Presentation Zen

[TheKoopaDasher]

Recently, I've been reading a lot of books about how to be an effective presenter, as well as business psychology, graphic design, and overall how to become a more effective leader. I've noticed that a lot of the information works really well with what this site is all about, so I wanted to share some of it with you.

The Fish Story

When Vijay opened his store, he put up a sign that said “We Sell Fish Here”. His father stopped by and said that the word “We” suggests an emphasis on the seller rather than the customer, and is really not needed. So the sign was changed to “Fresh Fish Sold Here”.

His brother came by and suggested that the word “here” could be done away with – it was superfluous. Vijay agreed, and changed the sign to “Fresh Fish Sold.”

Next, his sister came along and said the sign should just say “Fresh Fish.” Clearly, it was being sold; what else could you be doing?

Later, his neighbor stopped by to congratulate him. Then he mentioned that all passing customers could easily tell that the fish was really fresh. Mentioning the word fresh actually made it sound defensive as though there was room for doubt about the freshness. Now the sign just read “FISH.”

As Vijay was walking back to his shop after a break he noticed that one could identify the fish from its smell from very far, at a distance from which one could barely read the sign. He knew there was no need for the word “FISH.”



Being an effective presenter means mastering three things: Simplicity, Naturalness, and Elegance.

Simplicity: Simplicity means the achievement of maximum effect with minimum means. When you examine your visuals, then, can you say that you are getting the maximum impact with a minimum of graphic elements? Visual elegance is achieved by elimination and omission.

Naturalness: Naturalness prohibits the use of elaborate designs and over refinement. Restraint is a beautiful thing. Good designers show restraint by including only what is necessary to communicate the particular message for the particular audience.

Elegance: You do not always need to visually spell everything out. You do not need to pound every detail into the head of each viewer either visually or verbally. Instead, the combination of your words, along with the visual images you project, should motivate the viewer and arouse his imagination, helping him to empathize with your idea and visualize your idea far beyond what is visible in the design before him.


I hope you find this information helpful

[Bastien]

I think you take making box arts way too seriously.

[TheKoopaDasher]

I think you take making box arts way too seriously.

Three years ago, I was offered an official job creating designs for a national presidential campaign. You don't have to listen to what I have to share, but you would be stupid not to if you have an interest in doing anything with your life that involves presenting information to people in any form. This isn't just about boxarts. It applies to any area in which you create something and share it with people.

[RAiDeN-209]

*Waits for an updated version of the hate list*

[Brettska99]

I actually found this a good read. Thank you. This doesn't relate just to boxes, it relates to anything involving presentations, and many people here should be taking notes.

[D_Nikolaos]

I actually found this a good read. Thank you. This doesn't relate just to boxes, it relates to anything involving presentations, and many people here should be taking notes.

I agree.
Thanks for posting this Koopa.

[TheKoopaDasher]

I actually found this a good read. Thank you. This doesn't relate just to boxes, it relates to anything involving presentations, and many people here should be taking notes.

One of the biggest recurring themes is that the first idea you have isn't necessarily the best. Rather, you need to take your time with a good design. Sit back, let ideas flow. Sketch things out on paper first, or on sticky notes. Combine things if you find patterns, but for the most part just let your brain storm for a while. Don't throw together a design or presentation in a few hours. You'll end up with a poor product that way. Instead, take your egg to the prefect's bathroom and mull things over in the hot water for a while. Let the idea stew in its own juices. Talk to people, get feedback, bounce ideas off of others. Doing this lets you maximize the impact of your design, and make it the best it can be.

[stevencho]

I love that Fish Story. And I have kind of learned this idea from just over time. It's like how a microchip is more impressive than the rooms full of tubes we used to use.

[twoxT]

This is pretty cool.

[Bastien]

Let me clarify. Yes the information is indeed useful. But I think applying it to boxart might be going a little far. Just my opinion.

[TheKoopaDasher]

Let me clarify. Yes the information is indeed useful. But I think applying it to bizarre might be going a little far. Just my opinion.

You're going to have to clarify what that means, because I don't understand what you're saying.

[Bastien]

You're going to have to clarify what that means, because I don't understand what you're saying.

It autocorrected Boxart.

[TheSlyder]

I think you take making box arts way too seriously.

Or maybe something that's enjoyable and casual for us [edit]

Knowing a thing doesn't mean you're taking something seriously. He didn't build a goddamn ark. He just has some information that not only makes him better at his hobby, but also allows him to spread his knowledge, thus enriching OUR hobbies.

You should take notes.

(Hey guys, we still don't have any mods, right? I mean, I don't have to worry about getting banned for being a dick, do I?)

Nice contribution, Koopa. It makes me really want to put more thought into my work.

Edit:
I feel bad about being mean. Bastien's comment just rubbed me the wrong way. I mean, who goes to a website devoted to a particular hobby and then tell people they're taking that hobby (Which the forum is DEDICATED to) too seriously? How does that make sense?

[Bastien]

Look all I was saying that taking real life principles to improve our entire lives and attributed them to Boxart covers to me is a little far. I wasn't saying that the message he posted wouldnt be beneficial.

[TheSlyder]

The tips he gave were relevant to design in general. I don't see how it COULDN'T be applied to video game box design.

[Bastien]

The tips he gave were relevant to design in general. I don't see how it COULDN'T be applied to video game box design.

Oh I never argued that they couldn't be applied. I was just saying that it seemed to be a little too serious for just making videogame covers.

[Reed]

For the record, Koopa should be nominated for a Post of the Year award.

Think of it this way - any artist that has achieved greatness and you admire has almost certainly put in their 10,000+ hours. Creating a beautiful box cover or painting or game doesn't happen by accident. Improving one's craft and skills is to be commended. THAT is what this site is about. And it certainly applies beyond box art.

In other words, more of this, less thread derailment and fighting as so many of you like to do.

[stevencho]

For the record, Koopa should be nominated for a Post of the Year award.

Think of it this way - any artist that has achieved greatness and you admire has almost certainly put in their 10,000+ hours. Creating a beautiful box cover or painting or game doesn't happen by accident. Improving one's craft and skills is to be commended. THAT is what this site is about. And it certainly applies beyond box art.

In other words, more of this, less thread derailment and fighting as so many of you like to do.

Very true. And I can attribute much of what I have learned to this site and its members.

[TheKoopaDasher]

For the record, Koopa should be nominated for a Post of the Year award.

Think of it this way - any artist that has achieved greatness and you admire has almost certainly put in their 10,000+ hours. Creating a beautiful box cover or painting or game doesn't happen by accident. Improving one's craft and skills is to be commended. THAT is what this site is about. And it certainly applies beyond box art.

In other words, more of this, less thread derailment and fighting as so many of you like to do.

My god, my entire life has just been validated. I'm totally going to write up an in-depth Tips, Tricks, and Methods thread now to discuss all of this.