10 Things I Wish I Had Known SOONER About ‘Making It’ In The Music Industry
Undoubtedly, being an artist is one of the most challenging career paths. In recent years, it has been one of the most desirable professions. I am one of those who decided to take the leap of faith to become an artist, specifically a music photographer. I say that music photography found me, and not the other way around because when I first dabbled into concert photography, I had no idea it could be a career choice.
I’m not saying I discovered it. I’m saying this was the one hobby I fell in love with, entertained the idea of “what if,” and bought a DSLR immediately to start practicing taking pictures of bands with a camera, and not my Samsung Galaxy 2 (mind you, cellphones cameras weren’t what they are now). I was obsessed with creating moments that you can’t recreate once it’s happened. I love people-watching. I’m an emotional person, so I enjoy capturing expressions. When you go to a concert, it’s an experience from the time you pick the right outfit to wait in line for drinks or merch, and then the band comes on. They play their heart out. Sometimes they nod their head and groove because they feel the music they’re playing.
Storytime: I met a band based out of Atlanta while they were on tour in South Florida, where I lived at the time. I remember telling this band how much I love photography and wanted to make this dream a reality.
They encouraged me to move to Atlanta if I was serious because almost every touring musician passes through. It also helps that Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the world. Artists can quickly fly in and out to their next destination. Shortly after this discussion, I took a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta, and I still work with this band to date. Buckle up as I dive deep into the best advice I can share with aspiring creatives I wish I knew about getting into the music industry.
it’s a grind
I know you probably think this is a no-brainer, but seriously, only the strong survive. It’s a highly competitive industry, and I’m not saying this to discourage you. This is the reality. When you first start, you need to build a portfolio, network, and acquire the right gear and ideal clients to create the work you’re trying to do. It could take years before you get paid gigs, depending on what you’re aspiring to do and the people willing to pay you for your services. We’ll get into this subject shortly.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your portfolio or skillset to become an industry professional. Malcolm Gladwell, the author of the popular book Outliers, wrote that it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert in anything. Be patient with yourself. You’re doing the best you can.
2. express gratitude
The ego must be left at the door because no one will tolerate it in the music industry. What I’m saying is… DON’T BE A DICK!
No one has to give you a chance, and you’re lucky if you get one. Make sure to say “Thank you” to those who bless you with an opportunity, whether an unpaid gig to build your portfolio or a paid one that you’ve worked hard to score.
Expressing gratitude is a thoughtful way for you to connect with that person again and let them know you’re interested in working with them for future events and projects.
3. “I get by with a little help from my friends.” - The Beatles
You don’t want to party at the top by yourself. Not everyone is your competition. Friendships help make the journey more fulfilling. After all, you don’t feel lonely on this journey because you have peers who can relate to you, vent to, teach each other new skills, or share memes and TikTok videos.
4. not every interaction is transactional
It’s not about who you know. It’s about WHO KNOWS YOU.
Networking in person and online is one of the essential marketing tools you can apply to ideally attract the gigs you want and the people you want to work with. With that being said, people can sense when someone is desperate. Don’t be that person. Just because you didn’t seal the deal with someone right away doesn’t mean they won’t work with you in the future (unless you do something that gives you a bad reputation.) The music industry is not for those who feel entitled; a million others are waiting in line and willing to take that position.
It’s hard to grasp the concept of not being ready for specific jobs we want to work, but this ties in with “the grind” of the music industry. You have to keep trying. If you maintain a good relationship with the people you’ve come across, whether online or in person, they may have something for you in the future. You can always try again.
It’s a good idea to try and connect with your peers, whether for a quick chat or to keep up with their recent work. Sometimes relationships fizzle out, and that’s natural. You can’t and won’t be best friends with every person you meet or work with, and you don’t need to. If it’s meant to be, it will be.
Some industry professionals would instead hire someone they know who’s pleasant to work with and might not be the most experienced photographer over the arrogant, professional photographer. Friendly reminder: Don’t be a dick!
5. know when to walk away
Some people will take advantage of the situation. Typically it’s an eager, passionate, creative person who wants to get an“in.” This is when you need to assess if this is beneficial for you or if you’re being walked on. When I say beneficial, I mean you have to get something out of it that makes it worth it for you to drive to the location, spend hours shooting people, places, or things, as well as the time you’re editing expenditures, and to create content for social media and website. Many people in the industry are used to working for free, yet complain about not being paid for doing X, Y, and Z. Exposure doesn’t pay the bills.
