Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist

Introduction

Are you a video editor or creator looking to elevate your craft beyond simple cuts and transitions? Do you aspire to create content that captivates audiences, evokes emotion, and tells a compelling story? If so, then Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist might be the transformative learning experience you’ve been searching for. In a world saturated with content, merely knowing how to use editing software isn’t enough. This course, designed by an editor with over 15 years of experience working with top creators like MrBeast, Logan Paul, and Mark Rober, shifts the focus from technical proficiency to artistic vision. Its core purpose is to teach you why we edit, emphasizing emotion and storytelling over fleeting retention hacks. Students can expect to delve deep into timeless editing philosophies, learn Hayden’s coveted ‘secret editing recipe,’ and discover how to approach editing as a true art form. This masterclass promises not just to improve your editing skills, but to change your entire perspective on video creation, empowering you to produce memorable and impactful work that resonates deeply with viewers and stands out in the crowded digital landscape.

Course Description

Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist is a comprehensive masterclass designed to teach the profound art and philosophy behind impactful video editing. With over four hours of meticulously crafted content, this course offers lifetime access to invaluable insights from Hayden Hillier-Smith, an editor renowned for his work with some of the biggest names on YouTube. The teaching style is direct and deeply educational, moving beyond superficial ‘edu-tainment’ to provide substantial learning. Instead of focusing on software-specific tutorials, the course emphasizes timeless storytelling principles and editing philosophies that can be applied across any Non-Linear Editing (NLE) software. Key highlights include the unveiling of Hayden’s ‘secret editing recipe’ – a three-ingredient formula that has consistently delivered results for his high-profile clients. Students will learn to think like a storyteller first, understanding story structure and how it translates into effective, emotionally resonant cuts. The course is structured to help editors develop their unique artistic vision, fostering creative freedom rather than adherence to rigid rules or chasing fleeting trends. It’s about understanding the ‘why’ behind every edit, not just the ‘how’.

This masterclass stands apart by prioritizing the emotional journey of the audience, a stark contrast to courses fixated solely on ‘retention editing’. Hayden Hillier-Smith leverages his extensive experience editing for diverse media—from YouTube videos to film and TV—to impart wisdom that is both profound and practical. The curriculum is designed to modernize Hollywood’s century-old editing philosophies for today’s dynamic digital landscape, particularly for platforms like YouTube. You’ll discover methods to analyze footage, identify the core narrative, and structure your edits to maximize emotional impact. The course encourages editors to work outside the timeline, fostering a macro-level understanding of the story before diving into the micro-details of cuts and pacing. This holistic approach ensures that you’re not just assembling clips, but crafting an experience that leaves a lasting impression on your viewers, making your content more engaging and shareable. The ultimate goal is to transform you from a technician into an artist who can skillfully wield the power of editing to tell powerful stories.

Ideal Student

The Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist course is tailored for a diverse range of individuals within the video creation and editing sphere who are looking to deepen their understanding of storytelling through editing. While it can benefit beginners by accelerating their learning curve, it’s particularly potent for those with some existing editing knowledge. Specifically, this course is ideal for:

• Intermediate Editors Seeking Advancement: If you’re comfortable with your preferred NLE (Non-Linear Editing software) and have perhaps landed your first few clients, but feel you’ve hit a plateau or want to differentiate yourself, this course is for you. It provides the philosophical and storytelling depth needed to transition into an advanced, in-demand editor. You’ll gain insights into high-level editing thought processes and film history that most editors overlook.
• Aspiring and New YouTubers: For those starting their YouTube journey or aiming to significantly improve their existing channel, this course is invaluable. Many YouTubers edit their own videos, and understanding how to edit ‘like an artist’ can dramatically enhance content quality, viewer engagement, and channel growth. It teaches you to maximize your editing potential as a solo creator or to lay a strong foundation if you plan to build an editing team later.
• Career YouTubers and Content Creators: Established YouTubers who want to improve communication and collaboration with their editing teams will find immense value. Understanding the nuances of storytelling from an editor’s perspective, learning editing best practices, and acquiring the vocabulary to articulate a vision clearly can streamline the post-production process, reduce revisions, and lead to a better final product.
• Editors Working for Creators: If you’re an editor who has recently started working for a YouTube creator or aims to do so, this course will equip you with the mindset and skills to deliver exceptional work that aligns with a creator’s vision while adding your artistic touch.
• Filmmakers and Videographers: Anyone involved in narrative or documentary filmmaking, or even corporate videography, who wants to move beyond technical execution and truly master the art of visual storytelling will benefit. The principles taught are universal and applicable to various forms of media.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist, students will have acquired a profound and versatile skill set, enabling them to transform their approach to video editing. This course focuses on instilling a deep understanding of narrative mechanics and emotional resonance, moving beyond mere technical software operation. Key learning outcomes include:

