If you talk to seasoned video editors, they’ll tell you that, when it comes to freelancing, the work is feast or famine. One week you may be working days and nights on end to finish multiple projects; the next week, you’ll have nothing to do but browse Reddit. It’s just the nature of the beast, they say.
However, thanks to growing video needs in today’s vibrant digital age, the number of video editing projects is increasing. This means that video editors can pick up steady freelance work that they can count on week-in and week-out. They just have to know how to find it.
Here are three ways to grow your brand and find work as a freelance video editor.
Build a Strong Online Profile
Image via Westend61 Premium.
Off the bat, any prospective client or agency will want to see your work. If you don’t have an up-to-date demo reel available online, you’re already out of luck.
Creating a strong demo reel is the first step. This gives you the opportunity to stand out and demonstrate your skill with additional style and substance. Many video editors maintain websites and domains to showcase their work and their creative processes.
You can also attract gigs by building a presence on video sites like Vimeo and Youtube, as well as maintaining profiles on creative and professional networking sites like Behance and LinkedIn. Here are some resources to help you build out your online portfolio.
- Best Vimeo Showreels
- Freelance Video Editors on LinkedIn
- Vimeo Hack: How to Boost Your Vimeo Page
Use Online Resources
After you’ve shored up your online profile, another great way to pick up gigs is to have someone do it for you. Creative positions are now so in demand that there are people whose job is to help corporations and companies find creative talent.
In addition to “creative staffing agencies” like Creative Circle, Vitamin T, and Artisan Creative, you can also be a little more proactive and browse job boards like Mandy, ProductionHub, and Indeed. There are also some new apps like Thumbtack that send updates about gigs straight to your phone.
Find Gigs Yourself
Image via Jacob Lund.
Finally, there’s the good, old-fashioned way to land a gig: go out and find it yourself. It’s really not that difficult if you focus on your talents and passion. It all centers on building your network.
If you work in city large enough to have professional groups, there are undoubtedly professional networking groups and opportunities specific to creatives and video editors. Go out, meet people, build connections, and let people know who you are, what you’re about, and what kind of work you’re looking for.
Here are some other resources:
- 6 Great Websites for Finding Video Editing Jobs
- Secrets to Becoming a Freelance Video Editor
- 12 Tips On How To Work From Home As A Freelance Video Editor
Top image by GaudiLab.