In 2008, during the height of the economic downturn, I found myself facing unemployment after having spent 15 years in the sign industry. Amid increased layoffs and reduced work hours, I decided to seize the unique opportunity this presented. I was a student in a video editing class a number of years ago and, although the technology was clunky and cumbersome at the time, I found the process very exciting and interesting. And that positive impression stayed with me ever since.
So in 2008, with the advent of incredibly advanced editing tools that were much easier to use than those from the past, I decided to indulge that muse by making the necessary investment, and I taught myself how to edit video in a digital environment. After a modest period of steady improvement, I began to acquire local clients. Soon thereafter, I found myself wanting to work with footage of my own, rather than that supplied by clients. So I purchased a professional DSLR camera(which shoots full HD video), and began marketing myself as an editor/videographer. During this time, I familiarized myself with photographic composition and framing techniques, and how to properly light a green screen, among other things. Since then, I've gone on to work on larger projects, such as independent film and even a self-produced documentary. In addition, I taught myself how to use advanced and sophisticated 2D/3D animation software, specifically Adobe After Effects. Now, I can integrate both elements - video and animation - into a single project. Currently, I am learning the complex art of digital compositing, which is still quite tedious even with modern technology.
Since I learned the craft of editing in an incremental logical fashion, it makes it easy for me to share that knowledge in a similar manner. I get a real joy from teaching others, as the choices now available to entry-level consumers are almost overwhelming. I cut through the clouds of confusion and break it all down to fundamentals, so it's easy to understand and more importantly: retain. Nearly all leading editing programs share the same basic structure, and have the same basic set of capabilities, regardless of how fancy or intimidating their interface might be. Don't let this be the one thing that holds you back. If you have a real interest in this field, I invite you to benefit from my experience and learn a valuable new skill set.
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