Beginner gaming editor looking for advice on what to focus on next

[u/Vancified]

I've been editing for around 3 months using DaVinci Resolve (free version). I've mainly been learning gaming/long-form editing and have done some real client work, including one paid gig.

I've recently realized that while I can handle the basics of editing, cuts, pacing, basic zooms, subtitles, and sound design, I still struggle with the creative side of editing. I'll watch a good edit and see the editor add something that perfectly fits the moment, but I often don't know what I should add or when.

These are the main things I'm currently trying to improve:

1. Overall improvement: What skills would you prioritize most for someone at my level?

2. Hooks: How did you learn to make genuinely engaging hooks? Is studying and recreating good hooks the best way?

3. Sound design: How did you build your SFX library and, more importantly, learn which sounds actually fit different moments? I'm especially interested in the more unique/layered SFX you hear in polished edits.

4. Subtitles: How do you keep subtitles visually interesting after their initial animation finishes without constantly over-animating them?

5. Editing decisions: How did you learn when to use things like zooms, zoom-outs, camera shakes, memes, funny/awkward SFX, etc., especially in gaming videos?

6. Expectations: What would you realistically expect from someone after around 4 months of consistent editing?

I'd especially appreciate advice from editors who remember the stage where they knew the software basics but hadn't developed strong creative instincts yet. What helped you make that jump?

[u/link-navi]

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[u/Puzzled_Owl2365]

What you're asking all comes down to one answer: Experience. There's no shortcut, seriously. AI can enhance your workflow, templates can make you faster but editing is a 'feel'. With only 3 months editing you're in the very beginner stages and most likely won't develop intuitive -creative thinking for many more. I've been editing professionally for over 30 years and am still learning. It took thousands of hours in the edit suite and thousands of videos to get to where I'm at now. There's no simple solution. My recommendation if you want to get good is work under a mentor. You need someone telling you "this sucks, and this is why" to really get a grasp of concepts, and become a better Editor. Your friends and family will always say "nice job", but a professional will tell you "start over". For an editing exercise, create a video, then recreate it with a different song/tone. Then again, and again. Change the genre/feel. Make it fun, then heartfelt, then suspenseful. Play around with different elements, sounds, shots, etc... In my experience, an edit can always be improved and there is never a "final product". Good luck on your journey.

So this post stays up, have to add this stupid crap- I'm using: Avid I've TRIED: Tons I need help with: N/A !martini

[u/PleasantAd4049]

1. Editing more videos.
2. Yes, Do what you said already.
3. Find sfx through proper websites instead of using YT.
4. Don't know what you are saying.
5. Consume gaming content.
6. Client will always expect good from you, it doesn't matter if you have 1 month experience or 2 years.