COHORT MODULE ONE
MODULE ONE COHORT
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Naming Convention: firstname-lastname-date
ZOOM MEETINGS: 10 AM PACIFIC
ASSIGNMENT: PROMOTIONAL WORK FOR A COFFEE SHOP
BRIEF
Your town or area just got a new Coffee Bar in a newly gentrifying part of town. Because you are doing your marketing right, you knew it was opening soon (business licenses are posted in the newspaper) and did some in-person business development. Dropping by with a leave-behind and your portfolio, you impressed the owners right away, and they want to do some images for the various local coffee magazines.
That’s the way you do it, BTW.
They are leaving the style and approach up to you, but they do want to feature a cup of coffee with an ‘early morning’ feel, possibly with a croissant or pastry.
Now, here’s the thing. The shop’s style has to be brought into the images and they are a bohemian, up-scale coffee vendor. One other thing – they can only give you 1 hour for the photography, so planning and production will be an issue for you to deal with.
Asking for permission to shoot in a coffee bar is pretty easy, as most of the owners would love to get four images to use in their marketing. Do a great job and they may want you to do some more for them… as a gig.
PARTICULARS.
- Images must work for an Instagram Story
- Color
- The file should be able to print on cheap paper and still look good (No deep darks with texture)
- Keep text in mind, use it for a header or graphics for motion
Text: Were New, and Here to Brew | 30% Off Your First Cup
This is a style shot. I
t is not a coffee product shot.
You can choose to use interesting post-processing on it if you are so inclined.
Color Grading is recommended.
Be careful to not have it come out looking like a product shot for a coffee company… this is mood, atmosphere, style, and flair.
And have fun with it.
IDEAS:
- Still image for branding use in the store.
- 5 images for Instagram Story
- 1 Instagram Reel (30″)
Class Uploads October 2023
Here are 10 additional image ideas for a new coffee shop in town, along with accompanying text for motion graphics:
- Image Idea: Steaming cup of coffee with the town’s skyline or notable landmark reflected in it.
Accompanying Text: “Warm up with the spirit of [Town Name]. Now serving!”
- Image Idea: Beans dropping into a grinder with a slow-motion powder explosion.
Accompanying Text: “Freshly ground, every time. Taste the difference.”
- Image Idea: A barista crafting latte art, the creamy milk swirling into the rich espresso.
Accompanying Text: “Artistry in every cup. Sip on something special.”
- Image Idea: A close-up of coffee beans, transitioning from green (unroasted) to dark brown (roasted).
Accompanying Text: “From bean to brew. Experience the journey.”
- Image Idea: People from various backgrounds clinking their coffee mugs together.
Accompanying Text: “Where the community gathers. Cheers to new beginnings!”
- Image Idea: The exterior of the coffee shop during sunrise, with rays of light filtering through.
Accompanying Text: “Begin your day with us. Rise and shine at [Coffee Shop Name].”
- Image Idea: A flatlay of a coffee shop table: a journal, a pair of glasses, a pastry, and a cup of coffee.
Accompanying Text: “Find your moment of peace. Pause, sip, repeat.”
- Image Idea: A hand sketching or watercoloring the coffee shop’s interior, with animated strokes completing the image.
Accompanying Text: “Where creativity brews. Let your ideas flow.”
- Image Idea: An aerial shot of a coffee farm, with neat rows of coffee plants.
Accompanying Text: “Rooted in tradition. Taste the world in every cup.”
- Image Idea: Animated droplets of rain falling on a window, with a cozy coffee shop interior in the background.
Accompanying Text: “Cozy up with us, rain or shine. Every weather is coffee weather.”
Remember to tailor these ideas to fit the specific aesthetic and branding of the coffee shop.
And enjoy your coffee.
Meetings are on Saturdays
9 AM PACIFIC
Resources
Looking for a coffee shop?
Here’s a friendly guide on how you might get started:
Research and Reconnaissance: Start by hanging out at local coffee shops. Sip on a latte and absorb the ambiance. Take note of what you love and what you think can be enhanced visually.
- Build a Portfolio: Since you have skills in photography, design, and motion design, create a tailored portfolio. Maybe shoot a mock ad for a fictional coffee shop, or animate a short promo video. Show them what you’ve got!
- Network, Network, Network!: Attend local business events or gatherings. You’d be surprised how many coffee shop owners or their friends might be around. Bring some business cards, be genuine, and let conversations flow.
- Host a Workshop: Consider organizing a small workshop about the importance of visuals in branding, specifically for cafes and restaurants. It’s a great way to showcase your knowledge and meet potential clients.
- Social Media: Engage with local coffee shops on platforms like Instagram. Comment genuinely on their posts, and perhaps even share some of your work. If they see your enthusiasm and talent, they might just slide into your DMs!
- Direct Approach: Sometimes, the old-school method works wonders. Walk into the coffee shop, order your favorite brew, and strike up a casual conversation with the staff or even the owner. Mention your admiration for the place, then subtly introduce your skills and how you believe they can be of help.
- Offer a Trial: Sometimes, seeing is believing. Offer to shoot a few photos or a short video on a trial basis, perhaps at a discounted rate or even free. Once they see the magic you can create, they’ll likely want more!
- Testimonials: As you work with a few coffee shops, gather testimonials and reviews. Word of mouth, especially in tight-knit communities, can be pure gold.
- Collaborate: Find local influencers or bloggers who share your passion for coffee. Maybe you can collaborate on a project that benefits both of you and the coffee shop.
The key is to be genuine and passionate about both your work and your love for coffee shops. Most business owners can sniff out insincerity from a mile away, so always be authentic. And most importantly, enjoy the journey – every espresso shot, photo click, and animation frame!
Here are a few ideas on email coffee shops to get in to see them.
Email Option 1:
Subject: Enhancing Your Coffee Experience with a Dash of Visual Magic!
Hello [Owner’s Name/Team at Coffee Shop Name],
First off, huge fan of [specific detail about their coffee shop, like a particular brew or ambiance]. Every visit feels like a mini-vacation, with delightful aromas and a comforting ambiance. 🌟
Being a photographer and designer, I often find myself seeing the world through a lens. And trust me, every corner of [Coffee Shop Name] screams of stories waiting to be captured and shared!
I’d love to introduce you to my work and discuss how we might collaborate to bring even more charm to [Coffee Shop Name] through photos, designs, and perhaps even a little animated magic.
Attached are a couple of photos I’ve recently taken, just to give you a taste of my style. I genuinely believe that together, we can brew something beautiful!
Looking forward to the possibility of working together. In the meantime, keep those espressos flowing and the good vibes rolling!
Email Option 2:
Subject: Let’s Brew Up Some Creative Magic for [Coffee Shop Name]!
Hey [Owner’s Name/Team at Coffee Shop Name],
Hope this email finds you brewing the good stuff as always! I’ve been a regular at [Coffee Shop Name] and each time I step in, it’s a whirlwind of inspiration.
As someone deeply immersed in photography, design, and motion graphics, I’m always on the hunt for beautiful stories to tell. And let’s face it, every frothy cappuccino and cozy corner at your place has its own tale.
I’ve attached a couple of shots I’ve taken recently – just a snippet of what I can offer. Would you be open to a chat about crafting some visual stories together? From candid moments to animated specials, I’m brewing up lots of ideas!
Cheers to coffee, creativity, and potential collabs!
Warmest Regards,