October 9, 2025

Hi, Reader.

If you’ve been here for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about “Documentation Mode” when recording footage of your art:

It’s that space where you’re just capturing your process and work for yourself, letting your art lead the way, and recording as you go. Then, it's in the footage review that you decide what you want to edit and share publicly.

But there’s another mode you already know well (but might not realize it yet) from everything you see online, and I’ve come to call it “Creative Expression Mode.”

This isn’t a brand-new idea, it’s more like a shift in awareness for you as an artist using video to market your art:

When you move into Creative Expression Mode, you start with the video idea first, and pour your creativity into making the video with a specific purpose and message in mind. You’re not documenting but instead doing things for the camera, expressing yourself through the video in a way that others can see and connect with.

I want to give you one way to easily choose for yourself which recording “mode” you want to use any time you’re recording:

🌀A Quick Self-Check in

First, check in with yourself.

When you have something you want to record, ask yourself:

Then, based on the mode you choose:

In Documentation Mode: Let your art lead the way. You could press record and capture a simple “studio diary” moment — no script, no performance, just you reflecting for yourself. Or press record and capture your “studio view” in one or more shots to show what's in progress, mess and all.

In Creative Expression Mode: Start with your video idea first. Think about the message you want to share, and make a short three-point outline of what you want to cover. Maybe you’re creating a video to explain a technique, or to share some encouragement with your community. In this mode, you’re making a video with intention, letting your creativity fully shape the final piece.

You’ll likely find that you move between these modes as it suits you.

The key: To be intentional. Choose to record to document or to create.

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What are your thoughts on this approach to recording? Respond in the poll below (and see the results), or just reply to let me know. I’d love to hear how you’re thinking about this.

Keep creating,

-Zach