Easy Reels for Artists
I've been posting reels every working day for the past half year, and since then, I've discovered a lot of benefits. A few of my reels went viral, and it felt like waking up as a movie star! It almost doubled the number of my followers and engagement. That's why I wanted to share my experience in a tutorial.
The other great thing about reels is that you can easily reuse them for many other social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, etc. Sounds exciting, right? However, I can guess that there may be some doubts about creating reels. It might seem too time-consuming with too many ideas, files, apps, etc. I've been there too, either creating one reel for hours or being lost in numerous ideas. That was not efficient at all.
Step by step, I found a nice way to record and edit reels quickly and efficiently. Honestly, I don't see the point in endless editing when creating a reel takes longer than the actual painting process. It doesn't make sense, right?
Idea. First things first, choose a theme or concept for your reel. This could be anything from a time-lapse of your drawing process to a showcase of your finished pieces. Once you have your concept, start filming. The great thing is that the same recording can be used multiple times for different reels.
Equipment. For making reels, you only need a smartphone with a decent camera. However, for recording long-time videos, I have different equipment. But for making reels, you can use a roll-tape or a glass to hold your camera. Tripods make life even easier.
Editing. Now, you may be thinking, "But I'm not a videographer, I don't know how to edit videos!" But don't worry, you don't have to be the next Spielberg to make a lovely reel. There are plenty of easy-to-use editing apps out there that even the most technologically challenged among us can master. Plus, some of them even have fun filters and effects that can add some extra pizzazz to your video. My favourite free apps are InShot and Vn. People say Canva is also great.
In my Skillshare tutorial I will show you my exact process of recording reels. I will show you the tools I use to hold the phone (fancy and really not!). There will be examples of my step-by-step editing process with actual reels I posted in my Instagram.
Music. You can play around and add music to your reel. In my experience, it can really boost your video a lot! On the other hand, I don't hunt for trending sounds and try to fit in the bits. I choose something pleasant and relevant to the visuals.
Posting. Once you have your footage edited and ready to go, it's time to post your reel. Make sure to use relevant hashtags to help your reel get discovered by other art lovers. And don't forget to engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. The last but not least - consistency is a key. As I mentioned - I am posting every working day. You could start with twice a week. Better less but regular!
Now, onto the fun part: brainstorming reel ideas. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few that are more relevant for artists:
Time-lapse your art creation process: Show off your artistic skills by filming yourself creating a masterpiece from start to finish.
My favourite is to make the most beautiful cuts from the real-time painting. It feels more relaxed and mindful compared to time-lapses.
Showcase your art in unique ways: Maybe you can create a stop-motion animation with your artwork or show your framed artworks in interiors.
Share your art-related tips and tricks: Do you have a secret technique for drawing realistic petals, or know how to make your paintings look more vibrant? Share your knowledge with the world by creating a tutorial-style reel.
Give your followers a glimpse into your behind-the-scenes process: Maybe you can film yourself brainstorming ideas with a cup of coffee, sketching out rough drafts, or setting up your art studio. It's a great way to show off your personality and connect with your audience.
The key to making a successful reel is to keep it short and sweet (10-15 seconds is ideal) and to have fun with it.
I hope I could convince you that creating reels is not that scary, but rather an easy and effective way for artists to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience. You could find more information and my exactly step-by-step processes in my Skillshare class. So grab your phone and start filming! Who knows, you may just fell in love with filming and editing after a month.
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