Biggest Challenges Faced By A DJ As An Independent Artist
Jangsoon's biggest challenge as an independent DJ is negotiating fair rates that reflect the significant time, investment, and skill involved in preparing for gigs; balancing passion with business acumen is delicate, but Jangsoon finds that "with time and experience, it becomes a little bit easier."
Negotiation, Overcoming Challenges, Industry Realities, Salary, Entrepreneurship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jangsoon Park
DJ
Independent Artist
Northwestern University. Did not graduate
N/A
Economics
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Pell Grant Recipient, Immigrant
Video Highlights
1. Balancing passion and business in creative work can be challenging, especially when negotiating rates that fairly compensate for time and investment.
2. Independent DJs face unique financial pressures, needing to purchase equipment and manage costs alongside creative work.
3. Negotiating rates confidently improves with experience and involves asserting the value of one's skills and preparation.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
The biggest challenge, I would say, is whenever you're in a career where you're making a living off something creative, something that you're passionate about and love. It can be difficult to negotiate a rate for an event you're doing because it takes a lot of work.
It also takes a lot of investment. As an independent DJ, you have to have all your own equipment, which a lot of times you end up buying on your own time and with your credit card. For many people, it may seem like a DJ just comes to the gig, presses play, and plays music others have made.
While that's true, there's a lot of preparation, thought, and love that goes into preparing for an event. It can be difficult for me sometimes to negotiate a rate that is worth the work I put in. When it comes to business and your passion, it can be delicate and difficult to be adamant about a rate that you think is worth your skill set.
However, I think with time and experience, it becomes a little easier. As you get older, you just kind of put your foot down and say, "Take it or leave it." That has been challenging, but I'm slowly learning and it's getting easier.
Advizer Personal Links
Instagram.com/jazzyjangsoon