Key Notes and TakeawaysSocial Media Without a Degree
Key Advice: Build experience by working with clients, even at low pay initially. Focus on niche industries and streamline your processes using tools like ChatGPT and scheduling apps.
Key Insight: Experience outweighs a formal degree in creative fields.
Creative Risks
Example: Producing a documentary in Thailand with uncertain funding. This project highlighted the value of persistence and resourcefulness.
Mission Trips to Non-Christian Areas
Approach: Be kind, compassionate, and culturally respectful. Accept and enjoy local hospitality, particularly food.
Philosophy: “Love the sinner, hate the sin” and model the teachings of Jesus through actions rather than words.
Video Production Tips
Frame Rate: Use 23.98 or 24 FPS for testimonials.
Shutter Speed: Double the frame rate (e.g., 1/48 or 1/50).
Lenses: Invest in good lenses to achieve cinematic effects like bokeh.
Pacing: Tailor pacing to the video’s emotion. Silence can amplify cinematic moments.
Recommended Movie: No Country for Old Men for mastering pacing.
Free Resources for Stock Footage
Current Recommendation: Envato (paid but reliable).
Beginner Tip: Use YouTube to practice editing (not for commercial use).
Lightroom Photography Tips
Use lens correction to fix distortions.
Pre-plan shots for consistent edits.
Explore “profiles” instead of presets for more control.
Stick to one or two editing styles to build a recognizable aesthetic.
General Advice for Creatives
Keep learning and stay updated on trends in software like Premiere and Lightroom.
Consistency and specialization in style attract clients.
Timestamps
00:00:01 - 00:00:26 | Introduction: Blake Barlow, Instagram audience questions.
00:00:26 - 00:02:23 | Social Media Careers: Breaking into social media without a degree.
00:02:23 - 00:03:48 | Value of Experience: Overcoming competitors with degrees through hands-on work.
00:03:48 - 00:05:25 | Creative Risks: Discussing the Thailand documentary and other challenges.
00:05:25 - 00:08:18 | Mission Trips: How to carry oneself in non-Christian areas.
00:08:18 - 00:09:37 | Cultural Sensitivity: Eating local food as a sign of respect.
00:09:37 - 00:11:02 | Fruits of Jesus: Demonstrating love and respect in challenging environments.
00:11:02 - 00:14:08 | Video Tips: Making videos look professional — frame rates, shutter speeds, and pacing.
00:14:08 - 00:16:36 | Pacing in Video Editing: Examples from No Country for Old Men and client testimonials.
00:16:36 - 00:19:01 | Stock Resources: Free stock footage and ethical considerations.
00:19:01 - 00:26:58 | Lightroom Tips: Lens corrections, shooting for the edit, and exploring profiles vs. presets.
00:26:58 - 00:28:52 | Photography Styles: Importance of consistent editing styles.
00:28:52 - 00:29:04 | Rapid Fire Questions: Fun and quick responses on varied topics.