Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Devin Cline. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Devin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I was ready to take matters into my own hands… I have worked in the audio/video industry for a while, from production companies to video game studios, and I was ready to run my own company where I could work under my own style and use a workflow that I enjoy! I have always loved the ultra-stylized corners of the media industry and was inspired by small companies that thrive in that way – such as various guitar pedal, microphone, and clothing companies. There are more and more small studios that create big things and I want to be the next one. My main challenge? Living in St. Louis. There isn’t much going on here in the way of media and film, apart from corporate commercials and restaurant social media (LOL). To make it work, I take all the jobs I can find in town and build our true style and brand through our online/remote jobs. I travel a lot for out-of-town sound gigs and enjoy editing films from the comfort of my studio in Alton, IL. I’m thankful to have the opportunities and drive that I do so that I can build this from the ground up.

Devin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been a musician since I was little. I went to Full Sail University and majored in audio production to hone my skills. Fro the time I was 18 to now, I’ve been audio/video obsessed, soaking in every creative and technical skill I can, learning in every moment. I’ve worked in all environments, from architectural design firms to TV Stations, to Video Game Studios, gaining knowledge of the overarching industry at each step of the way. I think that’s a big part of what sets me apart. You could find me mixing a concert for a band you love or designing the speaker and internet systems for a sports stadium. A video game you played could have the music and score that I wrote, and a Honda ad could have been edited by me. I bring all of this wide knowledge with me into the stylized corners that I now sit in. I get satisfaction from smooth-running systems mixed with unique creativity, which is great because I don’t mind putting in the hard work on a more technical job and saving the art for later. I’m most proud of my willingness to move forward and continue learning even as I excel in one area. I’m currently learning more and more about coding AND hardware design on top of our audio services because I’m getting ready to sell products our big web-store launch. I love to have my hands in everything I can and I think that’s what makes me love life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn creativity. Crazy. I know. Sometimes you can’t let your ideas run wild. I’ve found that it’s very possible to be thinking in the wrong direction. It’s very fun to be creative and unhinged for your own work or for a client that is hiring you specifically for your style, but often we are doing jobs and there are industry standards to meet, competitors to match, and courtesies to uphold. All of this means – being willing to step back sometimes and be realistic. I know people that push too far on both ends of this spectrum. The key is finding the middle ground that works for you. I don’t know a single SUCCESSFUL creator that doesn’t have decent knowledge of both sides, and the very best ones make it clear IMMEDIATELY.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

YouTube. Silly/common/true answer. Research, research, research. Want to learn something new and get good at it quickly? Watch 5-10 101 videos form different creators, then watch 5-10 201 videos, and so on. Niche up, ask questions, go down rabbit holes, practice the art yourself and learn some things the hard way, google and ask questions, and then keep learning. Search the depths of YouTube to find the perfect creator that teaches you fast and even gives secret tips. Audio production is a great topic on YouTube, it’s not as honed in as video production YouTube, but there are hidden gems out there that can teach you so much. I also buy books after a while. Sitting down and reading into a topic once you’ve found yourself interested in it pushes you in a different way. I’m big into the idea that you need to use different senses to learn something and experience something fully. Knowing your vocab is great until you find yourself in the moment, so get off YouTube, read the damn manuals of your equipment, do practice projects, do some free work to figure out your skills, etc etc etc etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gaussiansound.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaussiansoundco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568598455620
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GaussianSoundCo

Image Credits

Devin Cline, Cameron Ahlvers, Josh Herum, Spencer Peck