If you’re an artist trying to film your creative process, you’ve probably discovered that finding a good overhead phone mount is surprisingly difficult.
I’ve spent years creating content about my ceramics, illustrations, suncatchers and studio life, and during that time I’ve tested more phone mounting solutions than my pocket would like to admit.
I’ve balanced phones on shelves.
I’ve stacked books into unstable towers.
I’ve used traditional tripods.
I’ve tried gooseneck mounts.
Some worked better than others.
But if you’re looking for the best overhead phone mount for artists, here’s what I’ve learned.
Disclaimer: I have affiliate links and a coupon code ALEX10 if you want to purchase any Horizum products. This was an opportunity given to me after purchasing my own Horizum product (from my own pocket) while on the hunt for the ultimate filming setup.
What Artists Actually Need From A Phone Mount
Most phone mount reviews are written by tech reviewers.
Artists have different needs.
When I’m filming my work, I need a setup that:
- Doesn’t take up valuable workspace
- Can capture overhead footage (without showing tripod feet)
- Is quick to set up
- Doesn’t wobble while recording
- Works in a small studio
- Allows me to switch angles quickly
If a setup takes too long to assemble, I simply won’t use it.
The easier it is to start filming, the more content I create.
Option 1: Traditional Tripods
Tripods are often the first solution artists try.
Pros
- Easy to find
- Affordable
- Adjustable height
Cons
- Legs take up floor space
- Difficult to position directly overhead
- Can get in the way while working
- Often require additional accessories
- Usually has a slide docking station that is fiddly and frustrating
For general filming they’re fine.
For overhead art videos, I found them frustrating.
Option 2: Gooseneck Phone Holders
Gooseneck mounts are popular because they’re inexpensive.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact
- Easy to attach to desks
Cons
- Can wobble during filming
- Movement while creating can transfer to footage
- Limited positioning options
- Usually has the slide docking station which is not user friendly for bulky phone cases
I used one for a while, but eventually wanted something more stable.
Option 3: Magnetic Phone Mount Systems
This is where things became much easier.
I first discovered the magnetic phone mount system when I purchased a Nixive Magrip Mini Tripod Pro before going on a holiday. I wanted something that would dock my phone quickly and easily to capture some content while I was working in my sketchbook on locations.
I still use this tripod from time to time, my favourite way to use it is at my desk to capture side angle close up shots.
Full disclaimer: I had to gorilla glue the magnetic ring to my phone case for it to stay put because the adhesive on the magnetic ring wore off shortly after mounting it. This only worked because my phone case at the time had a flat and flush back. Since then I have purchased a different phone case with a built in magnetic ring. Do your research and be sure it will be suitable for your phone cover!
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact
- Easy to attach to desks (Depending on the thickness of your desk edge)
- Fantastic for side angle close ups
- Quick magnetic mount
Cons
- If you don’t have a built in phone cover with a magnetic ring you will have to glue the magnetic ring to your phone cover.
- Limited filming range. Does not get that overhead boss shot you are looking for.
After working with the Nixive mini tripod I was still on the hunt for something that could capture overhead work, I eventually found Horizum and their magnetic mounting system and never looked back.
For the way I create content, it’s been the most practical solution.
What I Like About It
The biggest advantage is being able to film content from an overhead position without the tripod face planting into paint water or showing cumbersome tripod feet!
This tripod has quickly become my go to tripod. It has telescopic height so whenever I am filming anywhere I don’t have to worry about what table/bench/counter I have around for the shot to sit it on- It is a completely free standing self sufficient tripod.
I simply place my phone onto the magnetic mount and start filming.
Because setup takes seconds, I actually record far more content than I used to.
It’s also incredibly useful for:
- Overhead ceramic videos
- Illustration process clips
- Packing order videos
- Studio reels
- Time-lapse recordings
- Vlogging
Pros
- Compact
- Easy magnetic mounting
- The boss for overhead filming
- Can be used as a selfie stick
- Boasts 145cm (57”) height
- Comes with a Bluetooth remote
Cons
- Is considered expensive compared to other phone mounts available (if you are on a budget I recommend waiting for one of their sales. At the time of writing this article the On the Go tripod I purchased is currently on sale for AUD$89.88 instead of its regular price AUD$128.40 (for my US friends that is US$63.02 instead of US$90.30).
The Unexpected Benefit
The biggest benefit wasn’t better footage.
It was removing friction.
When filming becomes easy, you stop debating whether something is worth recording.
You simply hit record.
What I Use To Film My Art
People often assume I have a complicated content creation setup.
I don’t.
My setup is:
- iPhone
- Natural daylight
- Horizum magnetic mount
That’s it.
No DSLR.
No professional lighting.
No dedicated studio camera.
Most of the content you see on my social media is created using this simple setup.
Is The Horizum Worth It?
For artists who regularly film their work, I think so.
It’s the first phone mount I’ve used that became part of my daily workflow rather than another gadget sitting in a drawer.
Could you film art videos without it?
Absolutely.
I did for years.
Check out my blog post: My Honest Opinion on the Best (and Worst) Phone Holders for Filming Art and you will see I have been on the hunt for the holy grail of phone mounts for ten years! All methods tried and tested!
But if you’re serious about documenting your process, sharing reels, or creating tutorials, having a reliable overhead phone mount with ease makes a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the best all rounder phone mount for artists, my recommendation is the Horizum system.
Not because it’s the most expensive.
Not because it’s the most advanced.
Not because it boasts the most camera angles possible.
But because it’s the setup that makes filming easiest..
And in my experience, the easiest setup is the one you’ll actually use.
If you’d like to see the exact model I use, you can check it out here:
Since purchasing the On The Go Tripod Horizum released a newer more sophisticated model:
I also have a discount code ALEX10 available if you’re thinking about purchasing one for your own studio.
While testing phone holders I’ve spent hundreds of hours filming my ceramic process in my little sunny studio.
You can see my ceramics collection here.
With light and gratitude
Alex
