Education

How To Be Excited About Your Work- Flekz Podcast Clip

Enjoy episode 11’s podcast clip with Flekz as he talks about how he gets excited about his work. He mentions how seeing his work as his passion changes his outlook on preparing to work. Listen to more on Creative Haven on iTunes: Channeling Your Emotions With Music To Create Art And The Importance Of Freestyling Your Creativity For Authenticity!!

Discover the Top Free Video Editing Software

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Filmed an amazing video and are looking for video editing software to edit on? Why should you have to spend money on an expensive video editing software, when you can edit on quality apps and software for free? This article offers you 24 of the best free video editing software for desktops and mobile devices! The desktop editing software lists a range of desktop software perfect for beginners and advanced video editors. Most of the software included in this list have a pro or paid version; however, the features in the free version should be enough for your video editing. Most of the software is compatible with Windows, Apple, and Linux systems. If you’re editing on the go, the video editing apps, available on iOS and Android, also have features and functions to help you edit and share easily. There are also apps designed specifically to edit videos on Instagram. Each editing software has a pros and cons list, as well as a notable features section to help you further in your downloading decision. The software you used to edit will make your videos stand out on your website, social media, or marketing campaign!

Credit: Tom Wells 24 Best Free Video Editing Software Programs in 2020

Balancing Creativity, Spirituality, and Entrepreneurship to Make Money As A Creative With Purpose

Listen to this episode on how to align your purpose with your creativity, while also getting compensated for your work. Our guest, David Nichtern, is an Emmy award-winning and Grammy nominated composer and musician, entrepreneur, Buddhist teacher, and author of “Creativity, Spirituality, and Making a Buck”. This episode explores topics such as how to get into your creative flow state to receive creative ideas, the role of commerce has in creativity, and the connection between creativity, spirituality, and entrepreneurship. Check out episode 15 on Creative Haven on iTunes: Balancing Creativity, Spirituality, and Entrepreneurship to Make Money As A Creative With Purpose

Relaxing in a Busy Life- John Lee Dumas Podcast Clip

Come listen to this clip from episode 9 of our podcast with John Lee Dumas! In this clip, he talks about how he doesn’t force work or creativity to occur and does a relaxing activity instead; when he’s in a rut. He also mentions how pushing through certain activities may not feel as difficult to do as originally thought. For the full episode, go to iTunes under Creative Haven:Optimizing Your Creative Flow State And Productivity With Meditation, Journaling, and Getting Out Of Your Comfort Zone!

Essential Smartphone Apps to Edit Any File

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Editing on the go? Need to tweak something, but don’t have the appropriate app to edit or view the file? No need to feel limited and restrained to your laptop or desktop. Whether you need to edit files, images, audio, or videos, if you have the app version or substitute for the website or desktop software, you should edit the file. This article shows apps suitable for editing Microsoft Office files, PDFs, audio, images, and videos for Android and iOS devices. If you have built-in apps such as Photos for iOS and Google Photos for Android, it’s easy to use those apps for your editing tasks, but they may not provide all the tools you need. The article also lists the top options for each editing task, for those wanting a simple editing app or those that require more advanced options such as annotating, warping objects, and adding filters for videos. Some apps mentioned in the article are Microsoft Office mobile, Keynote, Google Docs/Drive for word files, Xodo for PDFs, WavePad Audio Editor for audio, Adobe Photoshop Fix for images, and Adobe Premiere Clip for videos. The article also explains which apps may not be available for Android or iOS and which apps are free or are not.

Credit: David Nield How to Edit Nearly Any File on Your Phone or Tablet

Focus & Depth of Field

Can’t see the shot you just took clearly? Don’t know which camera functions adjust the focus? Understanding focus and depth of field will provide that control you need to affect the sharpness of an image and that creative push in the details of your photos and movies. We’ve got a detailed video that should help you improve the image clarity on your shots in film production.

One of the worst feelings as a filmmaker is to spend hours getting a shot just right, only to discover that it was out of focus. Having sharp focus is absolutely quintessential, and draws the line between seasoned and beginner filmmakers. There are several factors that affect focus, and we’re here to help you understand them, so you can get the sharpest image possible.

Before we even talk about the factors, what exactly is depth of field? Essentially, depth of field is a measurement of the range of acceptable focus in a frame. So if your depth of field is 9m, anything outside of that 9m will be out of focus. The placement of this range is based on the 1⁄3 - 2⁄3 rule. This rule states that if you focus on a subject, 1⁄3 of the depth of field will be in front of the subject, with the other 2⁄3 behind. So going back to the 9m, if you were to focus on a subject, 3m in front of them would be in focus, and another 6m behind them would also be in focus. Now that you know what depth of field is, we can talk about the 3 factors that affect them.

#1 - Aperture. ​The aperture of a camera is how open the lens of the camera is, and so how much light can be registered. When a camera’s aperture is more open, the depth of focus will be less, or more shallow. If the aperture is more closed, the depth of focus will be higher, or deeper.

#2 - Lens / Focal Length. ​Different types of lenses have huge effects on the image a camera produces. The wider a lens is, or the lower the focal length, the deeper the depth of focus will be. The longer the lens, such as telephoto lenses, the deeper the depth of field.

