Is Video Editing a Hard Class?

Learning video editing can definitely be challenging; there are a lot of different skills and concepts to master, and technology in this field is constantly changing. However, despite the challenges, video editing is something that almost anyone can master. If you already have some experience working with video, learning is likely to be easier, but even if you have no prior experience at all, with practice and dedication, you can learn to become a Video Editor.

What is Hard about Learning Video Editing?

One challenging part of learning video editing is mastering the software and various techniques that you’ll need to use. It can be difficult to learn all the technical skills involved, such as color grading, and syncing audio and video. At the same time, you’ll need to consider cinematic principles like lighting, depth of field, and framing. Further, the field of video editing constantly changes as technology improves, and this means that your learning process will never be over. In an article titled “How can you prepare for the future of video editing?” LinkedIn Learning explains, “Video editing is a dynamic and creative skill that requires constant learning and adaptation. As technology and trends evolve, so do the demands and expectations of clients and audiences.” Most people, however, enjoy this aspect of video editing because it means that things never get boring. 

Video editing also involves a lot of problem-solving, which can be challenging too. One editor argues that problem-solving skills are actually one of the most important things for a successful Video Editor to have because there will always be frustrating problems to solve in this profession. In a May 20, 2023, Industry Corner Spotlight on the Alison blog, Bradley Pather says, “I think one of the skills that undoubtedly needs to be instilled in a video editor is problem-solving. Very often we can get bogged down by a shot that wasn’t captured correctly, a piece of audio that is corrupted/missing, or maybe that shadow being cast on the subject is too noticeable. In cases like these, we have to be able to problem-solve and move on with the edit as best we can.”

Another aspect of editing that some people struggle with is the collaboration involved. Some people go into this field thinking that they will spend all of their time working alone, but in reality, video editing is often a very collaborative process. Pather says that for him, dealing with the feedback and revisions that come with that collaboration is the most difficult part of being a Video Editor. He explains, “Editors often need to make changes based on feedback from clients or other stakeholders. It can be challenging to incorporate these revisions while still maintaining the overall vision and quality of the project.”

How Can I Make Learning Video Editing Easier?

One of the most common pieces of advice for dealing with all of the challenges that you’re likely to encounter when you learn video editing is to practice as much as you can. Practice helps reinforce the things you’ve learned, helps you master them, and teaches you to apply your skills in real-world situations. In an article titled “How Can You Develop Video Editing Skills Without a Formal Education?” LinkedIn suggests trying a variety of different styles and genres when you practice. This can push you out of your comfort zone and help you learn new things. LinkedIn says, “You can start with simple and short videos, such as montages, slideshows, or vlogs, and then move on to more complex and longer ones, such as documentaries, trailers, or short films. You can also challenge yourself by working with different types of footage, such as animation, live action, or screen capture.” In addition, it suggests, “You should also try to vary your editing techniques, such as using different transitions, effects, or pacing, and see how they affect the mood and message of your video.”

While the logical choice for most beginners is to enroll in a video editing class so that they can learn under the guidance of an expert, it can also be a good idea to take advantage of free resources, which can help you learn new skills and can provide useful tips and practice options. For instance, YouTube contains many short video editing tutorials. Some content creators also post videos on their websites that teach introductory editing skills. If you’re focused on a particular video editing program, you may also find free online tutorials specific to that program. For instance, the Adobe website offers many free Premiere Pro tutorials. These are short videos that are focused on helping you learn a specific skill like adjusting contrast, using blend modes, or sweetening your vocals. In addition to free tutorials, you’ll find that there are many experts willing to share their expertise online through various chat forums. You can visit these forums and look for relevant information, or you can even post a specific question. Finally, some on-demand schools, like Udemy, offer certain video editing classes for free. 

