At the beginning of Covid I created a library of recorded art classes. I have been teaching a mixed media art class for a few years now and have stacks of lesson plans, so content was not a problem. But recording art videos requires some equipment. Luckily, I have a small collection of cameras that could be used to make the videos. My art studio doubled as a video production studio with lighting cans that had been gathering dust in the basement. I had to learn more about different kinds of lighting for video and build a rig to hold the lighting. Finally I had to figure out the best way to capture the sound using a lavalier microphone.
The first attempt at filming was a bit nerve wracking. I had written a script which I tried to read off my computer screen as a pseudo teleprompter. It was a good idea at the time, but it was too hard to read the screen and focus on the camera lens. Thankfully after reading the script half a dozen times I had most of my content memorized. After many takes, I finally figured out what I wanted to say, and I became more relaxed in front of the camera.
In my home video / art studio
My videos start with the camera focused on me for an introduction to the lesson and then we switch to an overhead camera that captures a Birdseye view of the art process. It helps to have a handy art assistant who is very mechanical, thank you to my partner Gregg! This project required a team effort. I must also mention that I needed to purchase video editing software called movavi.com to edit the visual content as well as add music and graphics. One of us needed to spend many hours learning how to use it and let’s just say it wasn’t me. I also learned that I needed to subscribe to a platform called TEACHABLE that stores and markets the classes over the web. Each video begins with a stop motion animation that was created using the STOP MOTION STUDIO app on my phone. I must admit that I really enjoy seeing my art come to life through the animation process.
The first class had nine students and ran over a four-week period. Students had access to all the video content and were invited to join in on a live Zoom call for an hour each Friday. We were all craving human connection and these four Fridays served as way for us to share our work and report on our process. As a bonus I had asked another mixed media artist to join us for our Featured Friday Artist. Our first interview was with Sandi Schimmel Gold, based out of Richmond. She creates art using a mosaic technique with fine bits of upcycled papers. Her work can be seen at www.eclecticaartgallery.com
My website, www.juliamalakoffartclasses.com now has three different art classes: each with almost four hours of content. Make Your Mark, Grid & Go Big!, Make Your Mark, Picture This, and Make your Mark: Monoprinting & More! And, now that I am feeling much more comfortable with Zoom, I am offering a live “drop in” class each Monday for 90 minutes from 2pm to 3:30pm. I want to encourage people to make time for themselves, make art and join us on Mondays. We make art together and you have time to work on your own art with me there as your guide. Each class leaves time for a show and tell where we share our process.
Please sign up at: www.juliamalakoffartclasses.com and have fun learning how to make your mark! And then join us for live drop-in classes each Monday at 2:00pm. Sign up at https://juliamalakoff.com/1397-2/