Hello hivers, i am back again, and today i want to advice some future editors on how they can improve their editing skills, from my own personal experience.
I’ve been into the video editing world for about 2 years, and yes, it can be really stressful sometimes, but it can be really fun and exciting if you have a passion for it.
My number one advice to people who are going into different activities, is that you should avoid engaging in something because other people are doing it, or because of money, and instead, you should do it because you have a passion for it, and became of you personal interest. With this, you are bound to last longer, and enjoy your time way more.
What is life like, as an editor?
There are certain things that you need to get used to, which i had to adapt to, such as dedicating a huge aspects of you life towards computers, because almost all aspects of video editing deals with computers, which means you have to be mentally prepared for that commitment.
As a video editor, you end up working with different types of edits, because you would be tasked to:
- Edit pictures and videos
- Make story lines or trailers
- Create or edit social media content
- create storyboards
- Add special effects, music, animation, graphics, etc, to already made videos, which is usually a bit harder than editing from scratch.
If you want to become a very successful editor, there are certain characteristics in which you would need to embody, and here are some that have helped me personally:
- You would need to be Creative: There are many times where you would need to use your own perspective, and improvise, and in order for this to work, you’ll need to have a clear vision on what you want. Storytelling is very important as an editor, because in some cases, you would be given jobs where you are only given the topic, and are told to make something. This is when your creativity comes to play, as you need to impress, and get the job done well.
- Be eager to know more: Everyday, there are always knew things to learn under editing, and it’s always advisable to know as much as you can, because a wide editing knowledge, means you’re more adept to what you’re doing, which means potentially more jobs for you. It is also advisable to engage with people who are also into video editing, so you can exchange knowledge and ideas, you could also join editing group chats, communities, classes, etc, which all help.
- Never be lazy when working: A very. important aspect of editing, is your ability to pay attention to detail. In order to be a top editor, you need to be a perfectionist, in the sense that all you work should be the best it can be. You also need to have where you get your inspiration from. As for me, when i watch music videos, i become eager to know how every effect was done, or when i look at certain types of presentations or programs, i try to understand every transition made, so i can get a broad knowledge on every aspect of editing.
- Good communication skills: In order to become more known in editing, you need to be a good talker. The more confident you are, the more you are trusted. You might have occasions where you’ll get interviewed for positions, by producers, directors, etc. and you would need to expose them to you abilities and work done. Therefore, being a good communicator is very important.
There are several softwares to use for editing, but my preferred one is Adobe Premier Pro, because it was recommended to me, and ever since then, i have had no issues and utilized it well.
You have to find a software in which you are comfortable with, and most importantly, which you understand. Working with a software which you don’t understand can be very difficult and discouraging, so always work with one you find easy and enjoyable.
As an editor, a Laptop needs to be your best friend. There are times in which you would need to go from studio to studio, or from a client to another, and your laptop needs to be with you at all times, to show you’re prepared.
Getting a laptop with a big screen, and a large storage is also advisable, to enhance your editing experience.
I personally try to learn as much as i can, and not to limit myself to what i already know, and i think thy has made me a much better editor than i was, a couple of months ago.
I hope this has been helpful to some aspiring editors, thank you and i would see you soon!