• Mastery of Storytelling Through Editing: Students will learn to dissect narratives, understand story structure (including acts, beats, and scenes), and translate these elements into compelling visual sequences. They will be able to identify and amplify the emotional core of their footage.
• Application of Hayden’s ‘Secret Editing Recipe’: Participants will gain full access to and understanding of Hayden’s unique three-ingredient editing recipe, a proven framework used for top-tier creators, applicable across various media types like films, TV shows, music videos, and YouTube content.
• Development of a Unique Artistic Vision: The course encourages creative freedom and the development of a personal editing style, rather than mimicking trends. Students will learn timeless editing philosophies that allow them to make conscious, artistic choices.
• Enhanced Ability to ‘Write’ in the Edit: Students will understand how to function as a ‘writer’ during the post-production phase, making critical decisions that shape the story, pacing, and overall impact of the final product, often by working outside the confines of the timeline for a macro perspective.
• Improved Client Communication and Collaboration: The course covers soft skills essential for professional editors, including effective client management, articulating creative ideas, and collaborative brainstorming, leading to smoother workflows and better outcomes when working with others.
• Deep Understanding of Editing Philosophies: Students will gain insights into editing principles that have been successful in Hollywood for nearly a century, modernized by Hayden for contemporary platforms like YouTube, enabling them to create work with lasting impact.
• Software-Agnostic Editing Prowess: Since the course focuses on principles rather than specific software, graduates will be able to apply their learning to any NLE, making their skills highly transferable and future-proof.

Course Modules

The Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist masterclass is meticulously structured into distinct levels, each building upon the last to provide a comprehensive understanding of artistic and emotional video editing. These modules are designed to take you from foundational principles to advanced application, ensuring you not only learn techniques but also internalize a new way of thinking about your craft. Let’s explore what each module offers:

Module 1: The Foundation – Building Blocks of Meaningful Story & The Secret Recipe

This foundational module, referred to as Level 1 in the masterclass, lays the critical groundwork for transforming your editing approach. It’s here that you’ll be introduced to the core philosophy of the course: editing for emotion and narrative impact. A significant highlight of this module is the unveiling of Hayden’s super secret editing recipe. This isn’t just a collection of tips; it’s a structured, three-ingredient framework that Hayden has honed over years of working with elite creators like Logan Paul and MrBeast. You’ll learn:

• The Three Core Ingredients: A detailed breakdown of each component of the recipe and how they synergize to create compelling content. This recipe is designed to be universally applicable, whether you’re editing a YouTube vlog, a documentary, or a promotional video.
• Understanding Narrative Construction: Beyond the recipe, this module delves into the fundamental building blocks of how to construct a meaningful story. It explores how to identify the emotional core of your footage and structure your edits to draw the viewer in.
• The ‘Why’ Before the ‘How’: Emphasis is placed on understanding the purpose behind editing choices, moving away from purely technical or trend-driven decisions towards a more intentional, artistic process.
• Universal Applicability: Discover how these foundational principles and the editing recipe can be implemented in any Non-Linear Editor (NLE), freeing you from software-specific limitations and allowing you to focus on the craft itself.

This module is designed to make you see editing in a new light; once you grasp these concepts, particularly the editing recipe, you’ll start noticing its impact across all forms of good storytelling and media, fundamentally changing how you approach every project.

Module 2: The Editor as a Writer – Translating Story to Screen

Building on the foundational principles from Module 1, this section (Level 2) focuses on the crucial skill of ‘writing like an editor.’ It’s about understanding that editing is not just assembling footage, but an active process of authorship where you shape the narrative and guide the audience’s experience. This module teaches you how to translate abstract story concepts into concrete, impactful edits across every level of your project. Key areas covered include:

• Story Structure in Editing: Learn to identify and implement effective story structure within your edits. This involves understanding how to break down a narrative into acts, sequences, scenes, and even individual beats, ensuring each component serves the larger story.
• Frame-by-Frame Intentionality: Develop the ability to make conscious decisions about every single frame. This module emphasizes that every cut, transition, and visual element should contribute to the story you’re telling and the emotion you’re trying to evoke.
• Pacing and Rhythm: Explore how to control the pacing and rhythm of your video to maintain viewer engagement and enhance emotional impact. You’ll learn how to use editing to build tension, create excitement, or allow moments for reflection.
• Editing Outside the Timeline: Discover techniques for conceptualizing and structuring your story at a macro-level before getting bogged down in the timeline. This could involve outlining, storyboarding (even mentally), or using other methods to see the bigger picture, helping you make more effective high-level decisions.

