The Doran Show

Doran McCormack
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Globetrotting 23 year-old video editor turned video agency owner, Doran McCormack shares his of expertise on life inside startups, video editing, Product Hunt launches, and more. Tune in for insider insights from the ever-evolving world of video content creation and entrepreneurship. 🍰 Go to https://niceslicestudio.com doranmccormack.substack.com

  1. 06/20/2024

    Adobe Under Fire: FTC Sues Over Hidden Fees and Dark UX Patterns

    Key Timestamps: * (00:00) FTC suing Adobe for hiding fees and difficult cancellations * (02:59) The high costs of being a freelance creative * (08:11) The need for an all-in-one service for freelancers In a concerning development for freelance creatives, Adobe finds itself in hot water once again. The FTC is suing the company for hiding fees and making it difficult for users to cancel subscriptions - even charging cancellation fees. This comes on the heels of revelations that Adobe can train its AI on users' artwork. As the costs of essential tools like Adobe Creative Suite, media libraries, website hosting, and generative AI mount, the financial burden on freelancers is becoming unsustainable, especially for those just starting out. It's time to reevaluate the industry's reliance on subscriptions and consider alternatives that don't exploit the "starving artist" model. Key Takeaways: * Adobe is being sued by the FTC for hiding fees and making it difficult to cancel subscriptions * Freelance creatives face mounting costs for essential tools like software, media libraries, website hosting, and AI * The subscription economy is making it increasingly difficult for new freelancers to afford the tools needed to compete * There is a need for all-in-one solutions that provide affordable access to necessary resources for freelancers Resources Mentioned: * Reuters article on FTC suing Adobe Quotable Quotes: * "Adobe is not in the business of you creating artwork. They're in the business of you not owning anything... and training their models." * "It's like the model has to buy all the makeup and to get the plastic surgery just to have a shot at the industry. That's where we're at right now." * "Clients just expect you to have this... Not everyone has that money. The starving artist, not every starving artist has that bank account." * "Creators are taking a lot of hits right now... This is a negative." * "There needs to be an all in one service for this... because too many companies are taking advantage of the starving artist model." Discussion Questions: * What has been your experience with subscription-based creative tools? Have you encountered hidden fees or cancellation issues? * How can freelancers push back against the mounting costs and exploitative practices in the industry? * What would an ideal all-in-one platform for freelance creatives look like? What tools and resources should it include? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doranmccormack.substack.com

    9 min
  2. Why Your 20s are the Perfect Time to Work Remotely Abroad

    06/19/2024

    Why Your 20s are the Perfect Time to Work Remotely Abroad

    Timestamps: * (00:38) The transformative experience of working remotely abroad * (03:08) Why an American salary goes further overseas * (08:13) Choosing freedom over grinding in your 20s In a world transformed by remote work opportunities, your early career years offer an unprecedented chance for adventure. Imagine editing videos from a villa in Indonesia or collaborating on TikToks from the heart of Europe - all while earning a US salary that stretches further than you ever thought possible. Embrace the freedom to explore new cultures, make global connections, and gain a fresh perspective on what really matters in life. Discover why working remotely abroad in your 20s might just be the most rewarding way to spend this unique phase. And why it's more accessible than you think. Key Takeaways: * Working remotely abroad in your early career allows you to enjoy freedom, new experiences, and a great lifestyle without needing a high salary. * The US dollar goes much further in many countries, allowing you to live well even on a modest income. * Traveling and working abroad in your 20s provides unique opportunities and perspective that become harder to access later in life. Quotable Quotes: * "Why not just skip the BS, work your job, and go travel and live wherever you want? Because that's all anyone wants to be doing at age 23..." * "If you're on an American salary of 60,000 a year... You go to Japan, and you feel like you're one of the richest people there." * "...this is only possible by the advent of remote work. And I'm a big proponent of remote work because of this..." * "...the best way you can spend your post college years... is to live abroad where things are much cheaper." * "That is the new American dream... editing TikToks from 5, 50 different countries and come back and go, I had an amazing experience." Discussion Questions: * What's holding you back from working remotely abroad in your 20s, and how could you overcome those obstacles? * How do you think immersing yourself in new cultures while working remotely could impact your personal and professional growth? * If you could work remotely from anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doranmccormack.substack.com

