Why did I start a cooking show on YouTube? I see it as a way for me to practice. Not just cooking, but a little routine that allows me to be funny, creative and entertaining. And I guess you could actually learn and get inspired to make some good food too. I’m putting down the red hat and keeping the apron on the hook for a bit. I don’t think I’m completely through with Making Meals videos, but I’m definitely taking a little break from the kitchen. It’s like the nap after being stuffed. I just need to pass out on the couch for a bit. Writing this blog feels like I’m doing the dishes. A dragging task after a great big meal. That said, I’ve decided to compile a few videos here and reflect a little bit on what I’ve learned since taking on this project.
Beyond meatballs, hummus, homemade pasta and fresh loaves of homemade bread. I’ve picked up a few new tricks that seem like valuable up-skills and ways to push forward in my career. How about a list? Here are some valuable things I learned from the project:
Editing. Learning the fundamentals and shortcuts to put it all together in Adobe Premiere Pro. I credit so much of this progress to what I’ve learned on Skillshare.
Lighting basics. Learning how to get the light right and improve video quality.
Cinematography. Practicing smooth moves with the camera, experimenting with various tripod setups and motion.
Storyboarding & shot listing. I still suck at drawing, but it helps a ton.
Scheduling with Google Cal. Putting time for each step of the project on my calendar and sticking to it like I’m my own boss. Developing a process was huge.
Being organized. Before shooting, creating organized mini pre-production decks to help me research and visualize each project.
Getting social. I find Instagram very overwhelming, but there’s value in being on there and connecting with people. While maintaining a balance, it’s pushed my knowledge of social media platforms, having to cut down, resize and edit for the various mediums.
Learning how to learn. In weeks in between filming, I’d cue up a weeks-worth of Skillshare classes to grow and push the needle just a little further each and every time.
Acting. I had to push myself to get comfortable in front of the lens. There were lots of takes on those intros and talking parts where I’d have to internally coach myself on how to say things right. At times it wasn’t pretty or easy, it took some tough self talk and lots of repetition.
I wonder what I’ve missed.
I set out to achieve all of this stuff, and I’m glad I was able to work with what I’ve got to learn and grow this year. Eating some fine meals was also a perk of the project. If one thing is for sure, I really know how to feed my one man crew.
What do I want learn next? Perhaps some sexy graphic animations in After Effects, or improved sound quality and sound design in my edits. On top of that, I’d also like to focus on practicing film direction and collaboration with other people who like making films and stuff. So that’s all in the plan for next year.
As for food, maybe some baked falafel or a lasagna? Can’t go wrong with lasagna.
Hi, I made some meatballs.