Hey everyone! My name is Carson Schilling, and I am the resident video editor and motion graphics designer here at ANDERSON. I’m heading into my fifth year of working alongside this amazing group of people. Every project brings a new challenge, and I’m grateful to play a part in bringing our clients’ stories to life through video.
If you’ve ever wondered what a video editor does at an agency like ANDERSON, you’re in the right place!
BEFORE THE DAY BEGINS
I try to wake up around 6:00 each day to fit in a quick workout or a morning run. It puts me in a good headspace for the day. I’ve found it’s much easier to stay consistent by exercising in the morning rather than trying to squeeze in a workout after a long, stressful day. After I shower and get ready for the day, I’ll sometimes even treat myself to a coffee on the way into the office!
THROUGHOUT THE MORNING
My career journey has been very organic. When I graduated from college, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to blend my educational background in business with my creativity. I landed at a small digital agency right out of school, and I never looked back. 18+ years later, and I’m still working and loving all that I get to do in the agency world.
CREATIVE REGROUP MEETING
As soon as I arrive at the office and get settled, I check my email and refresh myself on the day’s priorities via our project management system, Basecamp. I’ll check in with our project manager, Brett, to see if there are any new updates on outstanding projects and then get to work for the day! The work I do in the morning sets a good precedent for the rest of the day, and typically, I’m able to work through several video edits, social media posts, and other motion projects on my plate.
LUNCH
At around 1:00, I take my lunch. I try to cook most nights of the week, so I have leftovers to bring into the office. It saves me a little money and means I don’t have to think about what I’m eating each day. Today, I had some leftover lemon sauce pasta with peas and mushrooms and a fresh apple on the side (you GOTTA get your fruits and veggies, people).
AFTERNOON PROJECTS
After lunch, I lock back in to make sure I stay on top of which video edits or motion projects are due that day, or what I can get ahead on. I try to make sure all my creative teammates are feeling good about the rest of the day and continue working on some exciting video assignments that help me get through the afternoon slump!
This is also a good time for me to catch up with our creative director, Sara, and the rest of our creative team to reset priorities and focus on our time management. I take a lot of pride in setting realistic goals and healthy boundaries for myself, and in managing my own workload while still feeling good about the days ahead, which is of utmost importance.
WRAPPING UP FOR THE DAY
Towards the end of the day, I make sure that all my timesheets are properly filled out and submitted so that the billing process in our agency can proceed as smoothly as possible. I do another recon with Brett to make sure there are not any last-minute fires, and then wrap up the current projects that I’ll be working on throughout the week. I pack up my stuff, say goodnight to the team, and head back home for the day!
IN THE EVENING
After returning home from work, I like to unwind by cooking dinner (tonight’s menu includes Mexican-inspired beef bowls), going for a walk (the current stormy weather outside is unbeatable), and ending the day with a little TV to turn my brain off (also on tonight’s menu… Twin Peaks!). Making time for these moments each day helps me recharge. Otherwise, burnout starts to feel a little TOO real.
That’s what a typical day in the life looks like for a video editor and motion graphics designer here at ANDERSON! No two days are exactly the same. While some days are filled with client projects, tight deadlines, and plenty of moving pieces, I find it important to keep challenging myself creatively by seeking out new ideas, inspiration, and fresh perspectives.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of exciting and unique projects happening around the office every day. It’s one of the things that makes working here so rewarding.