Graphic Design

Microsoft Reactor Brand Refresh

Microsoft

I got to design a template of new thumbnails that PMs are now using for new and upcoming events. It was a challenge to put together something that was graphically excellent but at the same time easy to use for anyone. The PMs have been doing a great job utilizing the templates so I would call this a success!

Also, as the lead YouTube data analytics specialist for Microsoft Reactor, part of my recommendation to increase CTR and watch time was to change our strategy for thumbnails. Per my recommendation we have seen an increase in CTR and watch time that can, at least in part, be attributed to our new thumbnails.

Microsoft Developer YouTube Banner Image

Microsoft

One of the projects I have worked on while at Microsoft is revamping the Developer YouTube banner image. I was given all the assets in a Figma file with detailed documentation on branding. From there I was given creative liberty. I really stuck to the script on this one and was quite pleased with the outcome. All stakeholders on this initiative were thrilled to have an updated presence that reflected the new branding for Microsoft Learn (which includes Developer).

Learn Go with Liam

Microsoft

I was the lead creative on this project creative custom thumbnails for a cloud advocates live stream events. Liam was a pleasure to work with, he gave clear direction and expectations but left enough room to have some creative liberty. I was able to get him something he was happy with while staying within the Microsoft Reactor brand guidelines. I can’t say this is my style or my taste but I can say that I produced the expected deliverables with excellence.

Microsoft Reactor Landing Page Banner

Microsoft

I was asked to assist in the artwork used for the Microsoft Reactor landing page website. I made this artwork featured at the top of the page from scratch in Illustrator according to the Microsoft Reactor brand guidelines. This was a tedious project as there are a lot of little details but I think the image translates well on the site. The stakeholders were happy after going through a couple different iterations to make sure it fit right on the site with sizing and proportions.

Brand Guide

Haven Worship Center

For the first time in Haven Worship Center’s 30 year history, during the latest rebrand in 2022 I was able to put together a brand guide for internal operations. This organization has historically been small but in the last 5-10 years has seen tremendous growth. I believe it is in part due to its embrace of technology and implementation of things like this. I have seen our old logo be put to shame and there were never any resources to provide people so that wouldn’t happen. The rebrand presented the perfect opportunity to take the initiative and make this happen so that our brand presence could remain strong throughout the transition and after. What you see here are screen shots of the illustrator file I worked in to create this.

YouTube Thumbnails

Haven Worship Center

I have done a lot of studies on YouTube thumbnails and how they can affect a channels CTR. I have learned a couple principles that help boost those numbers and I typically try to include at least one of them in my artwork: (1) Include a couple of big ticket keywords in the thumbnail, easy to read, that identifies what you can expect from the video, (2) include a face, a cutout, or a picture/shot that will help users to understand more about what they can expect from the video, (3) stagger the image so the balance is on either the left third or the right third, (4) include episode number where relevant, and (5) including a logo tends to increase average view duration. These are some examples where I follow all or some of those rules and we have seen great success with all of these videos.

IYKYK Graphics

Haven Worship Center

I have lots of creative liberty at Haven Worship Center. I am the go to guy for creative direction and inspiration. This is truly where I have the most fun, exploring new trends in graphic design and pushing my own limits. This particular project ended up being tons of fun to work on. I loved using the bright colors, having lots of contrast, and the dynamic typefaces. It looked really great as a concept and even better when it was implemented and adapted for an LED wall background.