Successful Remote Visual Communication - Setup Tips & Tricks!

Do you want to deliver a remote presentation where you sketch live with Pen and Paper?

Do you want to overcome some of the obvious barriers to doing so seamlessly, (relatively) stress-free, and authentically?

I'm going to share the mechanics on how I've overcome them, so you can steal like an artist (should you wish to)!

If you're up to anything like this, I'd love to see your setup (so I can steal ideas to evolve mine too!)

The shopping list is at the end. If you're seeing the value in duplicating some or all of this setup, head down to get the details with some links to the equipment I ordered, and why. It's not all free, but it's not likely to break the bank either.

Show me the Setup!

The iPhone 5s pointing to my desktop (Varik's iPhone). The camera is (more than) good enough to capture high-quality images.

Here's iPhone XR Work (facing me with the better camera).

This setup means I can use the Camo software to drive two phones as Webcams, and flip between them for presenting and seeing what I see.

I manifest this in Zoom when presenting remotely.

Now to the shops (or indeed Amazon as it's been my preferred way of getting what I needed fast via Prime).

Happy (Remote) Sketching everyone!

Shopping List:

Desktop

Due to space constraints, and frankly, because I already had it, I re-used an IKEA desktop. It was the grand sum of ï¿¡10.

Electric Standing Desk Frame

A more expensive investment, but has proven invaluable during Lockdown. I paid ï¿¡206.99 when it was in the sale - it retails at ï¿¡229.99, but shop around for the one that fits for you. If you have a desk already, consider just using it - it's only important if you're keen on presenting standing up. I am, so I bought it.

Laptop

I use an Apple Mac, but it's down to personal preference. Use what you have, it won't affect the outcome significantly so much as I can tell.

Smartphone(s)

I use one (retired) Apple iPhone 5s and one Apple iPhone XR.

Two iPhones, but given how many devices we all have in our houses gathering dust, this could well be helping towards an environmentally friendly set up too. That's what I tell myself anyway.

Unsurprisingly, the 5s camera isn't as good as the XR, but both are better than the built-in camera of the Mac. This is a constant source of surprise, as the Mac I use is not quite 3 years old. I guess cameras have come a long way in a short time (or Apple just puts better cameras in their phones).

2 x Webcam Stand

I'm using two 14 Inch Suspension Scissor Durable Brackets with Aluminum Desk Clamp Mount with Built-in 1/4" Screws.

I bought them from Amazon for ï¿¡15.99 - they just work and are well inside my budget.

2 x Tripod Mount Head-Metal Ballhead 360° Pan 90° Tilt Tripod Mount with 1/4" Screw

This piece of kit connects to the arm and gives full control over how and where to point. It's all-metal and is solid and once screwed in, it stays still. I tried a cheaper one, but it failed after just a few uses. Each one cost me ï¿¡14.99 - I bought two. It just works.

2 x Mobile Phone Tripod Adapter

This connects your smartphone to the mini ball joint unit above. It's all-metal, has a fluid feel to it. When you screw it tight, it stays where it needs to and holds the phone still. Again, it just works. Each one costs ï¿¡22.99 - there are much cheaper units, but many just feel flimsy. I wanted to buy once and use it for years. This one feels like it will last, and so far it has.

A3 Paper

The choices here are enormous. At one end, you have standard printer paper. At the other end, high quality, cartridge paper, I guess.

I use both, depending on the task at hand. High quality (180 g/m2) paper can be sent as an artefact to your customer and reinforces the value of a unique piece. If you're just developing an idea that will only be consumed remotely, then standard A3 printer paper might do.

For higher grade, I use this paper and at the time of writing, it was ï¿¡6.54 for 30 sheets.

It also depends on the pens you use...

The Pens

I can't imagine how many types of pens there must be in the world. I've tried many, but not all. For me, I use Neuland pens. I'm really fussy and use only chisel-tipped pens, and they are refillable. I've never thrown one away, they are solid (german made) instruments. Head over to Neuland to see what floats your boat - this link takes you to the pens I specifically use.

Chisel tip. Can't overstate that enough.

Avoid Bullet tips.

Cables and Connectors

As I'm on an Apple Mac that has only USB-C connections, I bought something that looks pretty similar to this. Bargain on somewhere around ï¿¡20

Most people have charging cables with their smartphones, but if they are wearing a bit thin or have bent beyond use, then these are as good as any. so far they seem pretty robust.

Software to Use your phone as a webcam

It's free, and it just works. Enough said.

Zoom / MS Team / Similar

I use Zoom, and Camo just presents the phone as a webcam. My suspicions are any competitor will treat it just the same (Let me know in the comments?)