    9 min

  3. 06/11/2024

    The Power of Upwork: Land Gigs in 72 Hours or Less

    Key Takeaways: * Upwork allows freelancers to secure work quickly, often within 72 hours of applying or being invited to a job. * Investing in Upwork Connects is a small price to pay for skipping the lengthy traditional job search process. * Building a strong profile on Upwork can lead to a steady stream of work and the ability to secure gigs whenever needed. Fast-Track Your Freelance Career with Upwork's Paid Tokens In today's fast-paced, gig-based creative industry, traditional job searches can be lengthy and frustrating. However, platforms like Upwork offer a quicker alternative. By investing in Upwork Connects, you can skip the line and land contracts within 72 hours. While it may seem counterintuitive to pay for job applications, the long-term benefits far outweigh the minimal costs. Building a strong profile on Upwork can lead to a steady stream of work and the ability to secure gigs whenever you need them. In an industry where job security is scarce, embracing the speed game of freelance platforms can be a game-changer for your career. Resources Mentioned: * Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ Quotable Quotes: * "Upwork is the fast game. Fiverr is the fast game. It is very quick. Literally from AM to pm." (02:00) * "Most of my contracts that are active where I've worked on Upwork have been closed within 72 hours." (03:37) * "You are paying in connects to skip the line. And you're not paying that much, by the way." (04:09) * "The world is a speed game now. The world is freelance." (06:45) * "...whenever you feel like it, go on Upwork. I'm at this point now, guys, where I can literally just go on Upwork and just get whatever freaking job I want." (07:55) Discussion Questions: * Have you ever used Upwork or a similar freelance platform? If so, what was your experience like? * How do you think the rise of gig-based work and freelance platforms is changing the creative industry? * In your opinion, what are the most important factors to consider when deciding whether to invest in a platform like Upwork? DM me on Twitter. Timestamps: * (02:00) Upwork and Fiverr allow for quick job turnaround * (03:37) Most Upwork contracts close within 72 hours * (07:55) Having a strong Upwork profile allows for easy job acquisition This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doranmccormack.substack.com

    9 min

  4. 06/10/2024

    Should you be a jack-of-all-trades video editor?

    If you're a video editor, animator, or graphic artist, you might think that being really good at your main skill is all you need to succeed. Many clients today don't have a lot of money to hire a big team. They need people who can do a bunch of different things. "You have to have multiple skills and be a jack of all trades in a way." If you can handle social media, marketing, and writing on top of your main skill, you'll get more work and become the person everyone wants on their project. Think about it - if you know how to write a good script or a good Facebook ad on top of being able to edit videos, that's huge. "If you know how to write a good script... if you know how to write a good Facebook ad... That is so valuable." At the end of the day, clients care about getting results. But a lot of times, digital artists make the mistake of only focusing on their main skills and ignoring everything else. "A lot of times the mistake... digital artists [make] is... they zone in just on their skills and not the auxiliary skills." The truth is, "If you have those three skills to complement your video editing, you will be so much more valuable in the marketplace." So if you want to do well in the digital media world, don't just stick to what you already know. Keep learning new things, especially about social media, marketing, and writing. It'll pay off big time. Takeaways * Social media management and content ideation skills are crucial for working with clients on a budget * Understanding marketing, especially paid media like Facebook ads, makes you more valuable * Scripting, writing and copywriting abilities allow you to fill multiple roles for a client Quotable Quotes 1. "You have to have multiple skills and be a jack of all trades in a way." 2. "If you know how to write a good script... if you know how to write a good Facebook ad... That is so valuable." 3. "Clients, at the end of the day, want results... Whether that is followers on Twitter, or that is money in their pocket from Facebook ads." 4. "A lot of times the mistake... digital artists [make] is... they zone in just on their skills and not the auxiliary skills." Discussion 1. What other complementary skills do you think are valuable for a digital media professional to have? 2. How have auxiliary skills beyond your core technical abilities helped you in your career? 3. Which of the three skills discussed - social media, marketing, or copywriting - do you think is most important and why? Timestamps (03:19) Importance of social media management skills (04:13) Value of marketing knowledge (06:11) Power of scripting and copywriting abilities This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doranmccormack.substack.com

    10 min

  5. 06/08/2024

    Adobe's Terrible Terms of Service (2024)

