Maximizing Video portfolio engagement: Case Study of Emil Schönström
Business
Services
Platforms
The Business
Expert Video Editing and Animation
Emil Schönström is a highly skilled video editor and animator based in Portland, OR, with nearly a decade (9 years) of experience creating visually stunning ads for both social media and broadcast platforms. Specializing in everything from story development to final color grading, Emil’s services are essential for crafting captivating and effective content. However, in a crowded industry, grabbing potential clients' attention quickly is crucial, which is why having a seamless and engaging portfolio page is vital to his business.
The Challenge
Showcasing Videos on Squarespace 7.1
Squarespace 7.1’s native functionality only allows for image-based lightboxes, making it difficult to showcase video content in a way that captures immediate interest. Emil needed a lightbox solution that would allow potential clients to quickly view his work directly on the portfolio page. Clicking external links to view videos slowed down user engagement, potentially costing Emil valuable leads. To create an eye-catching experience, Emil sought a solution to implement a GIF grid that opened video lightboxes—a feature missing from the stock Squarespace options.
Emil Schönström GIF grid
The Solution
Beyondspace Lightbox Studio Plugin
Beyondspace’s Lightbox Studio plugin provided Emil with exactly what he needed. The plugin enabled him to integrate video lightboxes seamlessly into his GIF grid, offering potential clients a smoother and more visually appealing experience on his website. This new functionality not only improved the aesthetic and professional look of his portfolio but also allowed Emil to make the most of the limited time he has to grab the attention of potential clients.
Emil Schönström Video lightbox
The Transformation
A Perfectly Tailored Portfolio
With the Beyondspace Lightbox Studio plugin, Emil’s portfolio page is now everything he envisioned. The ability to create video lightboxes from a GIF grid allows him to present his work in a more dynamic and interactive way. Visitors can now quickly and easily open videos directly from the GIF thumbnails, increasing engagement and providing a professional showcase for his work.
“Fantastic plugin that saves video portfolio functionality for Squarespace 7.1!
I’m not an experienced web designer and I was having some issues, but Niang Lee responded to my customer service request within minutes and I had a working video lightbox in half an hour.”
Comparison with Competitors
Why Beyondspace Stood Out
Emil initially considered a few other lightbox solutions, but most were designed for Squarespace 7.0 or were overly complex for someone who doesn’t work full-time in web design. Beyondspace’s Lightbox Studio plugin stood out due to its ease of use and the fast, responsive customer support that Emil received. Not only did Beyondspace resolve his queries quickly, but they also provided custom CSS to further refine the portfolio’s look, including removing play buttons from thumbnails and adjusting the lightbox background opacity.
Emil Schönström Video lightbox
User Experience and Feedback
Ease of Integration
Despite not being a professional web designer, Emil found the integration process straightforward. He did run into a few minor issues but was able to get them resolved quickly with the help of Beyondspace’s support. The plugin’s clear documentation and helpful guidance allowed Emil to confidently implement his new portfolio features with minimal hassle.
Future Improvements
Emil mentioned that he would appreciate even more documentation on how to customize the lightbox with CSS. However, overall, he was highly satisfied with the plugin and its existing capabilities, as well as the support he received.
“It’s refreshing to see someone care this much about their product.”
The Takeaway
Streamlining Visual Storytelling for Video Editors
For video editors and creatives like Emil, Beyondspace’s Lightbox Studio plugin provides the perfect solution for integrating video lightboxes on a Squarespace site. With its ease of use, responsive customer support, and feature-rich options, the plugin empowers businesses to showcase their work more effectively, driving higher engagement and presenting a more polished brand image. Emil’s experience highlights how the right tools can transform a portfolio and help professionals stand out in a competitive industry.