By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped to approach your NLE not just as a tool, but as a canvas, making every choice with the intent of a storyteller and the precision of a craftsman, ensuring your videos are not just watched, but felt.

Module 3: Advanced Storytelling – Frameworks and Formulas

Module 3 (Level 3) takes your storytelling abilities to the next level by introducing you to established and effective narrative frameworks and formulas. While the course champions originality, understanding proven structures can provide a powerful toolkit for crafting compelling narratives. This module doesn’t just present these frameworks; it teaches you how to adapt and apply them to your unique content and style. You will explore:

• Hayden’s Go-To Storytelling Frameworks: Gain insight into the specific storytelling models that Hayden Hillier-Smith frequently employs in his high-stakes editing projects. This includes practical applications and examples of how these frameworks can elevate your work.
• Classic and Contemporary Narrative Structures: Learn about well-known structures like Dan Harmon’s Story Circle (‘The Harmon Circle’) and other conceptual models like ‘The Pope in the Pool.’ The course will break down these theories into understandable components and demonstrate their relevance to video editing.
• Adapting Formulas for Originality: Understand that these frameworks are not rigid templates but flexible guides. This module teaches you how to use them as a starting point to spark creativity and structure your stories, rather than as a constraint.
• Emotional Arc Design: Delve deeper into crafting satisfying emotional journeys for your audience. Learn how to use these frameworks to map out rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution in a way that maximizes engagement and emotional resonance.

This module is about adding sophisticated tools to your storytelling arsenal. By understanding and applying these frameworks, you can bring more structure, depth, and intentionality to your edits, ensuring your stories are not only engaging but also well-crafted and memorable.

Module 4: The Professional Editor – Client Management and Collaboration

The final core module (Level 4) of Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist shifts focus to the crucial ‘soft skills’ that differentiate a good editor from a truly successful and sought-after professional. Technical proficiency and artistic talent are vital, but the ability to manage client relationships, collaborate effectively, and navigate the practicalities of the editing profession is equally important. This module covers:

• Effective Client Communication: Learn strategies for understanding client needs, interpreting feedback constructively, and articulating your creative vision in a clear and persuasive manner. This includes managing expectations and ensuring a smooth revision process.
• Brainstorming and Idea Generation: Discover techniques for productive brainstorming sessions, whether working solo or with a team. This involves fostering a creative environment and effectively contributing to the development of video concepts.
• Collaborative Editing Workflows: Gain insights into best practices for working within a team, whether you’re leading post-production or are part of a larger group. This section will touch upon how to give and receive feedback, maintain a unified vision, and optimize the collaborative process.
• Articulating Your Vision to Others: For creators who work with editors, this module offers guidance on how to effectively communicate their ideas and desired outcomes, ensuring the editing team can bring their vision to life efficiently and accurately. This is particularly useful for YouTubers aiming to work better with their post-production teams.

This module emphasizes that being an ‘artist’ in editing also involves professionalism and strong interpersonal skills. Mastering these aspects will not only improve your working relationships but also enhance your reputation and open up more opportunities in the competitive field of video editing.

Implementation Plan: Applying ‘Edit Like an Artist’ Principles

Successfully completing Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist is the first step; the true transformation comes from consistently applying its principles. Here’s a suggested implementation plan to integrate these learnings into your daily workflow and creative process:

