Sometimes, as creatives, we pour our hearts into projects that ultimately never see the light of day. Last year, I spent quite a bit of time working on a digital set for the Speaking From Experience podcast that, unfortunately, was cut. The concern was that it might be too busy and not entirely aligned with the brand standards of Toastmasters International.
While it didn’t make the final cut, it was an invaluable learning experience. Instead of mourning the project, I embraced the opportunity to refine my design instincts and anticipate more of what the end users might need. Every step in the creative process is a chance to grow!
For the first set, I dove deep into several powerful design tools. I used Davinci Resolve for video editing, ensuring smooth transitions and vibrant visual effects. To add a dynamic touch, I created animated purple bars that slowly pulsated in different shades, bringing an extra layer of life to the design. These animations were crafted in Canva for simplicity, and I fine-tuned them with Adobe Photoshop to ensure they complemented the overall aesthetic. For the more intricate vector elements, I turned to InkScape, allowing me to manipulate shapes and lines to align with the vision I had in mind.
In addition to these traditional tools, I incorporated AI technology to generate the library image that served as the background. This allowed me to explore new creative possibilities, pushing the boundaries of what I could achieve with a blend of technology and imagination.
Following this, I went back to the drawing board and created a second digital set that I called The Message. This one focused heavily on adhering to the Toastmasters brand standards, with a lot of time spent ensuring I used the correct colors and elements. I designed a triangular pattern in the background, which, when animated, would gradually take the form of an envelope. I then added a snow and ash effect animation, trying to emulate the kind of back screens I had seen in older talk shows. The idea was to evoke a sense of nostalgia while still keeping it fresh and professional.
However, this design, too, was turned down. The feedback I received was that they were looking for something even simpler: a plain blue screen.
While these ideas didn’t make the final cut, the lessons learned from each project were invaluable. It’s a reminder that not everything we create will be used, but the lessons we learn from these “cutting room floor” moments help shape the work that does make an impact. 💡✨
Versions of both of these turned-down designs, as well as a link to the actual episode, will be included to the right.
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