Post Production is the last part of the creation in the imaging industry and unless you’re printing (which you should do occasionally), after the post-production process, it’s straight to the client or Instagram as is the case these days. The post-production process can be quite tasking, sometimes taking hours at a stretch so I’ve put together this list of necessary hardware associated with editing that should help cut back on a little of the time;
- Fast Mouse
Otherwise known as Gamer Mouse, a fast mouse will drastically improve your editing speed as they respond faster than a regular mouse and have a bunch of custom buttons that can be programmed to perform various functions. A regular external mouse might seem okay but when you get into applications like Adobe’s Premier Pro and Final Cut Pro, the benefits of an external mouse controller will pop out as it will offer definite control over certain functions that are crucial to the editing process.
- External Keyboards
Yes, this is obvious and if you’re doing any form of post-production, it’s almost already certain you have a keyboard (unless you’re working on a mobile device) and that’s why it’s so important. A bad keyboard will slow your workflow and frustrate you (trust me, I’ve been there). For most editors who might be doing their work on laptops, consider getting a wired or wireless keyboard as they greatly ease up the workflow and as I found, are good for your posture. Also, learning the various keyboard shortcuts associated with your various apps will assist.
- Graphics Tablets
Adjusting to a graphics tablet is something that is worth the time and effort. They take the place of the mouse and speed up your process by at least 30%, (I would know because, after the longest time, I started using one in 2018 and editing has never been the same). Eliminating clicks and greatly improving accuracy is just part of the advantages of switching to a graphics tablet, plus they are compatible with every application on the board, with the high-end tablets providing buttons that can be customized depending on the application in use. The great thing is there are tablets affordable within every price point (hop on the trend and thank me later).
- Ergonomic Chairs
Editing can be a tasking process and you feel all that time slow to a crawl when you’re seated on a terrible chair (unless you edit lying down, in which case I ask; What is wrong with you?) Getting a good ergonomic chair with save you future medical bills whilst still offering you present comfort.
- Monogram Creative Console
Formerly known as Palette Gear, the Monogram Creative Console takes precision to the next level. Made of magnetic panels that hold the console’s core and either an orbiter (for 2D and 3D renders), dials, sliders, or buttons, the Monogram CC is capable of taking any shape the user desires to improve his/her workflow. The company was started in 2013 by a Kickstarter campaign and has in the last 6-7 years become a global brand with a product whose versatility is limited by the creator’s limit. Testimonials pour in from all over and currently, the Monogram Creative Console supports all major editing soft-wares. To learn more, visit their website and follow them on Instagram here.
The Travelers Console (Basic Console) will cost you $329.99 (N128,700), and the Studio Console will cost you $429.99 and the Master Console will cost you $729.99.
- Loupedeck
The Loupedeck Console unlike the Monogram CC takes things a step further in terms of control. Depending on the console you pick (there are two: the Loupedeck CT and Loupedeck+), you get value for your cash while saving yourself a few hours that would have been spent at your workstation. The Loupedeck+ is custom-built to enhance the editing experience on Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro X while the Loupedeck CT takes it a notch higher with buttons, dials and a touch screen that is supports customization so that you’re able to focus more on achieving your end vision. Loupedeck supports a host of video, photo, and audio applications right out of the box and is certain to improve your process.
The Loupedeck CT cost 499 € (N239,520) and the Loupedeck+ cost 239 € (114,720) so if you can afford it, do and watch your workflow improve for years to come. Learn more about them from their website here and get updates on the go from their Instagram here.
P.S
- Speakers
How don’t you already have this? Speakers are super essential because you can be at your desk for hours and movies are not the way to go but music… Music is an essential tool for editing. Get you some great speakers and jam to your favorite artist while you create your art.
