How to Create Your First Music Video: Tips for New Artists

Tips for New Music Artists on Creating Their First Music Video
Written by Nadin Tsarinova Music Video Director and Visual storyteller

So, you’re ready to shoot your first music video? Great! But before you grab your iPhone and head to the nearest parking lot, let me save you from common rookie mistakes. As a director who’s seen it all, I’m here to guide you through creating something that doesn’t scream “low budget” (even if it is).

1. Don’t Cut Corners

Yes, you could shoot in front of your cousin’s garage, but do you want your video to look like a TikTok someone made in five minutes? A proper music video requires real effort—equipment that doesn’t blur at the slightest movement, a crew who knows the difference between “cinematic” and “accidentally out of focus,” and a design that screams art (not “we found this trash can in the background by accident”).

2. Have a Strategy

Releasing your music video without a plan is like throwing a surprise party for yourself and forgetting to invite anyone. Sure, you’ve got the video, but now what? If you’re spending money, make sure it doesn’t vanish into the void. Tease your audience, build hype—don’t just hope your cousin’s three followers will share it on Instagram.

3. Tell a Story

Your music video shouldn’t feel like a random montage of “cool” shots that even you don’t understand. A story—even a simple one—makes people care. Don’t just stand there with smoke machines; give the smoke a reason to exist. Is it moody? Mysterious? Or is it covering up the fact that you’re in your uncle’s basement?

4. Collaborate with Professionals

Let me say it louder for the people in the back: your best friend with an iPhone is not a professional director. Want to avoid the “no lights, shaky cam” aesthetic? Hire someone who knows how to make your vision come alive without turning your entire budget into a 3-minute reminder that you were trying too hard.

5. Prioritize Authenticity

We get it; you want to look cool. But filming a rented villa with no budget left for lighting doesn’t exactly scream “star.” Show who you really are. If your vibe is gritty and raw, own it—just make sure it looks intentional, not accidental.

6. Scout Locations Carefully

No, your backyard isn’t edgy. And please, no graffiti walls unless it’s part of the story. The right location is like the perfect Instagram filter—it enhances everything. Think outside the box, but don’t cheap out. Remember, the audience can tell the difference between “artsy warehouse” and “we didn’t ask permission to be here.”

7. Rehearse and Plan

“Wing it” is not a strategy. Want to look natural on camera? Rehearse. Want to avoid your dancers looking like they learned the moves in the car ride over? Plan. It’s much easier to fix things on set than to explain later why half your video has someone staring at the camera, lost.

8. Make Use of Visual Symbolism

Throwing random objects into your video doesn’t count as symbolism. If your video needs a second watch to understand the depth, that’s great. If it takes a TED Talk to explain why there’s a goldfish in a blender, maybe rethink it.

9. Be Open to Feedback

Nobody likes criticism, but trust me, a second opinion might save you. If your friends’ reaction is a polite “Oh, that’s… interesting,” it’s not ready. Find someone who’ll tell you the truth before the internet does.

10. Focus on Post-Production

So, you spent everything on the shoot, and now you can’t afford an editor? Congrats, your hard work is about to look like an Instagram filter on steroids. Editing, color grading, and sound design are what separate “amateur attempt” from “actual masterpiece.”

11. Promote Effectively

Posting “link in bio” once on Instagram isn’t promoting - it’s wishful thinking. Use every tool you’ve got: social media, influencers, maybe even a live Q&A to hype it up. Your video deserves attention; just make sure it’s the right kind, not “LOL, look at this.” Remember good marketing is 6-12 touches.

Why Work with Me?

I specialize in taking your big ideas and making them look big - without spending your entire budget on one drone shot. I understand what it’s like to be an artist, and I know how to help you avoid the classic problems. Together, we’ll create something that looks like you spent millions (even if you didn’t).

📌 Let’s Create Something Incredible Together!
Visit my website at directornadin.com, and let’s turn your vision into a stunning reality