Not every opportunity is a good one, especially when you’ve gotten to a point where you’ve developed enough experience in a particular field that you feel you should be compensated for your work. Don’t be afraid to ask if there’s a budget or, better yet, mention the cost of your doing business. If they say no, it’s up to you to either work on whatever task they’re asking you to do or respectfully decline.
Always leave the door open by mentioning you would love to work with them in the future when they have a budget. Don’t burn bridges. You never know when you might cross paths with them again.
Once you start charging for your work, people may decide to work with you or someone else who will do it for “exposure,” which is normal, unfortunately. You get used to it after a while. It’s frustrating, but not everyone is meant to be your client. They said they could find someone for exposure, not better.* Don’t sell yourself short.
6. rejection is part of the process
“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill.
This mantra is one of the favorites that I resort to for comfort when I get rejected. I would be lying if I said it didn’t hurt when I didn’t get the job I was interested in. The best thing to do is to feel whatever emotions and then come to terms with the outcome. You can always try again.
When I’m feeling bummed out about a goal that didn’t turn out the way I envisioned, I try to reflect on the positive things that have happened recently. Life isn’t fair, and neither is the music industry. It is imperative to make the best of every situation despite the outcome. Another comforting mantra I recite is a “blessing in disguise.” It’s hard to believe when you don’t know why or feel it should’ve been your time to shine. Trust the process. Other experiences will come around, keep your chin up and keep going.
7. don’t let the internet rush you
Every day feels like a rat race to produce fresh content, learn a new algorithm, and try to grow your following on five or six social media platforms. It’s exhausting. Creative burnout is a real thing. Social media and marketing are non-negotiable in the creative industry, but everyone should establish their boundaries. Which apps do they like using, and what type of content makes you happy creating it? If you’re unhappy doing it, take it easy or bypass it.
Most people would disagree with me on “bypassing” something you don’t like doing on social media, but I’ve gone through enough mental breakdowns over the pressure to produce, and it’s not even the way I want to be creative. You have to figure out a way to stand out in an oversaturated world called the Internet. You will achieve that by consistently posting your content and being authentic with yourself. If you wanted to do things you disliked, you would keep your tedious 9-5 job.
8. take a break when you’re feeling the burnout
From personal experience, the best way to refresh my creativity is to step away, even for a weekend, and spend time with loved ones or go outside. Think about the phrase “10 lbs in a 5 lb bag”. It’s basically what happens to your mind when constantly pushing yourself to find inspiration during burnout. Clear your mind and return to the project when you feel motivated. Your happiness should be your priority.
9. there is nothing wrong with having a job or side hustle while you’re chasing the dream
Being a photographer is an expensive career choice. The essential items you need to get started are a camera body, a lens, high-speed memory cards, and a laptop, preferably a MacBook Pro, if you can manage. That’s scratching the surface.
A stable income is a great way to buy or rent the gear you need for your work. Aside from purchasing equipment, you still need to pay your bills which is why there’s no shame in your game of having a full-time job or a side hustle to keep you afloat while building your clientele.
10. rent before you splurge
If you’re unsure of what type of gear you would need, whether it’s camera bodies, lenses, flash, etc. I strongly recommend renting before you make a large purchase. You don’t want to be that person that impulsively buys a ton of equipment that you either don’t use or are not interested in. The gear you acquire is essential, but it will not benefit you if you don’t know how to use it. You can always try and sell your equipment on websites such as Adorama, MPB, eBay, KEH, or Facebook Marketplace.
In most cases, when reselling to other camera shops, you’ll get a fraction of what you paid, even if it’s in mint condition. I recommend selling camera lenses and bodies yourself if possible. This is why I advise renting before you buy.
For all my rental needs, I use Aperturent because they don’t require a hefty deposit, unlike other rental shops. They have several brick-and-mortar locations and offer to ship directly to you.
There’s constant pressure to be the best and hit significant milestones at a particular time or age. Setting goals is great, but enjoy the experience on your way to the top. Whatever you’re doing right now is at the right pace. Your time is coming.
