5 Best Video Editing Desk Setup Ideas
Video editing can be intense, where you can work twelve hours straight or be completely distracted and lose your motivation for the project. When the latter happens, it may be detrimental to you, since you’ll most likely be working to a deadline. And nobody likes being late for a deadline. That’s why you need the right desk setup, so you can work to your best, for all the projects you have. Of course, it can be difficult to choose what type of setup you want to have. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. We’ll show you 5 of the best video editing desk setup ideas that you could implement in your own studio or office!
1. Multi-Monitor
One of the most annoying things for a professional video editor, or anyone who uses a computer all day, is the use of a single monitor. Of course, if you’re working while you’re travelling, you don’t have a choice. But if you have a workstation, regardless of whether it’s at home or at the office, a single monitor can really slow down your progress. So, use two monitors to help you out. For a video editor, two screens can really make a difference, because then you can see all the different aspects of the video edit, without having to switch application screens.
For example, if you’re working on the project’s animation, and its colour grading, you can do them both at the same time. The animation app can be on one screen, while the colour grading app can be on the other. It’s simple as that! Or if you’re just working on piecing the video together, you can have the storyboard on the second screen, while you work on the video edit, on your first screen. And if you want to be really adventurous, why not have three screens for all three! Not only will it help with visualising what you’re working on, but it’ll make your video edit process faster.
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2. A Minimalist Desk
No matter your job, having a cluttered desk will contribute to a cluttered mind. This is especially true for video editors. Sometimes it can be challenging to keep your desk clean and tidy, because you’re so dedicated to your work, or the deadline is tight, and you have no time to organise your desk. So, keep it simple. Only keep the essentials on your desk. That means only have the tools you need on the desk and within reach, so you don’t lose concentration. If you eat snacks while you work, make sure you throw the wrappings away, or take your tableware to the sink, to keep your desk clean. Take away any and all distractions, so you can focus on the work in front of you.
Having lots of different things on your desk, like toys, stationery, notebooks that you don’t need to use, or even miniature plants can prove distracting. And if you’re distracted, you’ll procrastinate. This is not something a video editor wants to be. It means, they will be late for their deadlines, and they’ll take the blame for anything that may go wrong because of their lateness. So, remove any and all distractions by having a minimalistic desk!
3. Mood Lighting
If you’ve browsed through your Pinterest and Instagram boards, you may have come across desk setups that look great in a certain light. This is because light has an effect on our mood. Colour can affect our emotional state and having the right lighting in your workspace can greatly impact your productivity. For example, warmer tones of light, like yellow and orange, are great for relaxation spaces, while the cooler end of the spectrum, like greens and blues, can help with concentration. Not only that but the brightness of your lights can help too. After all, if you’ve ever sat outside with a laptop, chances are you’re going to barely see what you’re doing. So, make sure the lighting in your workspace is controlled. That way, you’ll be able to see what you’re doing, without straining your eyes.
If you’re looking to add mood lights to your workspace, then choose light colours that can help your productivity, and light your space with blues, greens, or even purples. While they might increase a more relaxed state of mind, they’ll make sure you don’t get too stressed over whatever project you’re working on.
4. Hide Your Cables
Another annoying distraction that can affect your workspace is cables. As a video editor, you’ll need all manner of equipment to help you edit your videos. This can be from designing tablets and digital pens to high-tech microphones or even soundboards. All of these electronic devices will need a source of electricity, which will require cables, no matter whether they need a charging dock or not. Because so many devices require a cable, you might feel like you’re drowning in them. Not only that, but exposed cables can be a health and safety hazard since they can trip you up.
So, hide your cables. There are lots of different ways you can do so, from trunking them into the wall or using covers that you can stick to the underside of your desk, or even using zip ties to hold them together. Not only will it prevent accidents, but it will clear up a lot of desk space for the rest of your equipment to go.
5. Storyboard and Mood-board Reminders
Storyboards are one of the best assets a video editor can have because they’ll help them piece together a video, especially if it’s a particularly long video (like a feature film). Sometimes there can be a tonne of footage you need to scroll through, and you can forget which clip you need. So, have a reminder of it next to you. For some, having a physical reminder can help, so, have printouts on a wall, or a corkboard nearby. Or if you’re working with concepts rather than a set storyline, use those corkboards as mood boards, to help you remember what the concept of the video should be.
There’s nothing more powerful than visual reminders. After all, video editors are visual people anyway. So, having a visual reminder of what it is you need to edit can help boost your productivity. Not only that but if you’re working on several projects at once, all your monitors might be booked up with those edits, and you’ll find it easier to have a physical copy of your storyboard or mood board. You can even hang those storyboards above the corresponding monitor! So, add your storyboards/mood boards to your setup.
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