In the latest episode of Artistic Finance, lighting designer and podcast host Ethan Steimel is joined by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux, LDI creative director, to interview Amanda Gougelmann. Amanda, a member of the software support team for ACT Entertainment and a freelance stagehand, shares her experiences in the live entertainment industry. Their conversation covers navigating the challenges of freelance work, career-building, and personal finance in live event careers.
Major Talking Points from the Discussion
1. Networking for Success
Amanda emphasizes the importance of connecting with others in the industry—not just at conferences or trade shows, but through classes and casual conversations. She points out that the relationships formed in these settings can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and guidance. Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional; simply showing up and engaging with others can make a significant impact.
2. Finding the Market Rate for a Job
Determining fair pay for freelancing gigs can be challenging. Valuable answers come from asking others in the industry about their rates and experiences. Whether it's stagehand work or programming, asking peers about their wages can help demystify the process of setting competitive yet reasonable rates.
3. Investing in Yourself and Your Future
Amanda shares her perspective on investing in professional development, such as attending workshops or certifications. Beyond the skills gained, these experiences expand your network by connecting you with instructors and fellow participants. This investment is a way to build relationships and network with others in the industry. Even after the class or workshop, you’ll be connected to these people for future advice, jobs, and community connections.
4. Juggling Multiple Jobs to Stay Afloat
Freelance work is known for fluctuating income. Amanda mentions it’s practical to maintain multiple income streams to smooth over slow periods. For her, this manifests in freelancing as a stagehand alongside working for ACT Entertainment.
5. The Value of Industry Events
Amanda's current role with ACT Entertainment is a direct result of relationships she built at a LDI. It wasn’t intentional but she met people by attending sessions hosted by ACT Entertainment and one thing led to another. This underscores the importance of showing up, even if you’re not actively job hunting. Connections made in these spaces are sometimes fleeting but sometimes open unexpected doors.
6. Supporting Causes While Paying the Bills
Amanda touches on balancing financial obligations with a desire to give back. Whether through donations or raising money for causes, it’s important to find ways to make a difference without compromising personal financial stability. It’s a lifelong challenge but a worthwhile one.
Wrapping Up
Ethan concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to embrace the collaborative spirit of the industry. Asking for help, whether it’s technical advice or career guidance, is not only acceptable but expected. He reflects on his own experience helping a fellow lighting designer learn how to dim string lights, illustrating how even simple questions can foster growth and camaraderie.
Thanks for reading this far. If you’re in the live entertainment industry, Amanda’s advice offers actionable insights to navigate your career with confidence and purpose.
Bonus: Meet the Artistic Finance Team at LDI
As LDI approaches, Ethan reminds listeners that the podcast will host live recordings at the LDI conference on December 8th and 9th. These sessions will feature past guests like Ebony Madry, Erica D. Hayes, and Amy D. Lux, along with new voices from the programming and visual design world. If you’re attending, be sure to stop by and say hello.
For full details on the episode and to watch the video version, visit artisticfinance.com/173bonus.