We've all heard the dream, perhaps even believed it: land that first big placement, get your foot in the door, and suddenly the work will come flooding in.
You'll go full-time, the phone will be ringing off the hook, and you'll never have to look for work again. Sadly, this is a lie we've been sold.
The truth?
You might land a wonderful first placement – and it is a wonderful thing– but then the world just carries on.
You might get a couple of calls, but it's often not the avalanche of work you imagine.
This is exactly what happened to me after my first big TV ad and even my first trailer placement.
The scary part is, when this silence hits, all those fears you had before your first contact or placement come flooding back: "How do I make consistent money?" "How do I get another placement?" "Am I even good enough?"It can feel like you've taken one step forward and two steps back.
But here's the good news:
You can take control.
Unlocking consistent work isn't about waiting for a magic bullet; it's about implementing clear strategies.
Here are five things you can do to take control and build the sustainable composing career you desire:
1. Build Your Financial Runway (It’s Not Just About Talent)
My experience has shown the immense power of a financial runway. This is simply having enough money set aside to cover at least six months, and ideally 12 to 24 months, of your monthly expenditures.
This "safety net" - or "runway" as I prefer to call it - provides incredible peace of mind and frees up your mental bandwidth for creativity.
It also gets you into the practice of managing unpredictable income, which is common for full-time composers.
For more on financial control, I highly recommend the book Profits First.
2. Relentless Outreach (Nurture & Build)
The belief that work will just keep rolling in after one placement is a misconception.
You need to actively continue your outreach efforts.
This means two things:
- Nurture Existing Relationships: When you land a contact and get a placement, nurture that relationship. These are people. A friendly email to check in or ask about potential projects keeps you top of mind. I've worked with companies for over a decade and still need to remind them about me sometimes. If you don't nurture it, the relationship can dissipate – and that's normal, not a rejection.
- Build New Relationships: You don't need to continually build endless new contacts, but you do need a roster of several reliable connections. Continue the outreach process as if you were a new composer: introduce yourself, share your work, express your admiration for their projects, and be specific, positive, focused, and nice.
3. The Golden Rule: Be Nice, Be Grateful, Be Thoughtful
This might seem obvious, but it's incredibly powerful. Be nice to everyone. Many industry professionals will tell you that it doesn't matter how talented you are; if you're not pleasant to work with, they won't hire you.
Being courteous, grateful, and thoughtful, and asking questions, can enhance your perceived talent. I'll be the first to admit I'm not the most talented composer or musician, but being nice has gone a long way for me.
4. Cultivate a Positive and Resilient Mindset
The path to becoming a full-time composer is filled with ups and downs. A positive and resilient mindset is crucial.
My best advice for this is twofold:
- Prioritise Personal Time: Always set aside time for yourself to simply enjoy the life you are creating.
- Get Good Sleep: This might sound annoying, especially if you have young kids, but quality sleep is essential for maintaining a positive outlook. These two things are fundamental to riding the inevitable lows and appreciating the highs.
5. Consistently Check In On Your Goals
Your goals are your rocket fuel. Always be checking in to ensure the work you're doing aligns with them. Nurture a deep belief that will achieve your goals.
This internal fire will keep you pushing forward, helping you navigate the challenging periods and truly savour the successes.
By combining financial control, consistent outreach, a strong professional reputation, a resilient mindset, and unwavering goal focus, you gain a sense of control that is incredibly empowering, whether you're navigating challenges or sailing smoothly.
Stop waiting for the golden ticket, and start building your golden career today.
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