We're going to be helping the new(er) folks out with a track called "Starting from Scratch"...Because everyone has to start somewhere!
Our post-Academy survey showed us clearly that people want to have a starting point. There are so many advanced level items on the Academy schedule, and that works for many people. But what about those folks who would love to attend to get their holiday craziness started? THEN they can move on to the more in-depth topics. In 2013, that’s our approach.
Friday afternoon will contain an entire track of 5 high-level classes that will help you (or someone you know who wants to) get a foot into the holiday hobby waters. Many of us have been doing this for a year or more but we have friends, family and neighbors who just want to know where to start. This is for those folks (there will be, of course, other classes happening at the same time for the DIY Expo, Halloween Scare Sessions, and Christmas Classics for others to choose from).
Display Design:
First things first, you need to look at your “Canvasâ€: Your house and yard. We’ll talk about budgeting, what you aspire to get to, the different pieces of your house and how you can make them standout. Examples of popular items and Q&A will wrap up the session. Make sure to bring a photo of your canvas so you can see your vision come to life in your mind.
From Static to Animated:
You want to take the next step and create an animated display. What are your options? Do you want to animate your elements or sequence to music? We will talk about the steps you need to either start an animated display or transform your static display to something new and exciting.
Electricity: Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy:
Let’s face it, to do what we do you need electricity. Not one bulb will turn on if you have not hooked your electric up correctly. Even worse is the potential danger you may create if you are ignorant of the basics of electricity. We will talk about measuring your power needs, tools and resources that you can use to educate yourself, and some best practices and ideas for hooking it all up.
DIY or Commercial:
There are many solutions available in the marketplace to help you create your display. What are the benefits of both commercial and DIY options (and the potential drawbacks of each). We’ll also touch on the software solutions that are available.
Audio Solutions:
Many of us want to share our Christmas music and voiceovers with our visitors. You need a basic understanding of transmissions. In addition you need to determine what your “tone†should be in terms of musical selection. Voiceovers and options for musical editing will be touched on as well.
When these classes are finished you’ll have a great starting point and then you can look over the other classes being offered to decide the next steps on your holiday journey.
KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE ACADEMY INFO BY VISITING THE ACADEMY WEBSITE!
