Here’s a secret: making a Reel is a lot like making a PowerPoint deck. Each clip is just a slide. Put them together in order, and now you have something that looks polished and intentional. If you’ve ever built slides for a presentation, you can make Reels.
So if creating videos feels like a huge task, don’t overthink it. You’re already making art, which is ten times harder. Reels are just how more people get to see it.
- Mindset: Stop Overthinking, Start Creating
- Workflow: Build Your Own Operating System
- 1. Ideation or Filming (Choose Your Order)
- 2. Filming
- 3. Editing
- Content Ideas: Story First, Showcase Second
- That’s It!
Mindset: Stop Overthinking, Start Creating
Reels aren’t going away. They’re how people discover new creators. Consistency is what matters, not posting every single day. A rhythm you can sustain will get you further than a streak you can’t keep.
Perfectionism is what holds most of us back. Your content is not your art. Your art is the masterpiece. Content is just the window people look through to see it. So stop treating every post like it has to be gallery-worthy.
And remember, making art is already the hardest thing in the world. You take an idea and turn it into something real. Compared to that, pressing record is easy.
Workflow: Build Your Own Operating System
This is the workflow I find most helpful. Use it as a reference and then build your own. Everyone is their own operating system. The goal is to find your path of least resistance.
I break it down into three steps: ideation/copywriting, filming, and editing.
1. Ideation or Filming (Choose Your Order)
You can start either way:
- If you naturally record everything, film first and figure out the story later.
- If you prefer structure, ideate first. Write down the flow of what you want to show.
Personally, I ideate first if I’m making something brand new. But I also film a lot, so I can always go back and pull from existing clips to build a Reel.
If you talk in your videos, write a short script. If you don’t use your voice, outline the structure of what you’ll show. Even if your idea is as simple as showcasing one piece, decide whether to build it into a story (like before/after or how it’s made) or map out the shots you want to include. Having this thread makes editing easy.
2. Filming
Once you know your structure, filming gets easier. Capture the angles you need and maybe a few extras. Don’t overload yourself with random clips you’ll never use. Your phone storage will thank you.
3. Editing
This step should feel light. You already know what clips you need and in what order. Stitch them together, add your voiceover or text, and you’re done. Want to add filters, captions, or transitions? Go for it. But don’t overcomplicate it.
The point is to make editing so straightforward you don’t avoid it. Keep it simple, then improve piece by piece. Remember, Reels are just slides in a video format.
Content Ideas: Story First, Showcase Second
The easiest Reels are quick time-lapses or panning shots of your work. But what grabs people is story. Here are a few ideas that push you to think narratively:
- The journey: Start with a blank page or canvas, then show the stages leading to the final reveal.
- The struggle: Show a moment where something went wrong and how you fixed it.
- The meaning: Share why you created a piece or the story behind it.
- The evolution: Compare an older work with your latest to show growth.
- The day-in-the-life: Capture snippets of your studio routine and tie them together with text or voiceover.
These aren’t just showcases; they’re scripts. Each one has a beginning, middle, and end. When you think in stories, your content connects on a deeper level. But at the end of the day, you winning content will differ from mine. So, experiment and find your gold mine.
That’s It!
Making Reels doesn’t have to drain you. Once you see them as “PowerPoint decks for your art,” the pressure drops. You don’t need to reinvent yourself or chase every trend. You just need a system that keeps things light and sustainable.
Your art is the masterpiece. Reels are just the bridge that helps more people discover it.
If you love the practical tips here, share it with ONE artist friend of yours who might also find it helpful.