Well, we’re about done with 2012, was an interesting year for me. I got divorced, moved to 2 different locations, started this lovely website, and was able to secure several high-paying sound designing projects.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what I can do to be more productive/profitable in 2013. These aren’t all resolutions but they’re definitely things I “must” accomplish if I plan on reaching any of my goals.
1) Field Recording/Sound Design
I have a little experience with field recording, but not as much I should. Reading Ric Vier’s Sound Designing Bible really opened my eyes to another world of sound design. In the past, I’d only record sounds that I felt were good source material for Kicks, snares, synths, etc.
I recently purchased both the H4n & the H1N (these are field recorders). I’ve spent a little time getting use to them and just the art of recording elements outdoors. It’s a totally different ball game being in an uncontrolled environment. I was able to land a small sound design gig with a local film producer (lucky me).
He was pleased with the quality of my work, but I know a need a lot more hands-on experience. I made so many handling mistakes and it felt like an eternity recording the sounds or shall I say getting the best recording of each sound. So that’s definitely on my to-do list for 2013
2) Music Supervisors (Mingle More…Meet More)
Right now most of my music placements come from stock music libraries, but I would like to work a little closer with music supervisors. I’m connected with a few and from time to time get some decent-paying projects, but It’s time for me to expand and start building relationships with more of them.
Don’t get me wrong, the money I’m seeing from music libraries is lovely, I just want to put myself in a position to capitalize on any and every opportunity that I possibly can.
3) Pick A Daw Ableton Live or Logic Pro?
I’ve been toying around with both of these DAWS for a long time. I really need to pick one and stick with it. Logic is great, there’s a lot of cool things you can do with it, but when it comes to creating music, I like Ableton Live a little more.
It keeps me inspired, the workflow is different and I can change the skin! I know that may not be a huge deal for a lot of people, but graphics/colors inspire me.
I have to be able to change my environment otherwise everything gets stagnant. I’m also tired of looking at multiple project files from 2 different applications. That’s just clutter I don’t need on my machine – Yes I’m picky:(
4) Push More Music (It’s A #’s Game)
I’m currently signed up with 26 music libraries. Every couple of months I sign up for more and upload music to them. I’m gonna change this up a little, instead, I’m going to reduce the number of libraries I sign up with and increase the amount of music I upload.
This way I’m getting the most out of the library(s) (in theory anyway). The goal is to submit 1000 songs to each library, I know it sounds crazy, but you’d have to understand the workflow – Not a cakewalk, but 100% possible.
There may have to be a little exception for the 90 Day Music Licensing Challenge
5) Finish Boom Bap Phonetics 2
Boom Bap Phonetics is a drum kit I released a little over a year ago. It was heavily inspired by J Dilla and Kev Brown (really sick producers). Since the release I’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback, everyone keeps asking when the next one will release and I keep saying….” Soon” ha, sometimes soon never happens:(
Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of sound designing projects and a lot of self-education. Every time a paying project comes along I put BBP2 on hold and then life happens…So, finishing this project is set high on my priority list. I’m set to release in early 2013
6) Improve My Website
Continue updating my site with good content. Since the launch of my site, I’ve been noticing a good amount of traffic and great emails from people who enjoy what I’m doing – That feels good (knowing people appreciate the site).
I’ll be doing some upgrades to the site as far as the paid membership section and the main site’s design (hopefully). Trying to pick my battles wisely. What’s more important, content or design (they both go hand in hand).
I’ll be introducing more video/audio in 2013, it’ll be a lot easier for me to create content. I can create 3 videos or 5 audio segments in the same amount of time it takes to type and edit a 1000 word post. I’m all about working smarter not harder.
7) Training Seminars (Guitar Center)
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of requests to do sound design training (mostly at Guitar Center/Local Studios). It was kind of a strange feeling, I walked into GC to look around and this guy comes up to me and says “Oh man.. you’re Greg Savage!”.
I thought to myself “yep…I am”. Then he goes on to compliment me on the work I did on the Oberheim SEM V (felt good). I was wondering how he knew who I was, thinking maybe someone at GC pointed me out.
Turns out my picture is right on the back of the box…with the other sound designers. I’m not sure if live training is something I’d be into. I love teaching and sharing my experience/expertise, but something about being in the spotlight… Don’t like it.
I’m ok with 5-10 people but speaking in front of any more than that is a little much. I don’t know, the offer is on the table I’m considering it, but we’ll see.
What are your goals for 2013 and what do you feel is a must in order for you to reach them?