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Freelancers doing sonic branding: the hardest part isn't making the sound logo — it's the presentation.
You send three strong options, and the client (who has no vocabulary for audio) goes quiet for two weeks. Here's the method we use to avoid that: present exactly three options as distinct stances, frame each one in a single sentence before playing it, play it in a real placement instead of a silent call, and replace "what do you think?" with questions anyone can answer — "which would you be happy hearing 500 times?"
It turns a stalled review into a decision in one session. Full breakdown:
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branding assets
Does presenting more design options actually give clients more freedom?
I’m starting to think the opposite can happen.
If I present 5 directions, the client now has to decide which one they like. If I present 1–2 strong, well thought-out directions, I’m also showing them what I think the brand needs.
For me, the number of options is part of the design process itself.
How many directions do you usually present to a client?
One or two, never five. Five options is not freedom, it is homework you handed the client. One or two strong directions says I made the hard calls for you, which is what they are actually paying for. Choice is a burden dressed up as a courtesy.
Claude + After effects (Here’s the exact 5 prompts, copy them) 🧵
Prompt 0: Setup
Approach: Computer Use - from now, henceforth.
Setup: After Effects is open on Screen 2.
Goal: Configure the project and create 4 working comps, named Scene 1 through Scene 4, before anything is built. All 4 comps use the settings below.
Project settings:
Color depth: 16 bpc
Linear blending on Comp settings:
Resolution: 2880x1620, square pixels
Frame rate: 30fps
Background: warm Don't ask any questions. Build.
Prompt 1: Plan the radial scene
Setup: Same project and comp. Plexus installed. Reference: Sketch
(see first comment for the sketch btw).
Goal: A radial plexus matching the sketch. All vertices start at a single centre point and spread outward in 3D. Lines grow from the centre to each endpoint. Each endpoint carries a different image. Camera with depth of field.
Reading the sketch:
The circle is the origin. Every line starts there, none connect to each other.
Line lengths and angles vary on purpose. Keep that irregularity, don't make it a perfect starburst.
The sketch is 2D, but the build is 3D. Some lines should push toward and away from camera, not just across the frame. Current state: Nothing built for this scene yet. Constraints:
Do not touch the project. Planning only, no computer use. Approach: Consider the best possible way of achieving this. It should be able to be edited realtime as well. Prioritize using plexus Output: A recommended approach with reasons. I'll approve before you build.
CONTINUES IN COMMENT
(Attached is Prompt 1's reference image btw)
Prompt 2: Animate Scene 1 line connections
(i went back to creating the first scene)
Setup: Switch to the Scene 1 comp. Park the Scene 2 plan, we'll return to it.
Goal: Lines animate their connections, drawing from one vertex to the...
