Starting your career as a freelance video editor is not like starting any other job. There are no set hours, you are usually given a brief to fulfill, and it’s very easy to be distracted or overwhelmed.
As an entrepreneur, there’s always something new to learn- which can sometimes feel overwhelming.
That’s why I have gathered some of my best tips for aspiring freelancers! From things such as how to start your own YouTube channel to what types of services freelancers should consider investing in, read on for all the information you need to become a successful freelance filmmaker.
How to start a YouTube channel?
Starting your own YouTube channel is an incredible way to make money online by sharing your knowledge or offering creative services. While it may seem like a daunting task at first, creating your profile, picking the right video editing software for you, and developing your talent are all basic skills that most people have access to.
Many individuals already have their own YouTube channels with millions of followers, so if you can learn how to do those things, then you could create your own channel and get started making money.
You can also choose to become famous instead of wealthy, but either one will help you achieve your goals.
Create a Marketing Plan
After you have determined that editing is your passion, what next? Now comes the hard part — figuring out how to market yourself as an editor!
You will need to establish yourself as an expert in the field. You can do this by creating or finding a stream of income online through doing freelance work. This could be designing logos, writing content for websites and magazines, filming and editing videos, and so on.
Once you have gathered enough money under your belt, then people will refer you due to your prestige as an artist. People will also trust you more since you are paid for your services.
To make extra money, you can start freelancing full time and grow from there! Many students start their career after high school as a student assistant or apprentice before graduating with a degree. Follow your dreams and you will definitely earn what you want!”
Disclaimer: The article may contain links to sponsors or at least one advertiser who pays for advertising space. At No More Ads Media we strive to bring you information about products and services we think would benefit you. We get a small fee or compensation from like-minded brands to include these links within our text and the articles. Because of this, our readers know exactly where our loyalties lie, and it is not with advertisers. We hope that makes you feel comfortable using our service, but please remember – just because I mention something great about a product does not mean I am being compensated by them.
Know Your Market
As with any career, being successful as a freelance artist is mostly about knowing your market. Who are the top people in your field that get great reviews? How much money do they make? What types of media have you seen their work on?
It’s hard to succeed if you don’t know what products and services appeal to your potential customers. And it can be even harder to succeed when your competitors are also trying to reach those same people.
As an artist, there are several ways to gain knowledge about the art industry and your target audience. You can read books or go to seminars, talk to other artists, and watch YouTube videos to learn more.
But another way to find out who is popular and how to be like them is by listening to what people say about them. A lot of times, we never really hear about why someone didn’t succeed; instead we only see the negative.
Produce Good Quality Content
A freelance video editor is someone that creates videos for other companies. These professionals usually are paid per project, depending on the length of the video and the number of edits it needs. The amount they are paid varies as well, so make sure to research salaries before asking about wages.
The term professional refers not only to what level of education they have but also how professional you should speak with them. Use basic formal business language with these individuals unless they ask you to use your own style.
Making changes to an existing video or creating a new one is another part of being a freelancer. This can be done quickly or very slowly, it does not matter. When coming up with ideas to edit, do not add too many extra touches later because those people will get credit for their work.
Make sure to refer back to step 1 above when editing and writing down the process to save time in the future.
Connect with other Professionals as a Freelance Video Editor
Finding freelancers to help you edit your videos can be tricky, but it is totally worth the effort! There are several ways to find freelance video editors that do not require you to hire them directly.
Most media companies have internal departments that handle filming, editing, and marketing of their products. These business units usually have very specific roles within the company, such as in-house movie editor or social media manager.
By talking to these people, you’ll learn some great tips for filmmaking that may also suggest a good freelancer. Or, they might know of someone who would be willing to work with you as a consultant or even full time employee, which could open up more opportunities.
Interviews are a helpful way to evaluate potential freelancers. Rather than asking about price only, ask about what qualities they look for in staff and whether there are any safety protocols in place before hiring them.
You want to make sure that person will take care of you and your project while still delivering quality content.
Offer Your Services as a Freelance Video Editor
As mentioned earlier, being able to edit videos is a skill that most people have now-a-day-life. Almost every person you come across has at least one video they watch or upload onto YouTube frequently.
If you are very artistic and can create designs and layouts quickly, then offering your services as a freelance editor is perfect for you! You could start off doing free edits for friends and family to gain some experience, before adding more to your portfolio.
