What's the saying, "Comparison is the thief of joy"?
As creators, it’s easy to get caught up with comparing yourself to others – even more so if you’re just starting out. Yes, it’s good to look for inspiration from your peers. But like-for-like comparison is rarely very healthy. Especially when there’s so much that can come with celebrating and collaborating with fellow creators, instead of just comparing yourself to them.
I've seen that first hand with my podcast Beyond The Cut, where I'm joined by some of my favorite peers to chat about their creation process. A common theme has cropped up time and time again: comparing yourself to others often means you start to ignore the key element of being a creator, which is being yourself.
“No one else can make a video like [you] can.”
That's a quote from Seth Curl’s upload, ‘Your creativity matters.’ As our first creator in this Monthly Cut, he hits the nail on the head.
Success starts with showing up authentically as yourself and hoping that others want to come along on the journey with you. And when they do, it gives you the total freedom to be creative and try out new things. Your audience will continue to show up, because they’re watching for you.
In this spirit, I’m spotlighting 5 creators who have built their following by creating with consistency and authenticity. Read on to see what resonates in their content, and film techniques you can try out in your next upload.
Seth Curl: The person behind the camera
Hours deep into the edit, creating can feel lonely. Seth’s channel is a reminder that you’re not alone. His honest chats about filmmaking and creativity are delivered with clear attention to visuals and expert pacing. Give him a watch and trust that you’ll be thinking about his videos long after you like and subscribe.
The video → A simple filmmaking setup, with all the traits of a Seth video.
Why I love it → Seth’s use of a white backdrop against deep filmic greens make his edit feel fresh and clean. Color is also a subtle and clever way to keep the eye’s focus on his set-up.
Get inspired → Color grading doesn’t need to be difficult. If you want the perfect look, LUTs are an easy, drag-and-drop way to change the colors of your edit. And you can explore hundreds for free on Uppbeat!
Milton Jr: The art of noticing
To capture beauty, you first need to notice it. Milton understands this principle, using his expert eye to capture everything from the turning of fall leaves, to the smile on a passerby’s face and footprints in the snow. Each shot is considered, thoughtful and illuminates the smallest of human emotions that could easily be lost in expansive scenes.
The video → The story of how filmmaking changed his life.
Why I love it → Milton’s subtle camera work and minimalistic sound design let his visuals speak for themselves.
Get inspired → Combine wide shots with a shallow depth of field to focus in on small details within a larger scene. It’s a powerful way to guide your viewer’s focus, and pull on the heartstrings too.
Leonel Maxlhaieie: Connecting on a deeper level
Authentic storytelling at its finest. Leo’s channel is a blend of technical craft, candid chats and vlogs that take you from 5am in the bakery, to the counter selling his wares. Along the way, Leo showcases his dedication to his craft with a vulnerable approach to storytelling you can’t help but connect to.
The video → This wholesome interaction with a fan.
Why I love it → Leo’s conversations with customers are a breath of fresh air. You can tell he genuinely cares for them, and for his viewers too.
Get inspired → Not every scene has to be fast paced. Take a roll out of Leo’s basket and experiment with long, continuous shots to create an authentic, ‘in-the-moment’ feel.
Henrydidit: Powerful pacing and the personal anecdote
People clicking, but not watching? Study Henry’s channel and you’ll soon break that pattern. His videos on slowing down are expertly paced, each featuring hooky personal anecdotes that help you connect to his story in those crucial first few moments. And once you are, it’s easy to connect with his message too.
The video → The process, and life-changing benefits, of swapping digital devices for analog.
Why I love it → Beyond genuinely good advice, it’s a masterclass in filmmaking – specifically, lighting. Henry creates a harsh shadow on the right of his face by spotlighting the left. Paired with two softer lamps in the background, lighting becomes a dynamic part of his storytelling.
Get inspired → Experiment with different lighting set ups to see what types of mood they create.
Edgykatrina: Storytelling through B-roll
People don’t follow channels, they follow people — people like Katrina. Her videos on graphic design and creativity feel like conversations with a friend, partly because of the way they’re filmed. Intimate desk set-ups, authentic B-roll and shifting camera angles (like this one, where she looks up towards you as she monologues) all help foster a connection with the viewer.
The video → A year spent chasing her dreams after being laid off from her job.
Why I love it → Like a feature length film, there’s a clear narrative arc to Katarina’s story. B-roll footage (think travel clips, art and daily tasks) help set the scene and flesh out a year well lived.
Get inspired → Capture everyday moments, they could be part of a story you don’t even know you’re telling.
Create something authentically you
No one can create a video like you can — so what’s stopping you? I’ve shared five creators with five different niches and editing styles. Hopefully they show you that good content doesn’t look or sound a single way, but comes from showing up authentically with your own style and stories to tell.
If you’re on the hunt for more inspo, The Creator’s Cut is a celebration of the best of visual storytelling. Or check out more from the Uppbeat blog, like interviews with real YouTubers and filmmakers in the midst of their content creation journey. And if you want free, downloadable assets (think music, sound effects, motion graphics and LUTs) for your next upload, Uppbeat has everything you need. Happy creating!
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