This past week, more than is typical, I made time for myself and my creative pursuits.
The most pressing of which is my entry into video content.
I didn’t think it was going to be this involved. I knew I would have to plan, record, edit, and package each video. What I didn’t know was that I would have to figure out how to color grade so I wouldn’t have to.
Meanwhile, I found out that my seven-year-old computer struggles to process 4K video at 24 FPS, which is typical these days. The solution? Edit and export in 1080p.
Not a big deal since most people are on mobile and that resolution is good enough for my purposes.
Later, I can make the transition to 4K when I upgrade my computer.
I also had to learn that cleaning your iPhone’s camera lens should become a habit. Makes all the difference in camera quality.
And there’s so much that pops up. It feels like I’m playing a game of whack-a-mole.
The Tension
Before this week, the closest I have come to editing video was when I made this habit course late last year.
I didn’t appear in the video, but I did have to edit footage of me showing off a slideshow I had made for each day, plus voiceovers.
I had edited everything in iMovie.
Six months later, I’m learning Final Cut Pro. And the learning curve is similar to what I experienced when transitioning from GarageBand to Logic Pro.
There’s a lot I don’t know, such as video editing, telling a story visually, talking to the camera, incorporating graphics and text, overlays, special FX, coloring, and so much more.
It’s funny because at that time, I stressed so much about that habit course.
The webcam quality on my computer was lacking, the lighting sucked, and I didn’t have a mic that delivered consistent high-quality audio.
So I went with the keynote and voiceover.
It turned out okay.
At every turn, something new pops up, and I have to quickly figure out how to overcome it so I don’t miss my deadline and certain milestones.
It’s stressful doing something for the first time and not having a gauge for what could go wrong, but with all that, one must push forward anyway.
The Lesson
Last weekend, I recorded some test footage to gauge a few things.
It’s funny because at first I was using the LUTs (Look-Up Tables for color grading) wrong, and I looked like an Oompa Loompa with orange skin.
It took me a minute to figure out why my skin looked orange on camera, but I did, and I’m pleased to say I look normal on camera now.
I also spent some time checking the audio quality and ran into an issue, but thanks to my music production background, I quickly figured it out.
Through these trials (little experiments), I am learning that anything can be accomplished if you want it badly enough and can shift your mindset to a solutions-oriented one.
To me, this means you’re always looking for solutions to your opportunities and ways to keep moving forward toward completion.
Not allowing discomfort to get in your way, or even fear, in most cases.
For me, it was an overwhelming sense of fear, which now feels distant and nonsensical. The things I could have accomplished had I realized years ago how shallow fear is as a concept.
But such is life.
You live, and you learn.
The major takeaway from this week is that experiments are always the way to go.
Whatever you have ahead of you. Whether it’s something forced upon you or something you want to do but are afraid to commit to, experiment.
Don’t worry about the outcome. Don’t worry about your skill level. Just try with a spirit of curiosity.
The Proof
My biggest proof this week was the test footage I shot.
I know you would love to see the footage (my best friend says it’s well made); I’d rather present something with a purpose other than testing my ability to record myself on video.
But know that the video does exist.
On the topic of proof, I’ve been thinking a lot this week about formats.
How can I add value to my existing audience while also bringing new people into the Potential Paradox world and beyond? I’m no one-trick pony, but I want to roll out everything thoughtfully and tastefully.
The Forward Motion
Next week’s flagship issue will cover how your body of work is your real bio.
As the second half of the year is well on its way, my focus is still studying for my CompTIA A+, Net+, and Sec+ certifications (which are coming to a close in September), growing and managing the Potential Paradox, and working on a special project that includes releasing another short story this fall.
Nevertheless, I want to do video. I’m excited about doing video.
From my test footage, it occurred to me how easy I found it to talk to the camera after a warm-up. I didn’t have anything planned to say. I just spoke to the camera as if it were a close friend, and the rest was intuitive.
Sure, I may have had an advantage, as I did watch several videos on different aspects of YouTube, like showing up on camera, communicating effectively, packaging, and underrated tips and tricks that push the needle.
I would like to publish my first video within the next two weeks. We’ll see if I can keep that timetable with all these moving parts.
Closing Line
For the last two years, I’ve been razor-focused on writing and writing more.
Now, I’m making the shift into video.
Life is all about doing things you’ve never done, because how else will you experience it?
This goes for leisure and work.
Experiment with things more openly. Document, do not create. Be willing to fail in the face of the unknown.
No matter what, the experience will always be worth it.
I loved being reminded that the first version of anything is going to come with a pile of problems you didn’t know existed. I tend to want to understand everything before I begin but watching you work through the surprises instead of treating them as reasons to stop makes me want to experiment more with my own artwork. Sometimes you really do have to make the ugly first attempt to find the good one. Thank you Idris Elijah for all the valuable tips here and Happy Friday to you!