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Tech & Tips To Ace Your Video Creation

10/31/2023

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Capturing Video with Ape Forge

Video and the current age of social media

Let’s face it; in today’s digital age, if you're not on social media, do you even exist? (Just kidding! 😉) But there's no denying the importance of a good social media video. Whether you're a small business owner or just setting out to make your mark online, quality videos can be your ticket to the big leagues!

Do i Need A hollywood-level setup?

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Now, you might be thinking, "Do I need a Hollywood-level setup?" Fear not! With just a few pieces of equipment and some handy tips, you'll be crafting viral-ready content in no time.

Let’s dive in!

1. Keep It Level:

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First up, meet your new best friend: the Gimbal. Think of it as a magic wand that ensures your videos are as smooth as your dance moves. No more shaky hand syndrome! Whether you're pacing your store, introducing a new product, or even filming your pets, a gimbal ensures that your videos remain steady and professional.

​There are a ton of options in the market, and they all accomplish the job. We recommend Gimbals from DJI. The Osmo series gimbals are what we use here at Ape Forge! Below is a link to learn more about it.
Visit DJI Website

2. Mic Check, 1-2-1-2:

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Sound Matters! Your video can be visually spectacular, but if it sounds like it was recorded during a tornado, you'll lose your audience. Investing in a good mic set can make all the difference. Clip-on mics are a fantastic choice – not only are they affordable, but they also capture clear sound without background noise. So, when you're revealing your latest business secret, your followers won't miss a beat!

The Mic set we use for our videos is the DJI Mic - it's compact, and automatically sets up when you open the case. It has fantastic range, and crisp clean audio. It can be used with iOS and android devices, along with the bigger fancier cameras. It comes highly recommended from our team! There are some other great options in the market also, specifically ones from Rode. You can find a ton of options that work with your setup on Amazon or your favorite box store.

More About DJI Mic

3. Clear The Way:

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Imagine having the perfect lighting, the right angle, and a great subject, but your video turns out hazy because of smudges on your lens. A simple swipe using a microfiber cloth before you hit 'record' can make all the difference. Remember, a clean lens equals a clear video.

We always wipe the lens on our devices before each shot - this ensures nothing blocks the perfect take! Especially with mobile phone cameras, your fingers will touch the lens and leave smudges. Get a nice microfiber cloth, or a nice lens cleaning pen to keep them clean!

4. Light It Up!

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Did you know that the right illumination can transform your videos from 'meh' to 'marvelous'? Natural light is your best bet – film near windows or outdoors during the golden hour (just after sunrise or just before sunset) for that soft, dreamy glow. But if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, LED ring lights come to the rescue. They’re budget-friendly, adjustable, and make you look like a million bucks.
There you have it! A few simple tools and techniques, and you're well on your way to producing more professional videos. Remember, the best tech is the one that serves your content and not the other way around. So, experiment, have fun, and show the world what you've got.

Feeling inspired but need a helping hand? At Ape Forge, we're not just tech enthusiasts; we're video wizards ready to bring your vision to life. Why stress over the details when you can have experts craft your masterpiece?
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Reach out to Ape Forge today and let's create some video magic together! 
Get Started
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The Ape Forge Brand Refresh

10/23/2023

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In the vast ecosystem of design, nothing remains static. Creativity is always burgeoning, forever evolving, and continuously pushing the boundaries. At Ape Forge, we've always believed in growing and adapting, not just to keep pace with the times, but to truly represent who we are at our core and where we envisage ourselves in the grand tapestry of design.

Our brand refresh is not a mere change—it’s an evolution. It's a harmonious blend of our rich legacy with the pulse of the present. By refining our brand, we are paying homage to our roots, celebrating our present, and sparking the beacon for our future.

Honoring Our Past

Every brand carries a story, a history that makes it unique. Ape Forge’s journey began with a vision to bridge creativity with technology, and our original brand was a reflection of that aspiration. As we move forward on countless projects, faced challenges, and celebrated numerous successes, we gained not just experience but also a deeper understanding of our own identity.

Embracing the Present

Today, as we unveil our refreshed brand, we are making a statement: "Ape Forge is ever-evolving, dynamic, and in tune with the times." Our new look is not about discarding the old, but about enhancing it—taking the essence of what makes us 'us' and presenting it in a more contemporary, vibrant, and cohesive manner. The intricacies of our new design and supporting graphics symbolize our attention to detail, our commitment to innovation, and our relentless pursuit of excellence.

​​Envisioning the Future

A brand refresh, for us, is also a promise—a promise to our clients, partners, and ourselves. It's a commitment that as we grow, we will continue to uphold our core values, refine our skills, and expand our horizons. It serves as a reminder that our journey is not just about looking back or being in the moment, but also about dreaming, aspiring, and moving forward with renewed vigor.

Our branding refresh is more than a new look—it’s a testament to Ape Forge’s evolution. It’s an acknowledgment of our past, a celebration of our present, and a bright beacon for our future. As we turn this new page, we invite you to join us, to grow with us, and to witness firsthand the magic that ensues when passion meets creativity. The jungle of design is vast and mysterious, and at Ape Forge, we're more excited than ever to explore its every nook and cranny. ❤️🦍

The Process

At Ape Forge, we believe our brand should be as dynamic and innovative as the solutions we provide. So, when it came to our brand refresh, we wanted a process that was both reflective and creative.
It all began with some introspection. We took a step back to evaluate how our existing branding showcased our capabilities and distinct flair. Were we effectively capturing the essence of Ape Forge?

