Working as a video editor is a challenging and rewarding career. It’s tough because it requires constant learning and skill development to stay on top of the latest trends and new software, but also rewarding because you get to combine your love of video with your creative side. Creating a video editor portfolio is vital if you’re looking to break into this field or advance your career.
That said, a video portfolio doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating; in fact, it can open up opportunities for you that you didn’t even know existed. Here are some reasons you should create a video editor portfolio as soon as possible.
Why Video Editors Need a Portfolio
As with any other profession, video editing can be difficult to break into without the proper experience or references. For instance, you may have succeeded in smaller projects like weddings and music videos. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll instantly get your foot in the door of larger companies. This is especially true if you lack a track record of undertaking bigger projects. In fact, even referrals could only take you so far.
This is where a video editor portfolio comes in. A portfolio is a collection of your best work that you can showcase to potential employers to prove your skill as a video editor. It also serves as a way to let others see your work and get a sense of your style and what you’re capable of.
One way to build a solid portfolio is by entering contests and challenges to develop your skills and show off your work. You can also take on freelance projects to build your portfolio and show off your skills and expertise.
You can also volunteer to edit for non-government organizations or other charitable groups. This process helps you hit two birds with one stone – you can contribute to a worthy cause and get another piece to add to your video editor portfolio.
Video Editor Portfolio Examples
1. Custom Production: Telling a Story
A website can help you create a kick-ass video editor portfolio. Consider this example by Custom Production. They specialize in cutting films and other long-form production.
The video editor portfolio has a smart user design to attract site visitors from one page to the next. They hook their audience with a project and then give information, examples, and the company vision the more viewers scroll down. This way, visitors will have an uninterrupted experience checking out their projects.
2. Jacob Mckee: Showing One’s Talent
A great way to learn how to make a portfolio for video editing is to copy the greats. Jacob Mckee is a master colorist that specializes in music videos. This video editor portfolio stands out for its smooth transitions and visual components.
Having screenshots from the videos themselves gives the user a good idea of the kind of vibe you impart on the projects. Plus, fun transitions users don’t expect to tend to keep audiences wanting more.
3. Rawan Khatib: Keeping it Simple
Meanwhile, his is a perfect example of a freelance videographer portfolio. You don’t necessarily need many projects to create a good portfolio. You only need a simple site to introduce yourself, your work, and your brand.
Check out this example from Rawan Khatib. It has a simple layout gives the client what they need to see. It may be simple, but it does the trick if you need a quick spot to showcase all your video editing projects. This is one of the more approachable video editor examples students can reference.
4. Secret Wood: Organized Content
A film editor portfolio is great if you want to showcase your expertise and talent. That’s why video agencies and production houses pool a lot of money into making it look on brand. Secret Wood, a Canadian film collective, does this well. With an affinity for gritty films and clips, they have a dark and moody vibe that introduces itself as soon as you open the website.
You can see from their page that they have subpages. And here, they provide several types of services depending on the client. Having dividers like this is a great way for visitors to know your expertise and the variety of services you provide. In short, this video editor portfolio is ideal if you’ve been in the business for a while.
The Bottom Line
When organizing the content of your video editor portfolio, it’s essential to make sure that it flows together nicely. Take a second look at the examples above to get a sense of how you can classify your videos. Here are some ideas for how to structure your portfolio:
- Choose a theme that ties your portfolio together. A video editor portfolio doesn’t have to be a bunch of separate videos thrown together haphazardly. You can actually tie all of your videos together with a unifying theme.
- Pick a layout that’s easy to follow. Your portfolio doesn’t have to be in a linear format, but it should be easy to follow and navigate. The last thing you want is viewers getting confused and leaving your website. You’ll want to allow them to appreciate your work without overwhelming them.
- Include a description for each video. You can include a description of each video in your portfolio so that viewers can get an idea of what they’re looking at without having to actually click play. After all, giving a bit of context to the project will allow the viewers to appreciate your unique concept and approach to the task.
Building a video editor portfolio is essential for anyone working in the field and hoping to move up. In addition, it’s also a crucial step for newbies who are hoping to break into the industry.
A solid portfolio can give you the push you need to land your first and the confidence and references you need to advance throughout your career. It can also help you land freelance projects and get involved with jobs you may not have even known existed. Once you have your portfolio in place, the opportunities will start pouring in.
