Working for a living: Live music production
Starting today, on Mondays we will focus on career options available to recent graduates and feature stories from professionals with unique jobs.
- Live music production
Jobs vary greatly in the music industry. - Graphic designer
Overview: Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Education requirements: A bachelor's or an associate degree in graphic design is usually required.
Outlook: Employment of graphic designers is expected grow about as fast as average. Keen competition for jobs is expected; individuals with a bachelor's degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.
Mean hourly wage: $22.48
Bureau of Labor Statistics
A senior at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., Hall, 22, is majoring in music business with a minor in graphic design. When not in class, Hall has been interning at Curb Records and helping produce AtlantaFest for the past two summers.
We spoke with Hall, a graduate of Maranatha Christian Academy in Oakwood, about getting into the music industry, what experience will help other students who want to take a similar path and her plans for the future.
Question: What would you like to do after graduation?
Answer: Ideally, I want to get involved with festival production or live music production, something in the live music environment. That’s what I’ve done a lot with school groups and some work experience.
When I was in high school, I really started getting into music just going to concerts in Gainesville and Habersham. When you see a show, that’s when it really becomes a passionate thing, and that’s when I really feel I can enjoy the music the most.
Q: Did you decide to minor in graphic design because of what it can bring to the record industry, or is it a separate passion?
A: It’s kind of both, to be honest. I always did art in high school, so I wanted that balance in business and artistry. Right now I work at a record label, and we do a lot of design work. And it has a lot to do with what type of designs you do and the market it appeals to.... It helps me realize ... helps me have that creative feel. Plus, you know, with the economy the way it is, it’s not a great time to be graduating. It adds an extra key to your resume.
Q: How much of your career decision is reliant on college coursework and how much is reliant on networking?
A: I’m working at Curb Records, which is predominantly country and Christian. They’re an independent label but they’re the biggest independent label. I got that just through making friends and networking. ... My experience in Nashville has been that you can read the book and it will tell you technically what you need to know about the industry, but the most important thing is getting out there and networking. In Atlanta there’s not as big an industry as there is in Nashville and LA, but it’s about making friends and networking. ... Even if it’s going to a show and making friends with as many different people as you can, just getting yourself involved in that sort of culture.I go to a school that’s really good for the music business, and at the same time the record company thing, most of my job experience and music industry experience has come from being friends with people, and being willing to do anything.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I graduate in August. I’m going to be staying with Curb Records for the summer. My boss is trying to get me hired; I don’t know if that’s going to happen. My plan for the summer is a lot of job hunting and freelance graphic design.