#3 - Distance of Subject to Camera. ​If you focus on a subject, the distance of them to the camera affects the depth of field. The closer your subject is, the shallower the depth of field. The farther they are, the deeper the depth of field.

Film Lighting & Camera Department Basics, How Photography Helped Him With Lighting Films, and Using Film As a Companion

Welcome our next podcast guest, Valentin Salembier! As a director of photography and owner of Oseku Lighting, Valentin shares his knowledge of lighting in films and the roles the camera department plays in film production. He also reminisces on his journey with photography and film, and how watching movies helped him during his tough times. Listen to episode 14 on iTunes on Creative Haven here: Film Lighting & Camera Department Basics, How Photography Helped Him With Lighting Films, and Using Film As a Companion

How Technology Affects Creativity-Alec Ross Podcast Clip

Hear the impact technology has done to creativity in this clip from episode 10 of our podcast. In this episode, Alec believes technology will enhance creativity as technology has led to more creators and artists to create with advanced tools and be accessible to the world. For more on this intriguing topic, listen to the full episode on Creative Haven on iTunes here: Using Creativity To Distinguish Humans From Robotics and AI, While Utilizing Technology To Enhance our Artistic Expression.

How to Live Stream on YouTube

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So you know which camera equipment you need to do a live broadcast. Do you know which platform you’d like to post on? YouTube Live is just one of the many live streaming platforms where business owners, content creators, or influencers alike, can interact with viewers sharing content in a live setting. YouTube Help has a quick rundown on live streaming perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to live stream quickly. These quick options are live streaming via a webcam and a mobile device. A webcam connected to your computer or internally on your laptop is an easy way to go live without needing an encoder. For mobile streaming, you will need the YouTube app and at least 1,000 subscribers. The article also has an advanced option that customizes your live streams. This option is called encoder streaming and allows you to capture content on your computer that wouldn’t be seen on camera and send it to stream on YouTube Live. This is ideal for those that have external audio and camera equipment or are displaying content from multiple screens and cameras. Before you live stream, it’s important to follow the YouTube Community Guidelines and Terms of Service because your stream may get age-restricted or removed. Your channel may also get a strike, which prevents you from streaming for three months. Learn more about live streaming on YouTube by reading the following links featured on the help center. To get started with live streaming on YouTube Live, you’ll need to read this guide first!

Credit: YouTube Help Introduction to live streaming

VFX Dancing Clones

Tune in to see dancing J-Kay clones at the YouTube Space LA! A mix of VFX and dance, this was a fun project that shows the talent of one of our podcast guests, as well as another guest, Woody'sProduce, who produced the track behind this video. Shot and edited by our founder, Mitchel Dumlao, for one of our partners, StrifeTV.

Leading Creative Teams, 3D Printing Jewelry, and Merging Technology with Creativity for Innovation

Listen to our podcast episode with Jenny Wu, a designer and founder of the 3D printing jewelry line called LACE, and a partner at award-winning architecture firm Oyler Wu Collaborative! In this episode, we talk about how the connection between technology and creativity is important in the future and how learning new technologies create more innovative pieces. We also talk about how teaching can influence designers to create as well as be a source to practice developing your craft. Jenny also mentions the importance of trusting a collaborative team to execute and brainstorm creative ideas. To listen to the episode, go to Creative Haven on iTunes here: Leading Creative Teams, 3D Printing Jewelry, and Merging Technology with Creativity for Innovation

Why All Ideas Have Value- Marcus Gray Podcast Clip

Listen to this thought-provoking clip from episode 5 of our podcast! Marcus talks about the meaning behind Hip Hop Chocolates. From this idea of creating a communion in which self-reflection is present, he believed he could connect the two of creativity and spirituality into the hip-hop culture. Listen to more on Creative Haven on iTunes here: Hip Hop Culture As A Male Rite of Passage, Celebrating Parenthood In Hip Hop, and The Connection Between Creativity and Spirituality

Suitable Camera Equipment for Live Streaming

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Live-streaming is a way for a more authentic connection to your followers and viewers. If you’re considering filming a live broadcast, make sure there is nothing on the technical side deterring you from having a successful broadcast. You’ll need the proper equipment to ensure a well-executed broadcast, because you don’t have time during it to change the battery or fix the WiFi, for example. Your focus should be promoting an authentic experience and providing content for your viewers. This article has created a helpful guide on which external equipment to buy for your live-stream video. The audio, sound and video quality are all important to video making, so using smartphones with an internal microphone, may not give you that professional effect. The article recommends using an external microphone, a video encoder that uploads your live video, an internet device for a strong WiFi connection, a battery power system needed for long streams, and a tripod. The article also lists a variety of camera types; external webcams, DSLR/ mirrorless cameras, camcorders, and action cameras. This list includes budget-friendly cameras, cameras that capture high-resolution videos, and cameras with many functions such as color correction functionality and time-lapse options. With these choices and brands, you will be prepared for your live-stream on your preferred streaming platform.

Credit: Adorama What is the Best Camera for Live Streaming Video?

