online video is for you!

we were talking with some of our other maker friends about YouTube and making videos, that has led me to write about how to make your first video for you tube. the best part of YouTube is that anyone can be on it! you don't need to have a fancy camera or a small crew to make a video, you can make one with just your smart phone!

The tools you need are simple,

• something to record video with, a smart phone, or any kind of digital camera will work best. but keep the video quality at the best you can do. 
• a tripod of some sort, the video should be a still a possible and a tripod keeps the camera stable and frees up your hands to film and make at the same time. 
• a script to follow. while this might not seem like a tool, it is. Having even a basic outline will save you time filming and editing. 
• a video editing app or software (dont worry there are lots of free apps!)
• what ever tools and supplies you will need for the subject of your video

extra tools that you might want but don't need

• an extra light source
• a microphone, this can be a simple as the microphone on your headphones, just make sure to keep it close to your body and that it isn't getting muffled 
• a sheet to act as a backdrop 

first thing you should do is write up your script outline and plan out what your video will entail. 

this could be you demonstrating the things you make, or even a vlog style video where you talk about what you make, hwy you make them, or other topics related to what you make. 

next set up where you are going to film, this should be in a place with the best lighting, The best place is usually near a window with natural light  coming in. this light should not be to bright, diffused light is the best. if you don't have access to a good amount of window light this is were some creative lighting will come in. Christmas lights or string lights are good to use to add some extra light in. you want to have a set up similar to the one below to avoid any harsh shadows, but no need to go out and buy studio lights just play around with lamps, or lights of any kind. And don't forgot that a window acts as a light so you might only need a window and a lamp. 

next  dress your set. if you need inspiration just go on YouTube and look at what others are doing, or make your own.  just remember that the background show be clean and organized.  This isn't an attempt to hid or mask any mess or present a different front, an intentional background, either a "dressed set"or just a sheet hung from the ceiling, makes sure the focus is on you and the subject for the video not on whats in the background. 

Next give the shots you want to use a trial run, and feel free to practice enough to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. some shots to start out with  are a torso and up shot for introducing your video and yourself. then either and over the shoulder shot  to show what you are doing, if there are any small details feel free to get a close up. 

some helpful tips to make your video the best it can be. 

• talk slowly and clearly
• breathe! don't forgot to take a pause before and after starting a sentence, it will help with editing later
• watch those filler words ( our favorite here at X37 is so...)
• repeat a line as many times as you need, you can always cut out the bad takes later
• as well as talking slow make you movements slower than what feels natural, give the view time to watch what you are doing
• go ahead and make those mistakes, they will teach you so much more than the parts that are ok. this is your first video just have fun!
• crank up that personality! its going to feel weird talking to just a camera and that tends to make people talk softer. 
• don't forgot to start the video with an introduction and end with a sign off, let people know where to follow you on social media, and where they can buy your products

Next you will be editing the video you filmed. you can find a bunch of different editing software online some of it for free, or there a lots of apps to edit with.  Click the image for a link to some of the most used ones. feel free to try a few out and see what feels right. 

keep your transitions simple, no need to fancy fades or sin in or outs, a simple jump cut (when you quickly cut from one clip to the next with out a transition) if you have never editing video before then again give yourself time to learn and make mistakes. The one thing you want to keep in mind is that the audio is very important, if the sound is off or muffled the video will be hard to watch. 

Even if you don't plan to have a weekly video channel this is something that can be used to promote your work! more and more platforms are adding video to their sites

and if you need help or advice then stop on by X37 Adventures on any social media, and we will be happy to help. also go check out the handmade in KC Facebook and website for more awesome makers to learn from. 

 

A Side Hustle: In three parts.

Part one: What in the world is a side hustle?

Google side hustle… no really, I'll wait. Or better yet do a search on Pinterest and you will see the crazy amount of information you can get on how to start a side hustle, how to create a passive side hustle, why you should have a  side hustle. Side hustles you can start in winter. Or maybe you are not familiar with the term side hustle. A side hustle is an entrepreneurial endeavor that is in addition to a full-time job.

