Learn Adobe Premiere Pro from a Professional Editor who will help you succeed

Find out more about Jonathan

• Can you tell us about your first experience using a computer?

  The first experience I had using a computer that I remember was using a Macintosh SE that my Dad had purchased for the family. I was immediately in love with what it could do! Looking back, it's crazy to think that the Macintosh SE came with 1 MB of RAM (expandable up to 4MB) - which is smaller than the data in a single photo we take on our phones today!

• What is the technological evolution that has marked you most and what will be, in your eyes, a turning point in this field?

  A seismic shift in content creation occurred when powerful motion graphics and editing programs got into the hands of small studios and individuals. Previously, these tools could cost tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and mostly only Hollywood had the powerful computers to run the programs! But then, finally, individuals could create stunning content on their own and disrupt the industry using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. And now, another big revolution is around the corner - Artificial Intelligence! It's going to shake things up once again.

• Explain your expertise, your interest in it and, more broadly, its importance in the computer world.

  I love skillful communication. Creating digital content is a way to communicate a message to the world, and with design principles and editing skills, anyone can express themselves. I love training and tutoring people because I can help them bring their visions to life!

• Do so-called 'visionaries', such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg inspire you or do you have other role models?

  Steve Jobs tremendously inspired me with how he approached combining incredible form AND function. In my opinion, the first iPhone was a breakthrough in combining both of those elements. When something feels clear, clean, and minimalistic, yet has rich messaging and functionality, you know a lot of hard work went into it - because that is one of the hardest things to achieve. I respect both the Windows and Apple platforms, but I do love Apple design and keynotes. Jesus also inspires me with his example of grace, patience, and care for others.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I know the feeling of intimidation and frustration when using Premiere Pro - with all of the controls and settings, the thing looks like the dashboard of a rocket ship! Even though I am an Adobe Certified Professional at this point, I hold close what is feels like to learn all of the controls and techniques for the first time. Looking through this lens helps my students to flourish.

• What would you say to an uncomfortable person in front of a screen who says that "Premiere Pro is too complicated"?

  I tutor people of all ages, from students to retirees. I am convinced that anyone can learn Premiere Pro; it just takes one step at a time and a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset. A growth mindset is when you believe that you can change.
  
  We can all learn and grow, often in areas we don't think possible. Many of us have heard stories of badly injured people, yet they worked at it, overcame the odds, and recovered. The brain can create new neural pathways (neuroplasticity), but you must ask it to do new actions!
  
  Funny story: I'm naturally right-handed, but I started brushing my teeth, mixing eggs, and even shaving with my left hand - and have gotten pretty good at it! It felt awkward at first, but now it's natural. This example may seem unrelated to learning Premiere Pro or content creation, but it's a metaphor for learning areas that are out of our comfort zone - believe you can grow, set it before your brain, and you will be surprised.

• What are your other passions, related or non-related to computers?

  I love spending time with my family, sand volleyball, and sushi!

• What makes you a Superprof in Premiere Pro training?

  What makes me a Superprof is my ability to customize my expertise and training to the needs of each student to make them successful - and have fun along the way!