Creative Endeavors 3: Advent Vlogging
Creative Endeavors is like a revamp of the Creative Focus posts from Fall 2014. For this round, focus will be placed on a single medium that can be found on various platforms. The medium: vlogging.
This isn't to say that writing isn't utilized because you will have to provide a description of some kind to let viewers know about what you're doing and what is going to be covered. Sometimes this won't be necessary but it will help those who are new to your channel.
You will also have to be able to record audio so a recording device with audio recording abilities is a must. If you're making use of a webcam (built-in or freestanding) make sure you have the microphone. Most laptops have built-in microphones of which you need to double check to make sure the volume is up.
On a computer that doesn't have a webcam or whose webcam is malfunctioning? Invest in a webcam with a mic attachment.
These include: CD/DVD/Blu-Ray writable discs, USB Jump Drives (8GB and up) and external Hard Drives (freestanding or portable). This is being recommended because its best to have your files stored on something other than your main working computer. Not just for safety but for one's sanity as this helps to free up computer memory.
No one, especially me, likes seeing those dreaded blue and black screens of horror.
You will need a video editing software that is compatible with your operating system and is user friendly. Your options are to visit a software publishers web page or to visit an open source site. Regardless of which you choose, do your homework in advance to see which one will fit your needs be it for the short or long term of things.
Some starting points for software publishers are: Apple, Adobe, Xara, Corel, Sony along with Pinnacle Studio to name a few. There are others out there and the prior is just a means of providing a starting point.
Almost anything can be vlogged about but having a solid niche (an area you're versed in) will really help with capturing the attention of new viewers. Choose something you enjoy and won't mind talking about on a consistent basis. First and foremost, don't treat vlogging as a chore; doing this and being obvious about it will more than likely leave a terrible taste in your audience's mouth.
Having more than one niche, to me, is a good thing though it's best to test the waters first so start with one niche and work from there. Topics that are informative, educational, entertaining and fun make for some interesting vlogs; and these are pretty broad categories. For example: you can host a vlog that focuses on make-up effects and how to achieve the look you're looking for.
This could be for the everyday, special days or even way awesome days. Good at making things from scratch? Vlog about it because chances are high there is someone looking for tutorials on that very thing.
After you get the hang of vlogging and such, you'll start to enjoy what you do more. Not only that but you will learn new things along the way in the same manner that I learned about all that optional stuff in college was actually beneficial and just plastered there to occupy space.
Now this isn't to say that you can't cover them but if you're just starting out or are starting on a platform with strict rules in regards to this, then its best not to wake a sleeping giant.
V- What?
Vlogging. Its essentially a visual and audio form of blogging. Instead of writing info, you're displaying it in video form.This isn't to say that writing isn't utilized because you will have to provide a description of some kind to let viewers know about what you're doing and what is going to be covered. Sometimes this won't be necessary but it will help those who are new to your channel.
How to Start
You're probably eager to jump in but there are some essentials you will need prior to starting.1 Camera
Possibly a no duh type of thing but it still needs mentioning. Utilize whatever type of video recording device you have at your disposal to record your sessions. These include but aren't limited to: a webcam, a digital camera, your phone and possibly a tablet.You will also have to be able to record audio so a recording device with audio recording abilities is a must. If you're making use of a webcam (built-in or freestanding) make sure you have the microphone. Most laptops have built-in microphones of which you need to double check to make sure the volume is up.On a computer that doesn't have a webcam or whose webcam is malfunctioning? Invest in a webcam with a mic attachment.
2 Computer
Be it a desktop, laptop or netbook just as long as it has the essentials needed to edit video files with little to no issues. Each operating system has its own set of requirements but they usually don't run into any issues. Which brings up another essential: external storage.These include: CD/DVD/Blu-Ray writable discs, USB Jump Drives (8GB and up) and external Hard Drives (freestanding or portable). This is being recommended because its best to have your files stored on something other than your main working computer. Not just for safety but for one's sanity as this helps to free up computer memory.
No one, especially me, likes seeing those dreaded blue and black screens of horror.
3 Video Editing Software
You will need a video editing software that is compatible with your operating system and is user friendly. Your options are to visit a software publishers web page or to visit an open source site. Regardless of which you choose, do your homework in advance to see which one will fit your needs be it for the short or long term of things.Some starting points for software publishers are: Apple, Adobe, Xara, Corel, Sony along with Pinnacle Studio to name a few. There are others out there and the prior is just a means of providing a starting point.
4 Housing Grounds for Your Videos
Be it your own site or that of a third party, you will need some place to showcase your video. Once you've settled on location(s), familiarize yourself with the site's upload how-to.What to Cover
You have your camera, computer, video editing software and your hosting site. So what does that leave you with? A topic to cover.Almost anything can be vlogged about but having a solid niche (an area you're versed in) will really help with capturing the attention of new viewers. Choose something you enjoy and won't mind talking about on a consistent basis. First and foremost, don't treat vlogging as a chore; doing this and being obvious about it will more than likely leave a terrible taste in your audience's mouth.
Having more than one niche, to me, is a good thing though it's best to test the waters first so start with one niche and work from there. Topics that are informative, educational, entertaining and fun make for some interesting vlogs; and these are pretty broad categories. For example: you can host a vlog that focuses on make-up effects and how to achieve the look you're looking for.
This could be for the everyday, special days or even way awesome days. Good at making things from scratch? Vlog about it because chances are high there is someone looking for tutorials on that very thing.
After you get the hang of vlogging and such, you'll start to enjoy what you do more. Not only that but you will learn new things along the way in the same manner that I learned about all that optional stuff in college was actually beneficial and just plastered there to occupy space.
What NOT to Cover
True, there are supposedly no boundaries when it comes to expressing oneself but there are a good bit of no-no topics along with those that fall into the [fill in the blank] no topics. Sensationalism may sell some publications but there are times when this can turn and bite you in the derrière. If you're looking to jump into the arena of vlogging, try to keep your content within the PEGI 12 area to play it safe.Now this isn't to say that you can't cover them but if you're just starting out or are starting on a platform with strict rules in regards to this, then its best not to wake a sleeping giant.