"A side hustle is a way to make some extra cash that allows you flexibility to pursue what you're most interested in. It can also be your true passion – a chance to delve into fashion, travel or whatever it is you care about the most without quitting your day job."-google definition

The side hustle mindset is becoming more and more common, it’s a way to make money doing the creative passionate work you would ideally be doing. This is in addition to a full-time job, or even multiple part-time jobs, a stay at home mom can have a side hustle, your retired parents could start one.  The side hustle and creative work go hand in hand.

Part two: Is the side hustle worth it?

that's the real question at the heart of this trend. While you will find a plethora of articles telling you success stories and break down a side hustle success into five easy steps, that is not always the case. part of haveing a side hustle is that it is done in your free time, so if you value alone time, or you want to go out a do things some of that time is taken up with a side hustle. your time has to be divided up by work, side hustle, family, fun, chores.  There is also the realization that you might truly love what you are doing with your side hustle and while your full-time job gives you the security of good pay, insurance, retirement, and the many other benefits of working a full-time job. for the creative types, those of us that make and create with our hands the dream is always to create for a living, the reality of that is sometimes it doesn't bring as much as you would like, or you don't have the time you wold like for your passions.  Then there's the mental problem of putting your creative work secondary to your job. when we have the idea that we work so we can create in whatever free time is have left. that can be a draining aspect of having a side hustle, one that might make an artist burn out or loose momentum. 

Part Three: A change in mindset is all it takes.

In a talk with my Avant Garde Professor, We discussed the power of changing the view of I work and create on the side. He mentioned that many artists worked to support themselves while creating their artworks. The main difference was that they had the mindset of ' I create art, and work on the side' This attitude is so importnat for creative types that have ye to turn their passion into a full-time job. switching that labels on what is your job and what is your side hustle could be the thing to do. but the thing you love to do be for the thing you have to do.  words and mindsets have power, sometimes all we have to fight burnout is a mindset and attitude. 

If you want to see some local KC ''side hustles'' go check out handmade in KC on their website or the facebook page! and be sure to show the creators some love and go follow them on your favorite social media platform! ( I'm partial to Instagram) 


Love from,

The x37 A-Team!

Getting supplies and giving back: Scraps KC

Getting supplies and giving back: Scraps KC 

The west bottoms have always been the go-to destination for antiques, vintage finds, and anyone looking for that one of a kind thing to bring joy to their life. 

And now it can be your go-to place for craft and art supplies. 

Scraps Kc is a newly opened store on W. 12th street, in the west bottoms. You wouldn't expect to find supplies for your next DIY in the west bottoms. but now you can. not only will you find supplies, and ideas neatly organized (this place in the organizational dream of all us creators) in Scraps KC. all the supplies are donated and repurposed. the newest donation to Scraps KC was 4000 pounds of tile that would have gone into a landfill. I can tell you from personal experience that this in no ordinary place, we at X37 found so many good supplies and ideas there. 

but the best part about Scraps KC? Is the fact that it gives back to the community, Not only with its dedication to reducing the amount of material in landfills but that it helps those that are homeless get work experience and helps them to find a job. As it says on their website they are committed to 

"Providing hope for the homeless"

Their homeless volunteers get a homemade meal and a warm place to be and a place that brings them dignity and a community to support them.  not only do they allow scraps to be as amazing as it is but they are a vital part of the  Adopt A Class program. this program gathers supplies that are donated to scraps and then sends them out to schools that might not otherwise get them, all organized and lovingly packaged. 

This passion to giving back to the community in need is THE thing about Scraps Kc, it's why it has captured by heart and my business, and its why I want to share it with you. There is heart and soul in every inch of Scraps and it shines from Brenda the woman behind it all! 

When you visit Scraps KC be sure to talk with Brenda, and you will have made a new friend. She will talk about anything but if you need help with an idea or project she will help you out. 

Love Crafting but don't have a space or tools for it? Then Brenda has you covered on that as well, with the SCarpas KC: Make and Take space. for 5 bucks you can use the tools and supplies at M&T to create whatever you want.  Got a scout troop? take them to scraps, want to have a maker get together then call Brenda!  lets spread the word and show Scraps KC the love that the maker community here in Kansas City has. 

 

Be sure to show Scraps KC some love by popping over to Facebook and liking their page! While you are there go like the Handmade in KC page as well! and check out the other blog posts on the website!