Overview

Learn how to book clients, navigate those relationships, and have them come back to work with you again by creating positive and professional client relationships. There are a lot of things Ryan Kao wishes he had known before starting his career as a freelance video editor and cinematographer. From learning editing essentials to finding his distinctive visual style to properly managing client projects and marketing himself on social media, developing skills like these have helped Ryan go on to secure opportunities with brands like Nike, Adidas, and IKEA as well as cultivate a community of almost 250K across YouTube and Instagram. Now, Ryan wants to share everything he’s learned about building strong and professional client relationships. In this class, you’ll discover how Ryan has found new clients, gotten hired, managed client expectations and feedback, and gotten repeat clients as a full-time freelance video editor. With Ryan by your side, you’ll: - Learn how to find clients through networking and word of mouth - Communicate with clients with confidence throughout the project - Interpret client feedback and address any notes - Get repeat clients by being transparent, flexible, and timely Plus, Ryan will share a behind the scene’s look at notes and feedback he addressed on a project with Adidas. Whether you are just starting as a video editor or are a more seasoned editor looking to take your client communications to the next level, you’ll leave this class with everything Ryan wishes he knew about client communication and confidently handling a project from start to finish. Basic video editing knowledge and experience will be helpful when taking the class. Consider bringing paper and a pen to take notes as you watch. Instructor bio: Ryan Kao is a cinematographer and video editor based in Los Angeles. What started as a simple childhood hobby over 15 years ago has grown into a thriving and transformative career as a full-time freelancer in the video industry. With cinematography and post-production work ranging from commercial, documentary, and narrative pieces. He is proud to say that his work has taken him all over the world. Making and learning from mistakes along the way has allowed him to discover some unique perspectives and strategies over the years. He's also been so honored to share his knowledge and experiences on YouTube with an audience of over 200,000 subscribers. This creative community has fueled his career beyond anything he could ever imagine possible, and he's beyond excited to share even more with you, here on Skillshare! Clients include Nike, Adidas, Alo, Trip Advisor, Hennesey, and more.

Syllabus

Building the Client Relationship Foundation

Start your freelance editing journey by learning how to confidently present your value and attract the right clients. This module introduces key strategies for finding freelance opportunities through networking and referrals, and walks you through the art of pitching your services. You’ll explore actionable methods to stand out in a competitive field and win projects by building trust from the first interaction.

Navigating Client Collaboration

Strong communication is the backbone of successful freelance projects. In this module, you’ll learn how to clearly set expectations, stay aligned with client goals, and respond to feedback constructively. Discover proven techniques for managing revisions, handling difficult conversations, and building a reputation as a reliable and collaborative editor.

Sustaining Long-Term Success

Freelancing isn’t just about one-off gigs—it’s about building lasting client relationships. This final module helps you develop sustainable habits and workflows that lead to repeat business. You’ll learn how to demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and consistency so that clients keep coming back—and referring you to others.