Ryan, What DO You Do?

Very often I get asked, “What exactly do you do at work?”

Many times, I find it difficult to succinctly answer that question verbally.

Instead, I thought the visual example below would best illustrate the answer.

As an Avid|DS artist (or more generically, an editor), part of my job is to “sweeten” or improve the visual elements that make up a finished commercial. Many times this involves removing and/or adding items such as poles, skies, etc. while correcting the overall colour of the image to create a specific mood or feeling.

The end-goal is always the same: Improve the product without making the effect look artificial.

This is a scene from a GMC commercial that I worked on in 2006.
Shot on-location in Denver, the talent is Colorado Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville.

Original

This is the clean, untouched frame.The large, white box at the top is a 50-foot light, called a “silk,” suspended from the ceiling.

Colour-Corrected

Contrast has been increased in the shadow and mid-range areas.A slight, blue cast has been introduced to create a cold mood.

Light Removal

The large light and ventilation ducts have both been painted out.Far-right wall was been extended vertically.

Finished Composite

Shading has been added to de-emphasize the background and create contrast between the frame’s top and bottom.

This next scene is a “beauty shot” of the GMC Acadia, also to be incorporated into the “Coach Q” spot.

Original

Here is the original frame as shot. Notice the “warmness” of the shot as well as the distracting background.

Colour-Corrected

Dialed-in some contrast in the shadows and highlights. Cooled the image down with a slight, blue colour-cast in the mid-range.

Final Composite

Shaded the background slightly so the product is emphasized and stands out from the background.

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