By starting off as an unpaid employee, you will be exposed to many different types of media (film, television, music, etc) and areas within it (storytelling, editing, voice over, etc). This gives you the opportunity to hone your skills and learn about how different parts of media work.
Set Your Price as a Freelance Video Editor
After creating your profile, picking your freelancing area and defining your services, it’s time to start setting your price. This is probably the most difficult part as many other freelance professionals will want to be just like you and take advantage of all of your skills for a lower fee.
Don’t feel pressured into lowering your prices. You should strive to give enough value for your work and not undercut yourself. It will hurt your reputation later!
It’s totally fine to ask higher rates at first, but don’t stay in business that way or risk becoming known as a lowball artist.
Promote Your Website
After you have spent time creating your video, editing it, and promoting it, what are you going to do next? If you want your videos to get noticed, you will need to spend some time developing an online profile that promotes your work.
You can create a YouTube account, but there’s no guarantee people will find you. You can put up your CV or portfolio site, but how many people look at those sites before making a decision about whether to hire someone?
By having a social media presence, however, you take control of this process. People who know you may check out your content, so by putting up pictures and statements telling them where you worked, people may choose to give you their business for a free preview.
Rule 321 in Video Editing:
The 3-2-1 rule in video editing is a technique for ensuring that you have enough footage to create a polished and cohesive final product. The rule involves capturing multiple takes of a scene from three different angles, two medium shots and one close-up shot.
Here’s how it works:
- 3 shots from three different angles: Start by capturing three shots of the scene from different angles. This will give you options during the editing process, and allow you to switch between angles to keep the visual interesting.
- 2 medium shots: For each of the three angles, capture at least two medium shots. A medium shot is one that shows the subject from the waist up. These shots will help to establish the context of the scene, and give you more flexibility in editing.
- 1 close-up shot: Finally, capture at least one close-up shot of the subject. This shot can be used to emphasize a specific emotion, reaction, or detail. It also helps to break up the visual monotony and add variety to the editing.
The 3-2-1 rule is a simple and effective way to ensure that you have enough footage to create a visually compelling video. It also helps to prevent the common problem of not having enough footage to work with during the editing process.
Conclusion: Become a Freelance Video Editor in 7 Steps: Best Guide to Success 2023
In conclusion, becoming a freelance video editor in 2023 can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. By following the 7 steps outlined in this guide, you can set yourself up for success. These steps include developing your skills, building a portfolio, networking, creating a website, setting your rates, finding clients, and continually learning and growing as a professional. Remember, success as a freelance video editor takes time and effort, but with dedication and hard work, you can build a successful and sustainable career in the field.
FAQ’s
Q: What skills do I need to become a freelance video editor?
To become a freelance video editor, you will need to have a strong understanding of video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer. Additionally, knowledge of color correction, audio mixing, and motion graphics will be helpful.
Strong attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work well under tight deadlines are also important skills for a freelance video editor to have.
Q: How do I build a portfolio as a freelance video editor?
Building a portfolio as a freelance video editor is essential to attracting clients. Your portfolio should showcase your best work and highlight your skills and expertise. You can include examples of your work from previous jobs, personal projects, or even volunteer work.
It’s also a good idea to include a diverse range of projects, such as commercials, music videos, short films, and corporate videos, to demonstrate your versatility as an editor.
Q: How do I set my rates as a freelance video editor?
Setting your rates as a freelance video editor can be challenging, as it can depend on various factors such as the type of project, the length of the video, and the client’s budget. A good starting point is to research the rates of other freelance video editors in your area and use that as a benchmark.
It’s also important to consider your own experience level, skills, and the amount of time it will take to complete the project. It’s a good idea to be flexible and willing to negotiate your rates with clients, but also be confident in your value and don’t underprice yourself.
Q: How do I find clients as a freelance video editor?
Finding clients as a freelance video editor can be accomplished through a variety of methods. Networking is key, so attend industry events and conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with other video professionals on social media. Utilize job boards and freelance platforms to find gigs.
Having a strong portfolio and website can also help attract clients. Also, always be proactive and don’t be afraid to reach out to potential clients directly and introduce yourself and your services.
Q: What should I consider when starting as a freelance video editor?
Starting as a freelance video editor can be challenging, but with the right mindset and approach, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. Consider setting realistic goals for yourself, such as the number of clients you want to attract or the amount of income you want to generate.
Be prepared to work hard, as success as a freelance video editor takes time and effort. Finally, be willing to continuously learn and adapt, as technology and industry trends are constantly changing.
