Augmented Reality Face Filters for Instagram

Participants will need:

• A Facebook and Instagram account (Free, facebook.com & instagram.com)
• A copy of Spark AR Studio software (Free, sparkar.facebook.com/ar-studio/download). Please check that your computer meets the minimum requirements before registering (sparkar.facebook.com/ar-studio/learn/documentation/downloads/#requirements)
• A mobile phone with an internet connection and the Spark AR Player App (we will cover setting up the player app in the class)
• Access to image editing software to prepare images (Photoshop or equivalent) is required
• To join the workshop, participants will use the free Zoom Desktop Client, available here (click on the Download button under "Zoom Client for Meetings"): zoom.us/download

This online workshop will introduce you to a basic Augmented Reality software called Spark AR Studio (sparkar.facebook.com), which will allow you to create interactive filters and effects that Instagram users can use in their stories. Artist Russell Gordon, VIVO's communication specialist, will show you how to create filters and effects that recognize and respond to face movements and other objects through a user's mobile camera. Following a brief overview and demonstrations, you'll work on your own Augmented Reality filter and then learn how to submit it for publishing to social media. We will be making a version of the 'Which Are You?' Face Filter, popular on Instagram at the moment.

Session One is an overview of the general concepts and workflow. You'll begin sketching your idea and then get feedback through group discussion. For homework, you'll continue to develop and research your idea, and produce the 'assets' to use in the app.

Session Two is a deep dive into producing the 'Which Are You' filter, with the instructor's support. Following the session, you'll submit your filter so it can be searched by other Instagram users. The instructor will continue to be available after Session Two to help you troubleshoot the submission process, which can sometimes be tricky.

Topics covered include:

• Researching the design components for your filter
• AR Target Tracking for triggering effects
• Adding 3D objects and overlays
• Synchronizing effects with gestures for user interaction
• Modifying templates
• Actions and shortcuts to streamline workflow
• Exporting and uploading to Instagram
• Publishing your effect and getting it approved on Instagram and Facebook

Here's the software's example page: https://sparkar.facebook.com/ar-studio/inspiration/