Question for my Bootcamp grads, or anyone else looking to compose professionally:
Are you driven by the hopes that someday, you'll get a chance to work on your "dream project"?
I know I sure was.
My childhood was filled watching interviews of my favorite composers and obsessively studying making-of documentaries of my favorite soundtracks. I was obsessed with the creative process.
I remember thinking:
"Man, would it be cool to be a part of something like that!"
It was the dream of working on projects like those that pushed me to build my network, share myself online, and master my craft.
And as the years went by, my desire only grew.
By 2019, I was making a living in music, with money coming from my work as a copyist for music theater, teaching composition online, and ad revenue from my YouTube channel. I had some composing gigs here and there, but nothing that satisfied my hunger for my "dream project".
And then, COVID-19 forced the world into a 2-year lockdown.
Suddenly, the phone stopped ringing. All of the creative outlets I once had were gone. And all of the confidence I'd had that I was getting closer to my dreams was ripped away from me.
It was crushing.
I teetered back-and-forth from manic workaholism to resigned depression. Some weeks I'd crank out countless cold emails and YouTube videos, other weeks I'd lie for hours on the couch in bitter defeat.
I felt like my dream had been stolen from me.
Eventually, in that period of silence and solitude, I decided to make a choice:
"Fine - if no one's going to hire me for my dream project, I guess I'll just have to make it myself."
And that's how Frostfell was born.
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Writing that album was one of the most creatively fulfilling projects I've ever worked on - personally or professionally.
I made my own VSTs derived from snow and ice, recorded foley of roaring winds and howling coyotes, and generated my own narrative in my head to score to. When I released it, it felt like my magnum opus.
Being without creative professional work for years taught me a valuable lesson as an artist:
Never wait for permission to start making the things you wish existed.
If you're dreaming of writing a fantasy orchestral soundtrack, just start writing it. Don't wait for someone else to pay you, or set a deadline, or approve your work.
Strike while the iron's hot.
Now, having left additional music to create more time and space for myself, I'm continuing to fulfill my artistic dreams.
I've always dreamt of composing dark fantasy music for games like Little Nightmares or Darkwood, but haven't had the opportunity yet.
So this time, I'm not waiting.
If you want to keep up with my journey and wherever it takes me, be sure to check out my YouTube series:
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(And if you'd like to start taking action towards your creative visions and want to work together to get you there, let's chat.)
👋 Ready for More?
When you're ready, here's 4 ways I can help:
- 🎥 My YouTube. Watch 350+ free videos to help you in your creative journey.
- 🎻 Orchestral Mockup Fundamentals. Learn the basics to create realistic mockups and produce cinematic music.
- 🎬 Composing Career Bootcamp. Learn how to start landing paid composing work from anywhere in the world. (100+ students, 5/5 stars)
- 🚀 Work Directly with Me. I run a coaching program for composers interested in working directly with me to achieve their goals. (Limited spots)
That's all for now!
Leave a reply to share your thoughts, questions, or just to say hi.
(I love hearing from my readers. 🙂)
Otherwise, happy music-making and I'll see you next time!
- Zach
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