As someone who has been in the content creation space for over a decade, I know firsthand the importance of having the right tools to enhance and streamline the creative process. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, from brands to small businesses, and in various roles, including graphic design, marketing, and video production. I have seen how having the right tools can make all the difference in creating high-quality content that engages and resonates with your audience. I said the right tools, not the most recent or expensive tools. The 7 tools I use for content creation are the tools that I am using right now. The newest gadgets and gear are nice, and some of them are absolutely awesome, but having the right tools for the project will always beat having the newest, shiniest tools.
Whether you’re new to content creation and you’re trying to build up your presence on your favorite social media platforms of choice or have been in the game for years, choosing the right tools can be overwhelming. That’s why I want to share the seven essential tools that have helped me create consistent, high-quality content. From note-taking to content planning to graphic design and video editing, these tools have helped me stay organized and productive throughout the creative process.
I’ve worked on both sides of the camera so I have an understanding of the importance of having tools that can adapt to different workflows and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced content creator, these tools can help you create content that stands out and resonates with your audience. So, let’s dive into the 7 tools I use for content creation and see how they can help take your content to the next level.
My Camera: The Canon 70D
When it comes to video content creation, a good camera is essential. For me, that camera is the Canon 70D. It’s a camera that I’ve owned for years, and I know it inside and out. Even though I’ve used it for countless projects, I’m still learning new things about it. The Canon 70D is a DSLR camera that’s been around since 2013, but it’s still an excellent camera for content creators. It has a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 5+ image processor that allows for high-quality images and videos. The camera also features a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, providing fast and accurate autofocus when shooting photos and videos. I absolutely love my camera, but I would not recommend it. Not at all. With so many great cameras out there and with prices being more affordable, I would say do some research on the best camera for the type of content you’d like to create. As a general all arounder, I’d recommend the Canon R10 and if you have a few extra dollars to spend, the Canon R7. However, to be completely honest, just about any camera out there will be more than awesome. Heck, the camera on your phone is amazing these days!
If I have a big project, I’ll often rent a camera that I think will fit the job. For example, on my last project, I rented the Canon C70, and let me tell you, what an amazing camera it is! When it comes to my dream cameras, the Canon C70 is definitely at the top of the list. That and the Canon R5 and R5C. Let’s move on before I get super side-tracked with gear lust.
My go-to lens: Tamron 24-70mm G2 Lens
As someone who primarily creates non-vlog style content, I don’t often need a wider lens. That’s why the Tamron 24-70mm Di II VC lens rarely leaves my camera. This lens covers a versatile range of focal lengths, from wide-angle at 24mm to medium telephoto at 70mm. It’s also a fast lens, with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, which allows for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field (when the background looks all blurry but the “subject” is still is focus). Of course, there are times when I need to take pictures for real estate, and in those cases, I’ll switch out to a 10mm lens. But most of the time, I’m rocking the 24-70mm.
And it’s more about the focal length with this lens than the brand name. 24 -70mm covers a really decent everyday range for the type of content I create. Canon, Sigma, and Nikon all create lenses with pretty much the same amazing image quality. Another reason why go for the Tamron 24-70mm Di II VC lens is its image stabilization technology. The lens has Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) system, which helps reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially when shooting handheld or in low light.
Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro & Lightroom
Editing is an essential part of the content creation process. While there are many editing software options out there, Adobe Premiere Pro is my go-to choice for video editing and Lightroom for images. They’re both powerful tools that allows me to create professional-looking videos and images. Lately, I’ve been exploring DaVinci Resolve and I’m seriously considering making the switch. DaVinci Resolve has a lot of features that are comparable to Premiere Pro, and some people say that it’s even better. So, who knows? Maybe in the future, I’ll be writing a blog post about my favorite DaVinci Resolve features.
Organization & Content Scheduling: Notion.io
Let me tell you, this platform has been a game-changer for my content creation organization and content planning. It’s so versatile and customizable that it can be whatever you need it to be. The way I use Notion for content creation may be different from how someone else uses it, and that’s the beauty of it.
One of the most helpful features of Notion is its flexibility. You can use it as a simple note-taking app or create an entire database of your content ideas, outlines, and research. Notion allows you to create your own pages and databases to suit your specific needs. You can customize them with different layouts, views, and properties to organize your content in a way that makes sense to you.
Another great thing about Notion is the number of premade templates available. You can find templates for everything from personal productivity to business management. And if you don’t find what you need, it’s easy to create your own. For example, for my content creation, I adapted a blogging management template that I found on Hafsa’s Creative Corner to fit my specific needs.
