If you're a videographer, you know how important it is to keep up with the latest video editing tools and software. But learning new features, shortcuts, and workflows can be time-consuming and frustrating. How can you master new video editing tools faster and easier? Here are some tips to help you out.
Not all video editing tools are created equal. Some are better suited for certain types of projects, formats, or styles than others. Before you invest your time and money in a new tool, do some research and compare your options. Look for reviews, tutorials, and samples from other users who have similar goals and preferences as you. Choose the tool that best matches your needs, budget, and skill level.
This is my favorite way of learning new tools. You can use this to master new editing tools as well. Even without watching the boring step-by-step tutorials. Let's say you want to learn Premiere Pro Instead of searching for "Premiere Pro Course" or "Premiere Pro Tutorial" Let's directly start practicing it by searching, For Example: Search on YouTube: -How to make a lower third in Premiere Pro? -How to animate text in Premiere Pro? -How to change the background in Premiere Pro? -How to do Text Overlay etc. You will learn the basics like Cutting, Organizing, and Keyframes even without watching the specific tutorial for each thing and you'll learn practically. You can use this method to learn any new tool you don't know about yet.
Just do it. That's the best way to learn anything. I recall editing Super 8mm film in film school. We actually cut the film with a blade, taped the splices together, then glued the tiny magnetic sound strip to the edge of the film. That latter step was brutal. Today, we have digital editing tools and they are wonderful compared to the old way. Pick any application you feel comfortable with, or what you already have on your computer. Download a free app to practice with. Editing is "where the movie is made." Before that stage, it's just parts waiting to be assembled. Have fun!
Practice. Look for any opportunity to practice getting hands-on with the tools and experimenting. I realized pretty early on that, as important as it is to understand all the details of what tools like Premiere or After Effects are capable of doing, it’s really about having the vision for what you want to create and making the tools work for you. There are usually many routes to getting a specific result, look, or feel. It doesn’t matter which you take, as long as the ultimate outcome aligns with your creative vision.
All the best known video tools do the basics just fine, but the thing to keep in mind when choosing one of them is that none of them live in a vacuum. No matter how deep the feature set that tool is it will have to interact with every other tool out there, so be sure you're finding one that plays well with the others. Having a great cut that can't easily be shared with ProTools, for example, means that getting it mixed properly could be a pain.
Don't try to learn everything at once. Start with the essential functions and features of your new tool, such as importing, trimming, cutting, transitions, effects, and exporting. Focus on mastering the basics first, and then move on to more advanced or specialized options. You can use online courses, books, blogs, podcasts, or YouTube videos to learn the basics of any video editing tool. Look for credible sources that offer clear and concise explanations and demonstrations.
If you have experience in video editing with a different platform, the fastest and easiest way to gain proficency in a new tool is to relate it to the tool you're already familiar with. While video editing platforms do vary, certain universal functions will be present in all of them: importing footage, creating timelines, render and export settings, etc. Spending an hour or so connecting your existing knowledge to this new platform will make learning the differences much easier.
Actually, I guess this should be step 1. The basics come first - they are required to choose the right tool. Before knowing the name of tools, or what Cmd+L does - It's important to get acquainted to main concepts such as storytelling, layout, motion design, integration and composition of footage, color correction. No need to master any in this moment, but the capacity to overview is the key to find your own workflow.
The best way to learn by doing is to practice with real projects. Whether it's for yourself, a client, or a friend, find opportunities to use your new tool in different scenarios and challenges. Experiment with different settings, techniques, and styles, and see what works and what doesn't. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you'll become.
One of the biggest mistakes I see professionals making is not creating their own content. Creating your own content or creating spec projects is the perfect opportunity to test new tools, try new techniques and create in the unique way only YOU can do. I've seen it in my own career and in the careers of others. Creating your own work where you have total control and no restrictions from clients can open doors and help you connect with people who never would have paid you to create something similar.
My students learn by doing: Plan a small project, go out and shot it, then bring the footage to the editing software I'm teaching them (Davinci, Premier Pro, etc). That way they learn not only how to use it by clicking but with an actual idea and story in mind. I have found that they will not just edited the footage to what they visualized initially, but they start to become very creative with the tools, because they want to make their film amazing!!
The quickest route to mastering new video editing tools involves diving straight into hands-on practice. Begin by familiarising yourself with the tool's interface and functionalities through tutorials and online resources e.g forums. Then, seize every opportunity to experiment with the software by editing test shoots or personal projects. By practicing with real footage, you'll gain invaluable experience and develop a deeper understanding of the tool's capabilities. Prior to using it on a client shoot, ensure you're proficient by refining your skills through consistent practice. This approach not only enhances your proficiency but also confidence in your ability to deliver exceptional results.
You don't have to learn alone. Seek feedback and support from other videographers who use the same or similar tools as you. Join online communities, forums, groups, or clubs where you can share your work, ask questions, get tips, and exchange ideas. You can also find mentors, coaches, or tutors who can guide you and help you improve your skills. Feedback and support can help you overcome challenges, avoid pitfalls, and discover new possibilities.
There are some great groups for editing here on LinkedIn, join them and start reading, connecting and getting feedback. You can also share your work to get feedback.
Soliciting feedback is the step you cannot overlook, especially if you want to edit professionally. We all have confirmation bias and will often think more highly of our creative work than others do. This is why feedback is so essential. But not all feedback is created equal. Some people will tell you what you want to hear, so find the people in your life or unbiased third parties, like forums you can trust, and ask for their unbiased feedback. Also, ask them what they think could be improved. Creative work does have a subjective element, but the reality is, not all art is equally beautiful, at least not when you're doing this professionally. If you want to get good, get good feedback and practice!
Video editing tools are constantly evolving and improving. To master them, you need to keep up with the updates and trends that affect your industry and niche. Subscribe to newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels that cover the latest news, features, and best practices of your tool. Follow the developers, influencers, and experts who use and recommend your tool. Stay curious and open-minded, and always look for ways to enhance your skills and creativity.
To stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of video editing, it's vital to embrace updates and trends. Subscribe to newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels that delve into the latest news, features, and best practices specific to your editing tool. Moreover, follow the guidance of developers, influencers, and industry experts who advocate for your chosen tool. Foster a mindset of curiosity and open-mindedness, constantly seeking opportunities to augment your skill set and fuel your creative endeavors.
Video editing software often gets updated with new features. Keeping up-to-date with these changes can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Familiarizing yourself with common tools is indeed a helpful way to navigate through new video editing software. By understanding the basic functionality of tools such as trim, split, and transition, you can efficiently edit your videos. Additionally, learning how to use effects, filters, and color grading tools will enhance the overall quality of your videos. It is also beneficial to explore audio editing features like adjusting volume, adding background music, or removing noise. Moreover, mastering the timeline and keyframing techniques will allow you to create smooth transitions and precise edits. Taking the time to learn these common tools will greatly assist you in effectively using new video editing software.
Some of the things that have worked me over time are; 1. Trying the tool on different projects and editing software to see how it's used properly 2. Been on the watch out for tutorials from creatives to see what they have learnt about the tool that I've not discovered 3. Not been in a rush to make use of it