What I Learned Winning $40k on YouTube

I won over $42,000 from Hewlett-Packard on YouTube.

My hang gliding video beat thousands of international video contest entries.

It was at a time when brands were hosting contests on YouTube because video was so new to the internet in the late 2000's they needed YouTube to do it for them.

That single check was more money than I made at my university job making maps, which was my first real job and probably the last normal job I had too.

Here are 5 things I learned from this experience:

1) You don't need fancy tech.

Even before the ubiquitous cell phone cameras, you didn't need a fancy camera to make your mark. I created my winning hang gliding video with a point-and-shoot Canon, some PVC, and clear packaging tape.

Here's how I slapped my camera onto my hang glider:

2) You can teach yourself enough.

I had a college degree in Forestry, not filmmaking. I learned how to make videos and edit them in Premiere and After Effects by watching tutorials. And that was enough.

Today it's more possible than ever to learn new skills and even switch careers by studying online.

3) Use what makes you unique.

Guess how many other hang gliding videos were submitted in the competition? Zero.

Whether it's in a video contest or a job interview, lean into what makes you unique.

4) You can run yourself out of business.

After winning, I thought clients would appear out of thin air and knock my door down. That didn't happen and when it didn't I started to underbid my services to the point of going broke. Charge what you're worth or you'll drive yourself out of business.

5) I love animation

Filming can require coordinating many people's schedules, applying for permits, securing locations, buying insurance, renting the latest gear, and crossing your fingers the weather cooperates. With animation, I can make all of that happen by myself if I want, without asking anyone's permission.

Here's the video that won me over $40k:

Now, I spend my days working on major films, video games, and teaching animation.

I recently launched a new animation school called AnimatorsJourney.com check it out.

Lucas