Ryan's creative output was volatile. Feast or famine. But when he was in the right frame of mind, he was the most talented 'timeline master'. Any software that had the foundation of a horizontal timeline, and vertical stacking (to create multiple layers and timescales, the core of editing) - he was just a natural at. It was almost as if the 'easy stuff' was too easy for Ryan.
There was always a new project and idea he was chasing, while also helping others out with their need to 'master a timeline'. He helped me several times work with AfterEffects and pin down some audio and video transitions and cleanup that escaped my technical grasp. He one was of few people who I felt was more talented behind a powerful computer than myself. Every time I start a new project, I can't help but think of his obsessive and effective naming conventions and folder structures.
This also applied to his love of music, the analog and 'organic' editing timeline. Stacking sounds and patterns atop and alongside each other. Being a lover of music, but not a musician myself, this always captivated me - even if the actual end product wasn't my taste. He was inquisitive and set a high bar for himself. Boring tutorials and surface level execution was not worth his time.
I'm happy he shared some of these things with me, so I can share some of them with you. He made me a better creative, a steadier hand, a more nuanced selector. In other words - a better editor. Thank you, Ry.
Songs Ryan wrote and played
Father + Son |
Sweet Thing |
Untitled 1 |
Untitled 2 |
His timeline mastery at work