Perfection is a myth. You already know that, and you may struggle with reading those words (because you’re a perfectionist), but it’s worth saying. No video project will end up perfect.

NO VIDEO PROJECT WILL END IN PERFECTION.

And that’s because no filmmaker is perfect. And that’s okay, and there’s nothing wrong with that. So if perfection is some unattainable myth – something akin to a dog chasing its tail, or a person chasing the wind – then what exactly are we shooting for?

Excellence.

WE’RE AIMING AT EXCELLENCE, NOT PERFECTION.

As maturing filmmakers and videographers, we’re bringing the expectation of excellence to every project we create. Here are three practical ways you can do that.

1. BRING YOUR SKILL SET TO EVERY PROJECT.

Our skill sets represent the sum total of our experiences in the world of creating videos and films. When anyone describes you as “…really good at __________”, what do they normally say? Examples of a person’s abilities include: Concepting and brainstorming, recording audio, balancing a V.O. with the musical underscore, capturing the shot with the perfect lens, editing, animation… all of these skills sets, and so much more. Whatever you’re already really good at, bring that into every project with intentionality and passion. Lean into it hard. And if the project requires an ability that’s not in your wheelhouse, then you can always hire a freelancer to help.

2.  BRING YOUR RESOURCES TO EVERY PROJECT.

The resources we bring to our projects represent the abilities of the people around us, as well as the gear we need, and the post-production software that best fits the project. Floodgate Footage is committed to filling one resource for you – great footage that will work within your pre-existing project, at a more-than-palatable price point. And give yourself a break here if you just don’t have the best resources. These days, you can create some amazing videos with average resources.

3.  BRING ARTISTIC FEEDBACK TO EVERY PROJECT

When you’re nearing completion of a first draft, it’s important to have some internal feedback in play, before the client or end-user ever lays eyes on the first-draft of the video. This may be a friend who’s working in the same film space, or it may be a person on your team.  It may be difficult to listen to their feedback at times, but a mark of artistic maturity is the ability to lean into both positive and negative feedback. At Floodgate Creative, we always check out each other’s video work before ever sending a first draft to any client, and we always process the changes that need to be made – either online or in person.

You’ll become more excellent over time as you intentionally bring your skill set, your resources, and the proper outside feedback to the films you’re creating.

So go be excellent today.  And set yourself free from perfection.