Creative individuals have been taking their talents to greater heights as freelancing and remote work started to flourish. One of the many amazing opportunities in the field of multimedia is freelance video editing. To thrive in this career, you’ll need to have the knowledge, skills, and artistic flair to produce a masterpiece.
Video editing is a serious business. It’s a significant element in marketing strategies that helps companies showcase their brands and products. As a freelance video editor, you can work with different concepts or clients and not be tied down to one offer. If you do it right, there’s a potential for bigger rewards. Are you interested in starting a freelance career in video editing? We’ve listed a few steps to guide you.
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1. Explore the community first
Any freelancer would agree that connections are crucial for this kind of career. Start locally and look for fellow creatives that you can interact with. This is the best source of work if you’re just starting. Plus, experienced creative professionals can give you more ideas about the field. Apart from your local community, you can also consider online creative spaces where your current peers are hanging out. You can establish long-term relationships and create consistent work sources with a few well-constructed cold emails and blog comments.
2. Invest in powerful hardware
If you want to provide seamless and quality work, you need to have powerful equipment for video editing. Before you splurge on new hardware, don’t forget to consider the taxes applied to freelance video editors. There might also be tax-deductible expenses, so consulting an account is worth the effort. The first piece of equipment you’ll need is a powerful computer setup. Many multimedia editors use high-performance gaming laptops or computers designed to handle complex timelines.
Look for custom PC builders who can work on your specifics. You also need to have ample cloud storage or an external hard drive to keep your projects safe. It will be better if you can invest in both. Other equipment and tools you’ll need include a high-resolution video cam and headphones, advanced sound recording tools, color-grading control surfaces, and editing controllers.
3. Get the necessary software
Assembling good hardware would be useless without the proper video editing software. Among the industry’s most popular video editing tools are Clipchamp, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro X, Lightworks, and CyberLink PowerDirector 365. While most software offers free basic features, you’d want to invest in paying for pro features for higher quality results. Find the right software that suits the specific multimedia projects you’re looking to work on. In addition, you might also consider using post-production tools like Blender and Adobe After Effects. As for ensuring efficient workflow with clients, utilize tools and apps for project management, messaging and video conferencing, time tracking, and accounting and invoicing.
4. Get classes and training
Many video editors take up a degree related to fields such as multimedia production, communications, filmmaking, and broadcasting. You can take a film course in a community college or university, or better yet, go to a film school. To acquire internships and apprenticeships, you can inquire about design studios, advertising agencies, and production companies. On the other hand, you can always study and learn online if attending school isn’t an option.
There’s a myriad of free online courses on providers like Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy. You can take software-specific online training or courses focused on video editing fundamentals for beginners. You can also use online sources of video editing articles covering different topics. If you want to be a versatile freelancer, consider taking extra courses in related skills such as lighting, directing, and scriptwriting.
5. Craft your portfolio
In the creative field, your portfolio acts as your resume. If you want clients to notice you and inquire about your services, you need an appealing portfolio. Fill it with commendable work you’ve accomplished in the past years, whether they are for training or just a self-project. If you have worked for a company before, you can also share the projects you’ve done for them.
You can also include acknowledgments or certificates you received from non-profit projects. Ensure though that you have formal permission from your previous employer or client. You don’t have to showcase your portfolio to potential clients if it’s still lacking.
Working as a freelance video editor gives absolute control of your career and life. It enables you to choose your own projects and work with people that you feel comfortable with. But while it provides more freedom, you’ll need to exert more effort into finding clients so you can earn a living.
Meta title: A Five-step Guide to Pursuing a Video Editing Career
meta desc: Videography is a perfect field for anyone who wants to pursue their passion in video editing while earning great money. Here’s how you can become a freelance video editor.