Making a Good Artist Video for Vimeo (part 2)

I wanted to write about how great Vimeo is for artists, but I found I had so much to say. This is part 2 of 3 parts.

See Part 1: Why Vimeo is the best place for artists.

See Part 3: Connecting with artists through Vimeo

Truth is, making a good video takes some expertise. But expertise is a reflection of practice. The principles of taking good video are easy to understand.

Video craves light, and needs bright spaces otherwise you get a very grey washed out look. Unlike film where you get nice black contrast. Most cameras have omni-directional mics. So be careful of lots of background noise. The kids you work with will really enjoy being the filmmakers, just remind them to hold the camera very steady, and try not to 'pan' (turn around) really fast. Editing is essential to include sound overlaid with the appropriate images, but Windows MovieMaker is free and iMovie comes with a Mac.

Check out the Artists' Guide to YouTube by Natasha Wescoat. Her articles describes 5 ways artists can use YouTube (same goes for Vimeo):

1. Tell a story
2. Make a tutorial video
3. Make videos about YOU
4. Make your painting videos art (videos of you working in your studio)
5. Make testimonial videos

I think one of her final points: "Keep it simple. Keep it short" is probably the most important.

I thought this video was great. Art and the Artist - Gino Hollander by Jonny Kloberdanz. The videoographer overlaid still images with the speaking artist. Some facts were expained in title frames (just plain color with text). Video showing the artis in action made it fun to watch. Quote from the video: "There are neat painters, and then there's slobs"

Natasha sees video sharing sites as a way for 'creative professionals' to promote their work. It certainly can increase audiences. Kansas City Public Library has a channel to show interviews with visiting artists and writers. DiscoveredArtists.com even uses it to showcase works for sale from different artists. There are probably lots of ways you can create opportunities from joining Vimeo.

Videos of artists's works in progress

One of the nicest types of videos to watch show artists working in their studios. Wouldn't the kids you work with love to see your works in progress?

The channel Arts & Crafts shows primarily "Videos of you creating art!" The Sketch Theatre shows only drawings being built up over time, then the video is sped-up. These aren't how-to videos. Absorbing and quiet, or sound-tracked and sped-up, they don't seem to have any or much voice over. These videos simply show artists working. Here's one recent example:

A Live Painting by Kelly Harris from Ryan Ropero on Vimeo.