Notion is also great for collaboration. You can share pages and databases with team members or clients, and everyone can see and edit the same information in real-time. This makes it easy to keep everyone on the same page and ensure that everyone has access to the latest information.
Overall, Notion is an incredibly useful tool for content creation organization and planning. Its flexibility and customizability make it a great option for anyone who needs to keep track of their content ideas, research, and outlines. If you haven’t tried Notion yet, I highly recommend giving it a go.
Note Taking: Field Notes Pitch Black 3.5 x 5.5 Memo Books
In this digital age, it’s easy to rely solely on technology for note-taking and idea capturing. However, there’s something to be said about the power of writing things down. That’s why I always have a Field Notes Pitch Black memo book with me wherever I go. Not only is it the perfect size to fit in my back pocket, but it allows me to quickly jot down ideas, phone numbers, and other important information that comes to mind throughout the day.
But why bother with writing things down when there are so many apps and digital tools available? Well, science has shown that physically writing things down can help with memory retention and creativity. According to a study published in the journal Psychological Science, participants who wrote notes by hand retained more information than those who typed their notes on a computer. Plus, the act of physically writing things down can help with idea generation and problem-solving.
I’m not saying ditch all digital tools in favor of pen and paper, but there’s certainly value in using both. And for me, the Field Notes memo book is the perfect complement to my digital tools like Notion.io. I’ll often transfer important notes and ideas to my Notion workspace for further brainstorming and planning.
My Laptop (Not a recommendation) Apple MacBook Air
As a content creator, having a powerful desktop computer or laptop for editing videos and photos is certainly ideal. Well, I don’t have that just yet. I’m definitely in need of an upgrade in this department but until then I’ll be using the Apple MacBook Air when I’m away from my desktop. It’s not the top-of-the-line laptop for editing, but it can get the job done. Sorta. It works. It was initially a gift for my wife, but because of its size and performance, I do find myself using it quite often.
Of course, there are far better solutions out there, and I do plan on upgrading soon. For now, the MacBook Air is the laptop that I have, and like I said, it works. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with me wherever I go. And with its long battery life, I can work for hours without needing to plug in.
Overall, while the MacBook Air may not be the top choice for editing, it’s still a reliable option for content creation on-the-go.
Quick Graphic Design: Canva
Not everyone is a graphic designer, but thankfully, tools like Canva exist. It’s a web-based design platform that allows me to create professional-looking graphics and designs for my content. Canva is easy to use and has a wide variety of templates, images, and fonts to choose from.
Canva is a game-changer for content creators when it comes to graphic design. While Adobe Photoshop is a fantastic tool, I tend to cause it more because of familiarity. Canva offers a simpler and more streamlined approach that is perfect for those who don’t want to spend hours learning complicated software. With Canva, you can create graphics for your blog, social media, YouTube channel, and other digital platforms in no time.
One of the best things about Canva is the vast number of professional templates available. Professional designers create these templates so you know they are high quality and visually appealing. Whether you need a template for a social media post, a blog header, or an email newsletter, Canva has you covered.
Canva’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to customize templates or start from scratch. You can upload your own images, choose from Canva’s extensive library of graphics and photos, and even select from a wide range of fonts.
I think Canva is a valuable tool for content creators who need to create eye-catching graphics quickly and easily. While it may not have all the features of professional design software like Photoshop, it’s a great option for those who want to save time and still produce high-quality designs.
Over the years I’ve learned that it’s not about having the most expensive or high-tech tools but having the right tools that help you execute your ideas. I hope this article has inspired you to start creating content, regardless of your gear or tools.
Whether you’re creating content for a brand or personal use, it’s important to have the right tools to make the process efficient and enjoyable. I’ve worked with a variety of brands, organizations, and businesses, and the one thing that is consistent across the board is the importance of having a streamlined workflow. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the plethora of tools available in the market. However, it’s important to find the right ones that work for you and your specific needs. By sharing the 7 I use for content creation, currently at least, I hope to have helped you identify tools that you can incorporate into your workflow or to get out and use the tools you already have!
Remember, the key to creating quality content is not about having the most expensive equipment or the fanciest gear on the market, but about having the right tools that help you execute your ideas. So, whether you’re using a smartphone or a high-end camera, make the most out of what you have and start creating. Consistency and quality are essential, and with the right tools and mindset, you can create content that stands out and resonates with your audience.