• Deconstruct and Reconstruct: Take one of your older projects and re-edit a section using Hayden’s ‘secret editing recipe’ and storytelling frameworks. Compare the before and after. This hands-on practice will solidify your understanding.
• Story First, Timeline Second: Before your next project, dedicate time to outlining the story and emotional arc. Use sticky notes or a document to map out key beats, as suggested in the course, before even opening your NLE. This encourages macro-level thinking.
• Practice the ‘Why’: For every cut or creative choice, pause and ask yourself *why* you’re making it. Does it serve the story? Does it enhance emotion? If not, reconsider. Make this a conscious habit.
• Seek Constructive Feedback: Share your newly edited work with peers or mentors, specifically asking for feedback on storytelling, pacing, and emotional impact, rather than just technical aspects. Use the client communication skills learned to process this feedback.
• Analyze Inspiring Content: Watch videos from creators you admire (including those Hayden has worked with) and try to identify the editing principles and storytelling techniques being used. Try to spot Hayden’s ‘recipe’ in action.
• Experiment and Develop Your Style: Use the timeless principles as a foundation, but don’t be afraid to experiment and develop your unique artistic voice. The course aims to empower, not create clones.
• Iterate on Client Projects: When working with clients, proactively discuss the story and emotional goals. Use the communication strategies from Module 4 to guide these conversations and present your editing choices with clear rationale.

Real-World Applications and Success Stories

The principles taught in Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist are not just theoretical; they have direct and impactful real-world applications. Editors who master these concepts can see tangible improvements in their work and career. For instance, by focusing on emotional resonance and storytelling, YouTube creators often experience higher audience retention, increased watch time, and more meaningful engagement (comments, shares) because viewers connect more deeply with the content. Freelance editors can command higher rates and attract more discerning clients by showcasing a portfolio that demonstrates artistic vision and storytelling prowess, setting them apart from purely technical editors. Hayden Hillier-Smith’s own career, working with giants like MrBeast and Logan Paul, is a testament to the power of these principles. These creators rely on his ability to craft narratives that captivate millions, demonstrating that artistic editing is a key ingredient in viral success and sustained audience growth. Graduates of this course can apply these skills to elevate brand messaging for corporate clients, create more compelling documentaries, or simply make their personal projects more impactful and memorable. The shift from ‘retention hacking’ to ’emotion-driven storytelling’ is a powerful differentiator in any video-centric field.

Pricing: What’s Included in the Masterclass

The Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist masterclass is available for a one-time payment of $450. This investment grants you immediate and comprehensive access to a wealth of knowledge curated by one of the industry’s leading YouTube editors. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in this package:

• Instant Access to the Entire Masterclass: Upon purchase, you gain full, unrestricted access to all course materials, allowing you to start learning immediately.
• Over 4 Hours of Deep Educational Content: The course is packed with more than four hours of non ‘edu-tainment optimised’ content. This means you get straight-up, in-depth education focused on substance and practical application rather than superficial entertainment.
• Hayden’s Secret Editing Recipe: Exclusive insight into Hayden’s coveted three-ingredient editing recipe, a cornerstone of his success with top-tier creators.
• Timeless Editing Principles & Storytelling Frameworks: Comprehensive lessons on editing philosophies, story structure, and advanced narrative techniques applicable across any NLE.
• Client Management and Collaboration Skills: Dedicated modules on the soft skills essential for professional success in the editing field.
• Lifetime Access to Material: Your enrollment includes lifetime access to all course videos and any future updates to the core content. This allows you to revisit lessons as needed and learn at your own pace without worrying about expiration dates.
• Risk-Free Guarantee: The course offers a 48-hour money-back guarantee if, upon completion of Level 1 Video 3, the product doesn’t meet your expectations (contact support for details).

Considering Hayden Hillier-Smith’s extensive experience and the high-profile clients he serves, this price point offers significant value for editors serious about elevating their craft to an artistic and professional level. It’s an investment in skills that are timeless and transferable across various video editing roles and platforms.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Expert Instruction: Learn directly from Hayden Hillier-Smith, an editor with 15+ years of experience and a portfolio including MrBeast, Logan Paul, and Mark Rober. His insights are battle-tested and highly credible.
• Focus on Storytelling & Emotion: Uniquely emphasizes editing for emotional impact and narrative coherence, moving beyond technical skills to artistic development. This is a key differentiator in the market.
• Timeless Principles: Teaches editing philosophies and storytelling techniques that are enduring and not tied to fleeting trends or specific software, making the knowledge valuable long-term.
• Software Agnostic: The principles can be applied to any Non-Linear Editing (NLE) software (e.g., Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve), making it versatile for all editors.
• Hayden’s ‘Secret Editing Recipe’: Provides access to a unique, structured approach to editing that has proven successful at the highest levels of content creation.
• Lifetime Access: Pay once and get lifetime access to the over 4 hours of course material, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit content.
• Practical Soft Skills: Includes valuable lessons on client management and collaboration, crucial for professional growth.
• Direct, No-Fluff Content: Promises “deep education” rather than “edu-tainment,” appealing to serious learners.

