No, I didn't create Monsters Inc. or Up from scratch that credit goes entirely to the brilliant and creative minds over at Pixar Animated Studios. However, I took a stab at creating an animated video through the use of a software. You see LinkedIn finally opened the gates, they allowed people like little ol' me upload and post a video.
So there I am, in my makeshift office (moved my dining table to the corner and called it a day), writing my script and memorizing it. I'm determined to make a video resume. The next morning I spent several hours talking to my phone and realizing through several cuts that I did, in fact, look like a ventriloquist. Also, the eyebrow action would make The Rock jealous. I then decided to freestyle it and went with a one-minute clip but then the next day I knew I could do better.
Overcoming Your Fear of the Unknown
I had no prior knowledge of video creation so I ventured to acquire some background. I researched a variety of video maker software and landed on one I liked. When I opened it, I was overwhelmed. Button here, button there, buttons everywhere. But I was determined to get creative. The first couple of hours I was completely and utterly lost. It was very frustrating. But as I took my time to warm up to what everything did, I started to lay out a draft.
Step 1: Choose a template. Soooo many templates. I must have watched 15-20 clips before I chose The One.
Step 2: Customize the video with a variety of options in the media library. I do mean a variety, it was endless options after endless options. I had to figure out what fit best with the brand, the color scheme, and the messaging.
Step 3: Add a musical track. I had to make sure that the song was appropriate for the video. Let me tell you, I heard that song so often that I no longer turn on the audio in the finished product.
Step 4: Review, review, and yeah review. I went through various stages of deleting, adding, editing, and replaying the entire video. I stepped away a couple of times to let my brain relax.
The entire process was much like my job search.
How Creating My First Video Was Like My Job Search
- Research and make sure that your choice fits your goals
- Take time to warm up and absorb all the new changes
- Take a break
- Take time to digest the issues and goals
- Find your happy place as there will be times you need a cup of matcha or more
Most of all, I learned to take a chance on something new. I might have been lost when I first started but I am very glad I went on this new adventure. The video took me over 15 hours of work and an extra hour to transport it onto a post but it was well worth it. The results? See for yourself (original post is here).
If you want to talk about brand strategy, storytelling, content development, project management, and/or marketing communications, drop me a line.
