We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacob Muniz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jacob , appreciate you joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
The number one thing that both my parents did was encourage me to take my own path. I knew early on that a traditional college route wasn’t going to be for me and yet they backed me 100% whenever I said I wanted to do an internship that would provide me hands-on experience from day one. Even to this day they support and cheer me on as I move forward and achieve more and more accomplishments in my career.
Jacob , 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?
My name is Jacob Muniz and I am a self-employed Audio Engineer and Music Producer. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a knack for playing instruments by ear. I always knew that I wanted to be in this industry. Some of the things I provide can range anywhere from beats for hip-hop and rap songs to country music and all the way to compositions and scores for short films. One major thing I can say that sets me apart from others is that I am also a multi-instrumentalist so I can usually fill any need of instrumentation without having to outsource. I’m most proud of the growth that my business has seen over these six years and counting and I’m also proud of the creative environment that my studio provides for clients.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I definitely had to unlearn perfection. There was a lot of back-and-forth with not feeling good enough about my work. There was a lot of going “back to the drawing board” so to speak and what I found is, I had to let go of the idea of everything having to be perfect at the end of the day my client’s happiness is what mattered. So as long as they’re happy, I’m happy!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
The best way that I have built my reputation is simply by word-of-mouth. When my clients come in, I always make sure that no matter how big or small the project I always give 110%. At the end of the day the product that leaves my studio is my sound and all of what I offer. I take the “let My Work speak for itself” approach. Thankfully, I have solid clients that will always spread the word for me. I’ve been really blessed with them.
Image Credits
Milton Johnson (LBE)