With a clear understanding of our current stance, we decided to get a little adventurous. We set ourselves an ambitious goal: design a fresh logo concept every single day of August. It was a month of creativity on steroids! This intense brainstorming and designing session not only pushed our boundaries but also produced a plethora of vibrant concepts.

But it didn't just end with concepts on paper. Many elements from those daily designs found their way into our new supporting graphics, ensuring that every bit of our brand refresh carried a story and a purpose.
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The outcome? A brand identity that's authentically Ape Forge – a perfect blend of our past learnings and our vision for the future.

Supporting Graphics


Print Materials

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Decoding App Development

10/20/2023

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A Beginner’s Guide To Embarking On The Journey Of App Development

In today's digitized era, having an app can significantly elevate your business, streamline your processes, or even just bring a creative idea to life. However, the realm of app development can seem a little daunting at first glance.

​But fear not! We're here to break it down and shed light on the process, proving that with the right guide, app development is not only approachable but also affordable. Welcome to the world of creating magic with technology!

  1. Conceptualization: The Birth of an Idea Every great app starts as a simple idea. Maybe you've spotted a gap in the market, or perhaps you're aiming to improve an existing process. The first step is refining this idea, ensuring it's viable, and planning its execution.
  2. Planning and Strategy: Laying the Foundation Once your idea is solidified, you'll need a roadmap. This includes defining your target audience, establishing clear objectives, and deciding on core features and functionalities. It's like constructing a building - you need a solid foundation and a blueprint.
  3. Design and User Experience (UX): Crafting the Look and Feel An app isn’t just about functionality; it's about user experience. This phase revolves around creating an intuitive design ensuring users not only use the app but also enjoy the experience.
  4. Development: Building the Dream With a clear design in hand, it's time for the actual coding and development. This phase transforms your idea into a tangible, working app. Remember, regular testing throughout this phase ensures functionality and quality.
  5. Launch: Releasing Your Creation Once developed and rigorously tested, your app is ready for the world! This involves deploying it on platforms like Google Play or the App Store, ensuring it's accessible to your target audience.
  6. Post-Launch: Continuous Improvement The journey doesn’t end at launch. Collecting user feedback, making necessary updates, and continuously improving are crucial to keeping your app relevant and effective.

​But... Isn't App Development Expensive?

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​A common misconception is that app development burns a hole in your pocket. While costs vary based on complexity and features, many solutions are budget-friendly. Moreover, consider it an investment. A well-developed app can offer significant returns, from improving operational efficiency to capturing a larger market share.

Why Ape Forge?

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Diving into app development might feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. At Ape Forge, we're passionate about making this journey seamless and enjoyable. Our team is dedicated to understanding your vision, offering solutions that fit your budget, and guiding you every step of the way.
Remember, every popular app you use today was once just an idea. Yours could be next! With the right partner and approach, app development is not just attainable but also a game-changer. Let's embark on this exciting journey together. Welcome to the world of app creation with Ape Forge!
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Feedback & Iterations

10/15/2023

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Potter crafting - Feedback and Iteration from Ape Forge
Ever watched a potter mold clay? They'll shape it, smooth it, pinch a bit here, tuck a bit there. That, dear readers, is the art of iteration, powered by feedback. Just as clay becomes a beautiful pot, your business's design can be molded into perfection with the right tweaks and turns.

Why Feedback is the Bee's Knees:
  1. Two Heads (or More) are Better than One: Even if you have the Michelangelo of designers on your team, a fresh perspective can be invaluable. Feedback introduces diverse viewpoints, leading to a design that appeals to a wider audience.
  2. Catch the Oops Moments: No one's perfect. Not every initial design is going to hit the mark. Feedback serves as a safety net, catching anything that might have slipped through the cracks.
  3. It's All About Growth: Like a Pokémon evolving to its next form, feedback pushes designs from being 'just okay' to 'absolutely phenomenal'. 

The Power of Iteration:
Iteration is the magical process of refining ideas based on feedback. Think of it as the backstage magic before the grand reveal. With every iteration:
  • Ideas mature.
  • Concepts get clearer.
  • Designs become more aligned with the brand's essence.

Ape Forge & The Feedback Loop:

Now, let's get a bit personal. Here at Ape Forge, we live and breathe feedback. We think of it as collecting little nuggets of wisdom. Our team thrives on client insights, and we’re no strangers to the iteration dance. Why? Because we genuinely believe that collaboration crafts wonders.

For business owners like you, whether you're in the exciting phase of a startup or at the helm of an established empire, embracing feedback can be the game-changer. It's the compass guiding you towards designs that resonate, connect, and leave an imprint.

Ready to Dive In?

So, if you’re sitting on the fence, wondering how to boost your brand’s design, hop over and chat with us. Ape Forge is more than a creative agency; we’re your collaborative partners in the grand design journey. We promise, with a dash of feedback and a sprinkle of iteration, we’ll whip up something delightful for your brand.

Let's mold the 'clay' of your business together, ensuring every iteration brings it closer to design nirvana. And hey, if you ever fancy a chat about the wonders of feedback, or even the latest Netflix binge, we're just a call away. Let's create magic, one feedback loop at a time!

The Secret Sauce to Elevating Your Brand

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Ape Forge
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111 N Higgins Ave Suite 204.06 F
​Missoula Montana 59802
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  • Expedition
  • Journey
  • What We Do
    • Branding & Graphic Design
    • Websites & eCommerce
    • Apps Design & Development
    • Photo & Video Capture
    • Digital Marketing
    • Guidance & Consultation
  • Our Work
  • Pricing
  • Final Draft
  • Events
    • Creative After Five
  • Contact Us