5 Best Laptops for Video Editing

Is your current laptop slowing down your editing time? Considering buying a new laptop to accommodate your editing software and video footage? It’s essential to select a laptop, catered to you, that can handle any post-production projects, whether you’re new to editing, are experienced, or need something on a budget. We’ve got the 5 best laptops ready, so you’re prepared for your next purchase!

Whether you are editing a feature-length film or a 30 second commercial, picking the right laptop for the job is crucial. Video editing, especially on more professional software, can be very taxing on a laptop. While this is a big decision, and can be stressful, we’re here to help you narrow it down to 5 great choices, so you can get into post-production as soon as possible.


1 - Dell Inspiron 14 5000

~$730 USD

CPU: 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-8265U Processor 

RAM: 8GB

Storage: 256GB

14 Inch Full HD Display (1920 x 1080)


While on the lower end of editing laptops, the Dell Inspiron 14 5000 should not be underestimated. It’s low price is great for new video editors, and clocking in at under 4 pounds, it is easy to take on the road.


2 - HP Envy 13

~$830 USD

CPU: 8th generation Intel Core i5-i7

RAM: 8GB - 16GB

Storage: 256GB- 512GB

15.4 Inch Full HD Display (1920 x 1080)


At just under a thousand dollars, and weighing less than 3 pounds, the HP Envy 13 is great first laptop with a Full HD display. While it’s not going to be editing 4K video, it’s still great for beginners, and has up to a half terabyte of storage, letting you worry about editing without the fear of running out of room.


3 - MSI GS65 Stealth

~$1220 USD

CPU: Intel Core i7 Processor

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 512GB

17.3 Inch Full HD Display (1920 x 1080)


Originally intended as a gaming laptop, the MSI GS65 Stealth boasts a maximum 8 hour battery life with a Full HD Display. The Stealth is on the heavier side for laptops, clocking in at just under 5 pounds. While it was made as a gaming laptop, it’s Intel Core i7 Processor can easily get the job done editing 1080P footage.


4 - 15-Inch 2019 Macbook Pro

~$2230 USD

CPU: 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 9750H (six cores) or 2.3 GHz Intel Core i9 9980HK (eight cores)

RAM: 16GB-32GB

Storage: 256GB- 4TB

15.3 Inch Retina Display (2880 x 1800)


While certainly on the pricier side, Apple’s 15-Inch Macbook Pro is on the higher end of video-editing laptops. While it’s retina display is not quite 4K, it is able to edit 4K video. Clocking in at just over 4 pounds, it is great for editing on the go. Unfortunately, the Macbook Pro only has 2 USB-C ports, meaning other devices may need to be purchased for things such as SD cards.


5 - Acer ConceptD 7 

~$2300 USD

CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-9750H processor Hexa-core 2.60 GHz

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 1TB

15.6 Ultra HD Display (3840 x 2160)


With a 4K display, the Acer ConceptD 7 is perfect for experienced editors often working with 4K video, especially those doing extensive color-grading. At just over 4 and a half pounds, it is on the heavier side, and like the Macbook Pro, has no SD port. But when it comes to 4K editing, the Acer ConceptD 7 is hard to beat.

Channeling Your Emotions With Music To Create Art And The Importance Of Freestyling Your Creativity For Authenticity

Introducing episode 11’s podcast guest, Flekz! Flekz is a street artist who creates geometric designs using painters tape and an Exacto knife. This episode, we talk about the authenticity of creating freestyle art and the purity of art by not drawing inspiration from other artists. We also talk about how exercise and music can encourage creativity and be an outlet to express yourself to further create art. To listen to the episode, go to Creative Haven on iTunes here: Channeling Your Emotions With Music To Create Art And The Importance Of Freestyling Your Creativity For Authenticity!

What Love Really Means- J-Kay Podcast Clip

Here is an inspirational clip from episode 6 of our podcast with J-Kay! J-Kay weighs on the meaning of love and how love can be universally applied to your work and relationships in your community and industry, regardless of their skill level. Loved hearing this clip? Listen to the whole episode by going to Creative Haven on iTunes. here:Empowering Women Through Dance and How To Make Dance Your Full-time Career

Comprehensive Twitter Image Sizes Guideline

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Do you have the right Twitter image sizes? This article mentions the updates made to the platform and shows the differences between them by showing graphics as examples. It covers the images sizes for the Twitter avatar/profile picture, header/banner, tweet, and linked images. The article also lists the sizes and the author’s recommendations for promoted tweets (ads), summary cards, and which file sizes and types you can post on Twitter. The author also describes how to create Twitter cards and moments, and post on mobile to accommodate your audience. Some key takeaways are making your profile picture at a 1:1 aspect ratio at 400x400 pixels, banner sizes are at a 3:1 aspect ratio at 1500x500 pixels, tweeted images are at an aspect ratio 16:9 at a minimum of 600x335 pixels, previewed link images are at an image size of 1.91:1 and more included. Twitter accepts landscape and square images and JPEG, GIF, and PNG formats, but not GIF on banner images. No need to have your images cropped when you update them with these specifications.

Credit: Louise Myers Twitter Image Size and Specs: This Is All You Need to Know