    Summary: * Adobe exploiting user content * Enabling AI training without consent * Undermining creators' intellectual property Timestamps: (00:23) - Adobe's controversial terms of service change (02:12) - Adobe's motivations for accessing user content (04:07) - Business implications for Adobe's decision Adobe's recent move to grant themselves the right to use user content for AI training purposes has sparked outrage. The company's controversial update to their terms of service essentially allows them to exploit creators' work without consent or compensation. Adobe's true motivation is clear – to cut costs and fuel their AI ambitions by leveraging the files users create within their software. This brazen exploitation of user data raises serious ethical concerns and undermines the intellectual property rights of creators. While a shrewd business move for Adobe, it comes at the expense of the very individuals who fuel their platform's success. Creators must now grapple with the harsh reality that their art may become a mere commodity for Adobe's AI endeavors. Are you a founder ready to hire your first video editor? Stop. Read this first. ❌ Don’t get burned by hiring the wrong editor. ❌ Avoid those nightmare hires that sink startups. 📖 The Founder's Guide to Hiring Video Editors Inside, you'll discover: * ✅ The 5 Stages of Your Video Team * ✅ Fiverr vs. Freelancers vs. Full-time * ✅ How much to pay your video editors? * ✅ Interview Questions & Examples * ✅ When to Fire Your Video Editors * ✅ The Perfect Job Listing Template This comprehensive guide, written by expert video editors, will give you the confidence and know-how to scale your video team effectively. 💪 Download your copy now! 👉 link This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doranmccormack.substack.com

    8 min

  6. 06/06/2024

    What I'm working on this week as a remote, freelance video editor

    TLDR * Juggling multiple client projects * Balancing work and self-care * Learning French as a hobby — (00:00) - Introduction and day overview (01:07) - Working on client projects (02:30) - Importance of language learning As a freelancer, it's all about striking that perfect balance between hustling hard and taking care of yourself. I make sure to devote serious focus to my client work - whether it's designing logos, editing videos, or producing commercials. But I also prioritize getting exercise by going for runs, and feeding my intellectual curiosities through dedicated language study. French has been my passion project for the last year, and even though it's totally unrelated to my work, I can't turn back now. At the end of the day, living the freelance life is about more than just grinding away. It's about creating a lifestyle that combines professional drive with personal enrichment. By juggling my client work, physical activity, and passion projects, I'm striving to lead a balanced and fulfilling life on my own terms. It's a hustle, but it's also deeply rewarding. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doranmccormack.substack.com

    4 min

  7. 06/05/2024

    The College Crisis That Changed Me: Lessons from My Toughest College Days

    TLDR: * Dad hit me with a huge college bill out of nowhere in junior year * Had to either drop out or grind like crazy to pay for it * Went all-in on video editing, hustled 24/7, and aimed for big contracts * Paid off all my debt, built a killer work ethic, and now I'm living my best life (00:24) - The moment that changed everything for me in college (02:44) - My game plan for making bank in video editing (04:23) - The non-stop grind of 2022 and how it shaped me (05:48) - Why you need to get uncomfortable to grow and succeed ❌ Don’t get burned by hiring the wrong editor. ❌ Avoid those nightmare hires that sink startups. 📖 The Founder's Guide to Hiring Video Editors Inside, you'll discover: * ✅ The 5 Stages of Your Video Team * ✅ Fiverr vs. Freelancers vs. Full-time * ✅ How much to pay your video editors? * ✅ Interview Questions & Examples * ✅ When to Fire Your Video Editors * ✅ The Perfect Job Listing Template This comprehensive guide, written by expert video editors, will give you the confidence and know-how to scale your video team effectively. 💪 Download your copy now! 👉 link This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doranmccormack.substack.com

    8 min

  8. 06/04/2024

    The Best Time to Start Freelancing is When You Have the Least Responsibility

    (01:25) Friend's job search struggles (02:30) Freelancing and opportunity advice (04:10) Start freelancing early, in college (06:20) Final thoughts, start now If you’re a startup founder… And you want to hire a video editor - stop & read this first. ❌ Don’t get burned by hiring the wrong editor. ❌ Avoid those nightmare hires that sink startups. 📖 The Founder's Guide to Hiring Video Editors Inside, you'll discover: * ✅ The 5 Stages of Your Video Team * ✅ Fiverr vs. Freelancers vs. Full-time * ✅ How much to pay your video editors? * ✅ Interview Questions & Examples * ✅ When to Fire Your Video Editors * ✅ The Perfect Job Listing Template This comprehensive guide, written by expert video editors, will give you the confidence and know-how to scale your video team effectively. 💪 Download for free: https://niceslicestudio.com/training/hiring-guide This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit doranmccormack.substack.com

    4 min
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About

Globetrotting 23 year-old video editor turned video agency owner, Doran McCormack shares his of expertise on life inside startups, video editing, Product Hunt launches, and more. Tune in for insider insights from the ever-evolving world of video content creation and entrepreneurship. 🍰 Go to https://niceslicestudio.com doranmccormack.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Doran McCormack
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Doran McCormack
  • Show Website
    The Doran Show