Teaching Art on Camera

SA: How does your on-camera teaching compare with your in-person teaching

CS: How I teach in the video is pretty much how I teach in the classroom. I teach young children, so I like to make the videos engaging, which translates to me being very silly—like fluctuating my voice and tone faster when I want them to get excited, or slower when I need them to focus. Teaching is a lot like being on a stage. You have to read your audience, capture their attention, and keep them interested. Everybody naturally gets quiet when a video is on.

SA: Can you describe your process?

CS: Usually I start with a project idea. Before filming, I make a couple of versions of the project so I can work out all the kinks. Sometimes I just hit record and edit the video by abbreviating steps, erasing background noise, and doing a voice-over. For other videos, I demonstrate each step, which takes longer to film and edit. 

SA: What are the most important skills for a YouTuber to have?

CS: The big thing is to find your own voice. Be inspired by other YouTubers as long as you also stay true to yourself. People really respond to YouTubers who are very much themselves on camera, whoever that might be.

SA: What challenges do you face in making art videos for YouTube?

CS: Sometimes people will say unkind things on YouTube or other social media platforms. You just have to remember that unkind comments have nothing to do with you. Let it roll off your back and move on!

SA: What’s your favorite part about being a YouTuber?

CS: Being able to share and connect with people all over the world who are interested in creating is magical. I learn so much from YouTube. It’s cool that someone took the time to create content because they have the knowledge and want to share it and give back.

SA: Do you have any advice for readers interested in making YouTube videos?

CS: Capturing viewers’ attention and keeping their attention is what’s really going to be important when teaching young kids—and anybody really—on YouTube. Good lighting is also important. Filming outside on a sunny day, or very close to a window, or grabbing every light you can find and aiming them in the direction of where you’re filming is helpful.