for years. Some use a hard G (like gift), others a soft G like “jif”.

The inventor of the .gif graphic format, Steve Wilhite, specifically used JIF peanut butter to name, pronounce and promote his creation, so many committed computer engineers stick with that pronunciation.

On the other hand, our language changes based on popular use. (For instance, think how the Brits pronounce "schedule" as compared to Americans.) That's what's happening with "gif".

Either way you're OK when pronouncing "gif". If you go with a soft G and say it like the peanut butter, congratulations you're 100% right. If you use the hard G, that's great too. You're in the majority. It's expected that this pronunciation will ultimately win out.

What is a Gif?

A gif is a graphic file with the extension .gif (Graphics Interchange Format). It can be a static image, but also an animated picture with movement.

These are created by combining multiple images (or video files) into a single file (a .gif) to give the appearance of an animated tiny "movie." Once the images are cycled through, it can end, or can loop continually.

[spongebob]

NOTE: Some email platforms do not support animated Gifs. If you don't see movement in the image above, click here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OBXuoC8EJZsYc2mXS6mF2v7Cuz2o4z0KDmF_1DoPVSSWhDYdXHmaMQTh49H5jiHtIoZ_x7M6zR_0Doa2VPVNsoaZ0ukbmDQu6XSswiuCugFzR0qh6lIGRGchNgukOqaThRpBkI-RfulBH2_yqSTvVw==&c=ioUaBEdaQsF2GV4tNGvEmv0dU5RX0we33wuSI8M72byBx0wq47S6vA==&ch=uBU3aCZavFGJoezQpDcCS5fANFWrIX4d53Mr88FTyxGyEmUMSpnMDQ==> to watch this one move.

Where to Use Gif Files?

Images convey a message to the viewer, but Gifs have the edge of being extra eye-catching. They can be used in social media posts, on a website page… and even in an email to…

·     Increase brand recognition -- to show your organization's personality
·     Convey a humorous message or emotional reaction
·     Explain a "how-to" or process
·     Display a product or service

CAUTION: Gifs certainly have their use, but there can be choices that are quite provocative and not appropriate for all audiences.

Creating Your Own Gif

There are many "Gif makers" out there for free use. We found one we like and is easy to use: https://makeagif.com<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OBXuoC8EJZsYc2mXS6mF2v7Cuz2o4z0KDmF_1DoPVSSWhDYdXHmaMc9eIW4r8w2KlRDpS4jXIBNwDPi2EJFcwFDtxMsAMfjKIlha1gzCBbdjmP-zDB3_biHokNQXtBhdlz0obIrjQEg=&c=ioUaBEdaQsF2GV4tNGvEmv0dU5RX0we33wuSI8M72byBx0wq47S6vA==&ch=uBU3aCZavFGJoezQpDcCS5fANFWrIX4d53Mr88FTyxGyEmUMSpnMDQ==>. It has many options to create animations by using:

·     Your own pictures
·     A YouTube or Facebook video URL
·     Your own video
·     Your webcam to create a gif

First, create an account at https://makeagif.com<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OBXuoC8EJZsYc2mXS6mF2v7Cuz2o4z0KDmF_1DoPVSSWhDYdXHmaMc9eIW4r8w2KlRDpS4jXIBNwDPi2EJFcwFDtxMsAMfjKIlha1gzCBbdjmP-zDB3_biHokNQXtBhdlz0obIrjQEg=&c=ioUaBEdaQsF2GV4tNGvEmv0dU5RX0we33wuSI8M72byBx0wq47S6vA==&ch=uBU3aCZavFGJoezQpDcCS5fANFWrIX4d53Mr88FTyxGyEmUMSpnMDQ==>. (There's no charge.)

NOTE: You can create Gifs here without an account, but there will be a "makeagif" watermark on the image which you don't want, so it's best to sign up.

1. Choose what type of resources to create your Gif.

Click any of the options to start making your gif ... or use the Create a GIF link in the header ... they both offer the same choices.

[Gif maker]

2. Select your images/media.

For our example, we'll keep it simple and create a gif from uploaded images we have saved on the computer.

·     In the Source section, drag images into the box, or click on the Add Images button to select a handful that you'd like to add.
·     You can drag and drop images to re-arrange them in your storyline if needed.
·     Click Continue.

[gif maker]

3. Enter details for your Gif.

You'll be prompted to:

·     Name your Gif
·     Resize it with a few options (if needed)
·     Choose a Category for your image
·     Tag your gift (if you make it public)
·     Select 18+ (if it is not child appropriate)
·     If you have created an account, the option to Remove the watermark will already be checked.

In the section of the screen under your Gif preview, you can choose the visibility setting for your Gif on this website:

1.  Public (other people can view and download/share)
2.  Unlisted (visible only by direct link), or
3.  Private (visible only for you)

[gifmaker]

TIP: Under the preview is an Animation Speed drag bar. Drag the yellow dot to the right to rotate through the images faster, or to the left for a slower cycle.

Then click Create Gif.

4. Sharing Options

On the next screen, under the Gif window, there are small icons that give you these options (from left to right):

·     Add the Gif to an album
·     Edit the Gif by adding a Text overlay (this is where you can add words)
·     Download your Gif to use
·     Get a link for the Gif

TIP: To go back and edit your Gif, click the three vertical dots in the upper right of the image.

[gifmaker]

Our completed Gif made in less than three minutes with MakeaGif.com:

[completed gif]

NOTE: Some email platforms do not support animated Gifs. If you don't see movement in the image above, click here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OBXuoC8EJZsYc2mXS6mF2v7Cuz2o4z0KDmF_1DoPVSSWhDYdXHmaMQTh49H5jiHtIoZ_x7M6zR_0Doa2VPVNsoaZ0ukbmDQu6XSswiuCugFzR0qh6lIGRGchNgukOqaThRpBkI-RfulBH2_yqSTvVw==&c=ioUaBEdaQsF2GV4tNGvEmv0dU5RX0we33wuSI8M72byBx0wq47S6vA==&ch=uBU3aCZavFGJoezQpDcCS5fANFWrIX4d53Mr88FTyxGyEmUMSpnMDQ==> to watch this one move.

Want to Download a Pre-Made Gif?

You may not want to make your own gif when there are so many out there for you to use. So, where do you go?

One website is head and shoulders over the others when it comes to having a massive presence online ... with lots and lots of choices, free to download. It's giphy.com. It's considered the industry leader at this time and is the first site you'll find if searching for gifs.

However, we hesitated before sharing this with you because within this site (and frankly all the animated gif sources) you will see images that are not appropriate for children or the workplace. There are also many that are cute, supportive and inspirational.

Certainly, gifs are here to stay as a communications tool. Just be aware that this technology is saturated with both positive and risky images. Use with discretion.

[http://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/f8f1ecc8-4884-4c21-8ed0-cf647e6db944.png]

Communications: Listening
First, be quiet.

Oh, we all want to be heard. We want to be understood. We want our opinions considered. We're smart, right?

So we rush to talk and spill out our ideas. We look for ways to interject our thoughts on the subject at hand. And even if we don't voice them (maybe we're shy or don't want to interrupt), our inner voice may be more focused on what we believe, rather than giving serious attention to what others are saying.

It's called listening ... actively hearing and considering. It's what Stephen Covey calls, "seek first to understand".

Most of us gravitate to "seek first to be understood". It's human nature. So that's your challenge. See what you can discover, by being quiet first. Speaking later.

[innovation]

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Technology Development Consultant
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