Best Ways to Learn Video Editing Without Difficulty

Ultimately, one of the best ways to learn video editing without difficulty is to opt for a live, paid video editing class where you can follow a structured program and learn under the guidance of an expert. An expert instructor can personalize instruction to meet your needs, offer help and answer questions when needed, and provide feedback on your progress. With regular interaction and feedback, you can continually improve your skills and learn from both your mistakes and successes. Most instructors will have already spent many hours editing videos and can also offer valuable tips and tricks, in addition to industry insight and common mistakes to avoid.

Another benefit of a live class is that you’ll learn as part of a group. This can enhance the learning process and it can also lead to valuable networking opportunities. In addition, it will give you experience working with other people. Since video editing is often a collaborative process, that group experience can be extremely valuable. 

Finally, when you take a class you’ll have access to all of the resources that you’ll need in order to learn video editing. This includes the latest software and computer technology, and it also includes video footage that you can use to practice your editing skills. Not only can this benefit you financially because you won’t have to pay for everything yourself, but it’s also a great way to be sure that you are using the latest technology. Video editing techniques and tools change often. By taking a class that’s taught by an industry professional, you can be confident that you are learning the latest tools and techniques.

Learn Video Editing with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is a New York City-based school that offers a number of video editing classes, either in-person or in a live online format. It has both short classes that can help you quickly master the basics, and longer, more comprehensive courses that can help you develop the skills you’ll need to edit video in a professional setting. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department.

One of its most popular video editing courses is the Video Editing Certificate. This program is designed for students interested in gaining a wide range of video editing skills. You’ll learn the workflow required to take a project from concept to fully edited video. Covered skills include video editing, audio editing, motion graphics, and animation. You’ll learn to work with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. This is a hands-on class where you work on a variety of projects. In addition, you’ll complete a portfolio development unit, where you’ll build a demo reel that you can use to demonstrate your new skills to potential employers and clients. This class comes with five one-on-one mentoring sessions, and the option of a free course retake within a year.

Another certificate option is the Motion Graphic Certificate. In this course, you’ll learn to use Adobe After Effects to create motion graphics and visual effects, and Cinema 4D Lite for 3D animations. You’ll also learn to edit video, and add music and voiceover with Premiere Pro. In addition, you’ll work on a demo reel that showcases your skills. The course includes five one-on-one mentoring sessions. If you can’t decide between focusing on motion graphics or video editing, another option is the Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate, which covers both.

Noble Desktop also offers a number of classes where you can learn to use Adobe Premiere Pro, which is one of the most popular video editing applications. If you want to quickly learn the basics of Premiere Pro, you might be interested in Premiere Pro in a Day, which is a short, accelerated class. In this class, you’ll learn to organize projects, create sequences, fix audio and color, add B-roll, animating images, edit clips, and add lower third titles. At the end of the class, you’ll export a video that you can send to a client or upload to a social media platform.

The Premiere Pro Bootcamp is a longer class that covers everything you need to know to start making your own videos with this application. You’ll learn how to use Premiere Pro to add cuts and transitions between shots, correct color in the footage, sync up and correct audio, and incorporate After Effects assets in Premiere Pro. This course serves as an ideal introduction to Premiere Pro, and by the end of it, you should be prepared to start editing your own video content. 

Another bootcamp option is the Final Cut Pro Bootcamp. This course takes you from beginner to advanced features in Apple Final Cut Pro. You’ll learn to import and organize footage and put your elements into a timeline. You’ll also learn many different editing skills including cleaning up background noise, color correcting video, adding B-roll, adjusting audio volume, and adjusting the timing of footage. In addition, the bootcamp covers green screen removal, multi-cam editing, adding transitions, and exporting video.

Finally, Noble offers a Premiere Pro Certification Program, where you can become an Adobe Premiere Pro certified professional. This course includes two class sessions, which will take you from a beginner to an advanced level of mastery. You’ll also get six hours of private tutoring to address skills that you need more help with. After that, you’ll take the Adobe Premiere Pro Certification exam. Your course fee covers exam proctoring, plus a free retake. If you don’t want to take the exam, you can receive an extra hour of private tutoring instead.