Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Canon Herring. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Canon, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Being a composer, my job requires a high level of creativity that can be hards to keep consistent. With every new score I write, I have to bring something new, fresh and unique. This makes it hard to keep creativity alive, and easy to fall into musician’s block. Growing up, I was taught to express my creativity freely. My parents would encourage me to keep going even when things got hard. I think the key to creativity is a strong work ethic. Early on in my career, I did an original soundtrack for a documentary called “GYC: The Movement.” This job required me to make one hour of music in only two months time. This deadline made it necessary for me to work late nights and create art while low on energy and inspiration. Having finished the project, after creating twenty-two tracks and fifty-five minutes of music, I was relieved. Going through such a high demand project only made me realize the limits of my own strength and creativity. It was my strong work ethic and determination that allowed me to create something beautiful while low on fumes. My encouragement to any creative would be to practice creating even when you don’t want to. Art is always better from someone who has practiced the pain of discipline.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a film composer, my job is to compose and produce an original soundtrack to my client’s film or video. After watching the fiIm and experiencing the emotions the director desires to portray, I write the different parts and record the instruments into my software. After all the instruments are recorded, and the tracks edited, I adjust all the volumes and frequencies to make sure the audio quality is industry standard. This process can take days or months depending on the demands of the project. Having an idea and being able to bring it to life, is the most rewarding part of my job. I get to watch as my hard work slowly creates the opportunity to hear the music in my head.
I recently got the opportunity to create the theme music for the social media influencer, SunshineNate. He videos the moon and stars through high quality professional telescopes, and gives educational information on astronomy. Being able to work with the topic of space gave me plenty of inspiration for the theme music. I thoroughly enjoyed creating this music and encourage the readers to take a listen on all platforms.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important things I learned early on in my journey were to value hands-on experience over education, build a working portfolio, and never be afraid to advertise your services.
Most people or companies looking for creative services value evident experience and a show of work over a degree in your field of creative study. On top of that, in my opinion, the best way to learn creativity is to be actively creative. If you are a creative person who desires to make a business out of your craft, the best thing you can do is start small, build a portfolio of your work, and consistently advertise your work to bigger clients. Be confident in your experience and expertise, and just start doing what you love.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Jesus Christ has been the most influential, helpful, and prominent person in my personal and public life. No skill, opportunity, knowledge, quality, or good result has been of my own making. Everything I am and everything I do is dedicated to the advancement of the kingdom of God. Every good thing I have received or experienced is a result of the goodness of God. I owe everything to Him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://canonherring.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canonherring
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@canonherring
Image Credits
Bracy Tebbe
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