Explore the dynamics of building a successful freelance career in video editing, from navigating the online freelance marketplace to accumulating the necessary skills and tools. Learn how to chart your career trajectory, define your clientele, choose your visual media, procure the right equipment, and develop your professional portfolio.

Key Insights

  • Successful freelance video editors leverage the connectivity of the internet and online platforms to market their skills, bid for projects, and network with potential clients.
  • Starting a freelance career in video editing involves careful reflection, self-assessment, and research. It requires defining one's career goals, understanding the target clientele, and gauging the level of creative control desired.
  • Aspiring video editors must identify the types of visual media they want to produce and equip themselves with the necessary hardware and software, which often involves substantial financial investment.
  • Many video editors enhance their skills and build their portfolio by enrolling in a specific software program or a comprehensive Video Editing Certificate Program. They may start with a Premiere Pro Class or learn to use Final Cut Pro.
  • A well-curated LinkedIn profile and online portfolio can be excellent platforms for marketing oneself and securing freelance work online.
  • Noble Desktop offers numerous resources and training opportunities for video editors at different stages of their careers, including Premiere Pro Bootcamp, After Effects in a Day course, and Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate Program.

Where and How to Secure Video Editor Freelance Jobs

Freelance workers are reaping the benefits of the internet’s connectivity potential. Rather than advertising their skills and hustling steady gigs, today’s Freelance Video Editors use centralized online platforms to market themselves, offer bids for projects, and network with potential clients. Even so, breaking into the online freelance scene takes time and effort. Keep reading to discover tips and tricks for navigating the online freelance marketplace and maximizing your online presence. 

How Do I Start a Freelance Career in Video Editing?

The obvious advantages of working as a Freelance Video Editor include defining your career trajectory and determining the skills and tools you will use. The first step requires self-reflection and research. What draws you to the freelancing field (perceived benefits), and what do you hope to achieve through the experience? Do you envision yourself creating advertisements for a company or helping film students realize their artistic vision through short films? What does your clientele look like, and how much creative power do you want to have throughout the project? Do you have a background in business or experience maintaining a business profile on social media? The answers to these questions can help you chart your next steps and identify the skills and experiences you want to accumulate. 

Next, identify the types of visual media you would like to produce. Then, consider your equipment. Do you have a high RAM (Random Access Memory) computer that can store large files and video editing software to handle your workflow and expected outputs? Research calls for applications distributed by small production companies to give you an idea of the preferred tools of the trade. Equipping yourself with the necessary hardware and software is a significant financial commitment. Many video editing programs require monthly or yearly subscription fees, and computers with high RAM capacities can be expensive. Nevertheless, these initial steps can help save you time and money in the long run. 

After identifying the software and hardware necessary to operate as an independent contractor, identify ways to develop your skills and build your professional portfolio. Many video editors begin this stage by enrolling in bootcamp or another short-form training program for a specific software program or a more extended Video Editing Certificate Program. Noble Desktop offers several helpful resources to help you identify the courses that best suit your schedule and financial needs. Many freelancers begin their careers by enrolling in a Premiere Pro Class online or in-person to develop a basic workflow. Mac users can learn to use Final Cut Pro online or find a local in-person class. Students looking for one-on-one mentorship and portfolio-building opportunities can enroll in a Video Editing or a Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate Program

Finally, consider what platform is best for marketing yourself. Many Freelance Video Editors start by creating a LinkedIn profile, building their online portfolios, and working to secure freelance work online. While these steps may initially seem daunting, the best way to prepare for this step is to research these topics and start building your game plan and professional network. Ensure you understand the expectations and expenses necessary to maintain a presence on these platforms and network with resources to help you reach your short- and long-term goals. 

Learn the Skills to Become a Video Editor at Noble Desktop 

Are you excited to begin your video editor career but unsure where to start? Don’t stress! Noble Desktop is here to help! Noble Desktop offers many resources relevant to video editors at each leg of their professional journey. Professionals looking for a road map to entering or building their careers can explore training opportunities and career paths through Noble Desktop’s Learn Video Editing Page. Editors looking for a comprehensive overview of educational and practical training opportunities offered live online and in-person should check out Noble Desktop’s Video Editing Topic Page. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the video editing profession and relevant editing applications that professionals regularly use. 

Video Editors use various professional-grade applications to design and create their projects. But how do you determine which programs to add to your tool kit? Noble Desktop provides a comprehensive archive of learning resources that detail the functionality, level of learning difficulty, and cost of learning different applications. Foundationally, most professionals are well-versed in video editing software such as Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. If you are already established in the field and looking to gain a competitive edge in the job market, consider learning more about motion graphics software like After Effects or 3D animation and modeling through Cinema 4D.

As you explore these sophisticated visual graphics programs, you will likely recognize that learning these intricate programs on your own can be a lonely and complicated process. Luckily, Noble Desktop offers live online and in-person courses for video editors at all stages of their careers. For example, professionals ready to dive into the video editing field may want to enroll in a Premiere Pro Bootcamp or After Effects in a Day course. These fast-paced classes are an excellent way to rapidly build your video editing skills with the guidance of an experienced instructor. Video editors looking to diversify their portfolios and demonstrate their skills to potential employers can pursue a Video Editing Certificate or a Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate. Students gain robust hands-on experience through small class sizes and project-based learning opportunities. Noble Desktop even offers a free retake option so students can refresh their skills and maximize their retention within a year of their class.