Blog.

Thoughts on software engineering, creativity, and the journey of building things.

Jordan and Brian Take a Selfie at their Wedding

October 2016

Lessons learned from editing my own wedding video

I’ve shot and edited many wedding films before, always with the idea of creating the most memorable and professional video possible. Now that I’ve edited my own wedding video, my perspective has completely changed.

Lessons LearnedVideoTipsVideo EditingArchive

May 2016

How to represent 360 degree video in a regular video

Last week I finished up a promotional video for 121 Live, a new personalized video streaming service, and I ran across an interesting problem. How do you represent 360 degree video in a regular promotional video? There’s not actually a great answer, but I’m pretty happy with what I came up with.

VideoVirtual RealityInteresting IdeasArchive

April 2016

Mixing video with animation

'Video and animation are like peas and carrots'- Forrest Gump. That quote might not be 100% verbatim, but it is 100% accurate. Mixing video and animation can create a dynamic, attention-getting video. If you’re not already utilizing both, you should consider it!

VideoAnimationTipsArchive

A graphic of a desktop with the word 'SAAS' on it

April 2016

5 things I’ve learned while creating a SAAS

I’ve been a freelancer for a long time- helping clients make their dream come true (I’m like Disney World!). My freelance work has always been about creating someone else’s vision. Well now that changes- I’ve started working on my own SAAS- Tap Keep.

VideoLessons LearnedDevelopmentEntrepreneurshipArchive

A picture of Austin TX's capital building

March 2016

My SXSW Experience

There’s one week in the year when Austin, TX becomes an insane mesh of people, technology, and music. Thousands of people pour into the city, excited to see 'the next big thing'. As this is my first March in the Austin area, I was able to experience it- SXSW…on a bike.

VideoLife UpdateArchive

The word 'inspiration' in front of several social media icons

March 2016

How I find inspiration daily

Inspiration. It’s hugely important in my everyday life. It’s the thing that keeps me staring at my computer screens, working on project after project, unapologetically ignoring the rest of the world. It’s also the thing that helps me produce my best work. Unfortunately, inspiration isn’t always that easy to find.

TipsInteresting IdeasArchive

Four computer monitors shown in a graphic

March 2016

The ultimate guide to video editing efficiently

As a video editor, you’ve probably spent hours of your precious time doing redundant tasks. You set up project files, organize timelines, and click hundreds of buttons to do that one action. This takes your mind away from what’s most important- telling a good story. Well here are some tips on how to edit efficiently.

TipsVideoVideo EditingArchive

February 2016

Doing what I love

'What do you want to be when you grow up?' Every child remembers being asked this question. Whether it be the classic response- 'fireman', or what my little brother said in 1<sup>st</sup> grade- 'marry someone rich', we all had our dreams. But do we actually live our dreams? I do.

Interesting IdeasLife UpdateArchive

A graphic of a computer desk, clock, and lightbulb

February 2016

The 10 questions to ask freelancers before hiring them

You’re company is re-branding. A new website. A new promotional video. A new logo. You have freelancers lined up to begin work. But what now? Do you just send them a check? First, you need to ask these 10 questions.

TipsFreelancingArchive

February 2016

The importance of staying organized

It’s a boring topic. I get it. Who wants to spend their precious time organizing their workflow? Not me. Unfortunately, it’s a necessary evil. We all (should) do it. Here are some tips and tricks I use to stay organized as a freelancer.

TipsVideoInteresting IdeasArchive

February 2016

The crazy process of tracking my hours, expenses, and mileage

As a freelancer/entrepreneur, it can be tough to track my hours, expenses, and other business-y things. There are a lot of services out there that claim to help, but fall short in implementation. So, I decided to create my own business management service for creatives- 'Tap Keep.'

Lessons LearnedDevelopmentEntrepreneurshipArchive

January 2016

Creating a podcast

They’re with you when go on a run. They’re with you in the car. They’re the voice inside your head. What am I talking about? Podcasts! Over the past couple of months, my wife and I have been recording a podcast called One Part Laugh, One Part Life.

Lessons LearnedArchive