YouTube Channel Updates - Channel Art and 10th Upload

Channel Art and 10th Upload

Up until now my YouTube Channel was pretty much a low-priority novelty.  Yesterday however, as I uploaded my 10th video with a whole vault of material in the time capsule for future releases, I decided it was time to polish up the appearance of the site.  This meant it was time to create the Channel Art for the page header!

YouTube specifies that the optimum file size for channel art is 2560x1440 pixels.  This is a very large file from which only a narrow strip in the middle appears in the Channel Header.  Looking around YouTube, most people have a photo of some sort which is severely cropped.  While the overall effect is generally very nice, I wanted a little more control over the space.

I decided I wanted a film strip to be the main focus of my Channel Art with various images contained therein.  Using PowerPoint I built the filmstrip art and then experimented with the sizing, uploading it several times, until I had the filmstrip art positioned and sized in the 2560x1440 pixel file correctly to where YouTube would crop it to my liking.  The image above is the full 2560x1440 pixel image with the art in the final position.  Below is a larger version of just the art: 

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Most of the middle six images within the film strip will be displayed on the various devices capable of viewing YouTube.  I decided to add a photo extending from each end of the film strip to give a sense of infinity to the image as it is cropped differently for viewing on different devices, i.e. Smart Phone, Desk Top Computer, Tablet, Laptop, etc.

For design inspiration I dusted off a roll of film and examined a negative strip.  I mimicked the basic writing on the very top and bottom bands with PowerPoint text boxes.  The font I chose was CordiaUPC 10pt with a slightly gold color.  While not an exact match for the markings on a Kodak negative, I think it is close enough to create the intended effect.

The images were strategically chosen to convey the mix of Model and Prototype videos that will be uploaded to my YouTube site.

I also put a link to this blog directly in the header.  It will be interesting to see how much traffic YouTube drives to this site as both mature over the years to come.

As for the 10th video - I found a few gems photographed back home in New Orleans on August 3, 1991.  The hi-light of the day was one of only two prototype F69PH-AC locomotives, AMTK 451, leading the Amtrak Sunset Limited up the Huey P. Long Bridge.  Our perch for the shot was the top floor of the Elmwood Medical Center Parking Garage.  This location provided a spectacular vantage point for train activity on this impressive bridge.  

If you have not already viewed this video, check out the link below!

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Chris