I've edited a lot of videos.
Across a lot of industries.
And I've learned that the actual editing software is probably one of the least important parts of being a good editor.
Don't get me wrong.
You need to know what you're doing.
But knowing where the buttons are isn't the same as knowing what makes an edit work.
Be ridiculously organised
This is boring.
It's also incredibly important.
Good folder structures.
Clear file names.
Organised footage.
Consistent project files.
Logical timelines.
It might not sound creative, but it'll save you an absurd amount of time.
Especially when a project gets big.
And especially when you're collaborating with someone else.
Creatives have a reputation for being messy.
I'm not here to challenge that stereotype.
But your future self will thank you for organising the footage.
Don't blindly follow trends
There is so much content out there that it's incredibly easy to start copying things.
Fast cuts.
Captions.
Zooms.
Transitions.
Sound effects.
Whatever the latest thing is.
Trends can be useful.
But if every editor is doing the same thing, doing something slightly different can actually be much more interesting.
Use trends as inspiration.
Don't let them become a creative instruction manual.
Steal like an artist
One of the best ways to improve creatively is to study people who are better than you.
Watch films.
Look at adverts.
Save edits you love.
Pay attention to music videos.
Look at how photographers use light.
Notice how designers use typography.
Then ask yourself:
Why does this work?
You don't need to copy it directly.
Take the idea.
Adapt it.
Put your own spin on it.
That's how creative work evolves.
The best edit is the one that serves the story
Sometimes that means a flashy transition.
Sometimes it means holding a shot for another three seconds.
Sometimes it means cutting your favourite shot because it doesn't actually add anything.
That's the job.
The edit isn't there to show people how clever you are.
It's there to make the story better.