Cons

• Price Point: At $450, it might be a significant investment for complete beginners or those on a tight budget, although the value proposition is strong for its target audience.
• Not for Pure Technical Beginners: While beginners can benefit, the course assumes some familiarity with basic editing concepts and software. It’s not a tutorial on ‘how to use X software.’
• Self-Paced Learning Requires Discipline: The on-demand nature means students need self-motivation to complete the course and implement the learnings.
• No Direct Live Interaction (based on current offering): While email support is available, the primary learning is through pre-recorded video content, which may not suit those who thrive in live Q&A environments or direct mentorship (though previous CreatorNow versions had live streams, this version highlights email support).
• ‘Secret Recipe’ Intrigue vs. Skepticism: While a strong selling point, some might be initially skeptical of a ‘secret recipe’ until they understand its principled basis.
• Focus on ‘Why’ Over ‘How’: For editors solely looking for quick technical hacks or software-specific tricks, the deep philosophical approach might be less immediately appealing, though ultimately more valuable.

FAQs

Is the Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist course suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely! While the course is particularly beneficial for intermediate editors, beginners can significantly accelerate their learning process. Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist prioritizes storytelling and craft over technical software intricacies, ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience even if you’re new to advanced editing concepts. You’ll build a strong foundation in the ‘why’ of editing.

What software do I need for this class?
You’re in luck! The Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist course is designed to be software-agnostic. The focus is on enhancing your skills and understanding the art of editing, not on specific tools. Whether you use Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or other NLEs, the lessons are tailored to benefit you, regardless of your preferred platform.

Is there a specific schedule, or can I learn at my own pace?
Absolutely! The course is entirely on-demand, designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule. You have the flexibility to learn at your own pace, whether you prefer to immerse yourself and absorb the content quickly or take your time to savor each lesson. Lifetime access ensures you can revisit materials whenever you need.

What kind of support is provided if I have questions during the Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist course?
Dedicated support is available via email. If you have any questions during your learning journey with Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist, you can reach out to the support team, and they will be happy to assist you.

Is there a refund policy for Edit Like an Artist?
Yes, there’s a risk-free 48-hour money-back guarantee. If, within 48 hours of purchase and after completing Level 1 Video 3, you find the course doesn’t meet your expectations, you can contact support for a full refund. Your satisfaction is a priority.

What if I’ve already purchased ‘Edit Like An Artist’ on CreatorNow?
If you purchased the course on CreatorNow in 2023, you still have access to the course and all of its materials provided there, including any live streams recorded during that period (which are not available in this version). You do not need to repurchase it unless you wish to.

Final Verdict

Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist is more than just a video editing course; it’s a masterclass in visual storytelling from one of the industry’s most respected YouTube editors. Its core strength lies in its departure from conventional, software-focused tutorials, instead immersing students in the timeless principles of editing for emotion, narrative depth, and artistic expression. The inclusion of Hayden’s ‘secret editing recipe,’ honed through years of experience with top-tier creators like MrBeast and Logan Paul, offers a unique and potent framework that can be applied across any NLE and various media formats. The course’s emphasis on understanding the ‘why’ behind editing choices, rather than just the ‘how,’ empowers editors to develop their own unique style and make more impactful creative decisions. With over four hours of direct, no-fluff educational content and lifetime access, it provides substantial long-term value.

This course is particularly well-suited for intermediate editors looking to break through plateaus and achieve an advanced level of artistry, aspiring YouTubers wanting to create highly engaging content from the get-go, and established creators or directors aiming to improve collaboration with their post-production teams. While the $450 price tag is an investment, the depth of knowledge, the instructor’s unparalleled credibility, and the potential for transforming one’s editing philosophy and career trajectory make it a worthwhile expenditure for those serious about mastering their craft. The software-agnostic approach ensures the skills learned are universally applicable and future-proof. If you’re ready to move beyond technical proficiency and truly learn to edit like an artist, crafting videos that resonate deeply and tell unforgettable stories, then Hayden Hillier-Smith – Edit Like an Artist is an exceptional choice that stands out in the crowded landscape of online editing courses. It offers a rare opportunity to learn the mindset that shapes some of the most successful content on the internet.

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