Creativity that lasts longer than 10 seconds
Schools and communities have shared snaps featuring snapchats new geofilters to their friends. Katie Nail ’16
Just months after Snapchat launched an update creating location-based overlays called geofilters, the app announced a new feature that allows users to create their own customized filter for the location of their choice. The company approved Convent of the Sacred Heart’s filter today causing students to update their snapchat stories and share snaps featuring the filter with their friends.
The Snapchat application is a mix of texting and picture or video sharing. Since the app’s initial release in 2011, the Snapchat company has developed into an interactive staple of today’s social media, constantly revamping the application and creating new updates. Geofilters are a unique feature only accesible on the Snapchat application.
“Geofilters are special overlays for snaps that can only be accessed in certain locations. Artists and designers are encouraged to use this tool to bring their one-of-a-kind style to the Snapchat community. Simply choose the geographic area you want your filter to be available in and upload an image asset. All images must be original artwork and have to be approved by the Snapchat team,” according to snapchat.com.
Geofilters are available once snapchat users click “allow filters” under the settings tab of the application. The unique screen designs are visible when users swipe left after capturing an image.
“I use snapchat on a daily basis. I send pictures with different clever drawings, filters, and emojis to my friends,” junior Isabella Caponiti said. “My favorite part of snapchat is the different creative filters available when I visit different public places.”
Katie Nail ’16
Geofilter creations must be submitted on the Community Geofilters website. First, the prospective geofilter creator must choose the geographic area in which the picture will be accessible, then upload an image. The submission must adhere to the company’s guidelines to be considered for public viewing.
Various schools in the area, including Sacred Heart, have submitted geofilters to share with friends. Brunswick junior, Opong Bramble, created a “wick” geofilter on his computer and submitted it for review on the snapchat website. This filter is now accessible in the predetermined boundaries surrounding the Brunswick School.
“I think snapchat’s new feature of allowing geofilters to be created by the public is a great way for important locations to be shared,” Brunswick senior Henry Sall said. “In addition to Brunswick, various schools and colleges now have geofilters to represent their school’s spirit.”
A Sacred Heart junior created the school’s original geofilter using Photoshop and submitted it to Snapchat for review January 12. The app added the design to snapchat Wednesday, January 28 for any students, faculty or staff who have the application in the designated location to share with their friends.
Holly Roth ’16
“I created a geofilter that said “Sacred Heart” on photoshop, but it did not follow the Submission Guidelines so it was not approved. I’m so excited that snapchat finally approved a geofilter for Sacred Heart. I think it’s a unique design that looks great,” junior Claire Uygur said.
Artists can make their creations using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or a picture of a hand-drawn image. The picture must maintain a width of 1080 pixels and a height of 1920 pixels. The geofilter creation must be a transparent Portable Network Graphics (PNG).
A PNG is a file format used instead of Graphics Interchange Format (GIF). Additionally, a 149 pixel buffer frame, which allows images to be visible underneath the filter, must be left at the top and the bottom of the design without a graphic. Designers should avoid creating a border that will cover the picture taken in the snapchat, according to snapchat.com.
A map is available on the Snapchat Geofilter submission webiste, allowing prospective designers to draw the designated borders for the geofilter. The last step is to upload the image, provide contact information, and answer why the location is meaningful to the artist. Geofilters are currently not available for businesses, but they are recommended for community areas such as landmarks, neighborhoods, and public gathering places.
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– Holly Roth, Staff Writer
