Part two of the conversation with Broadway lighting designer Jane Cox. Topics: ⭐️ Keeping overhead low ⭐️ Paying theatre designers hourly ⭐️ Penny Remsen - Jane’s lighting mentor ⭐️ Paying for assistants / drafting out of the design fee ⭐️ Two recent design fees - one for an opera, one for an off Broadway musical Video Version https://youtu.be/1qBXKh3-QfM Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance False Steps - Off-Broadway Play https://www.falsestepscomedy.com/ Jane Cox https://janecoxl...
Jul 04, 2025•57 min•Ep. 193
Lighting designer Jane Cox discusses life as a freelance theatre designer who has also taken on some full time academic work. Topics: ⭐️ Parenting while working in the arts ⭐️ Paying student loans with a credit card ⭐️ Prioritizing the needs of the community above the market rate ⭐️ The financial system working against theatre design as a career ⭐️ Jane’s tax rate as a freelancer nearing 50%, and having it lower once she started working a full time W2 job. Video Version https://youtu.be/jA1IOCWm...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 192
An update on the $6,000 of investments we made in May of 2021. Four lighting designers and a bond investment CEO review how our investments compare to the S&P 500. Video Version https://youtu.be/_hiXSC5HY6A Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance False Steps: A Ballroom Comedy https://www.falsestepscomedy.com/ ETFs: IVV - iShares Core S&P 500 Stocks: VST - Vistra Corp LAC - Lithium Americas TAP - Molson Coors Beverage (owners of Blue Moon) SKLZ- Skillz Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin ...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 191
Set designer Vincent Gunn talks about the benefits of tracking the hours that you work. Topics: ⭐️ Valuing your time ⭐️ Investing the money in your retirement account ⭐️ Writing things down and getting them out of your head ⭐️ Designers thinking about work even when they’re not at work Video Version https://youtu.be/g1BZrnh3l7A Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Vincent Gunn https://www.vincentgunn.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-gunn-3a45aab2/ https://www.instagram.com/...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 190
TheatrIcal lighting designer Jason Lynch talks about freelancing in Chicago. Topics: ⭐️ LLCs ⭐️ Estate Sales ⭐️ Keeping our humanity ⭐️ Investing in the S&P 500 ⭐️ Some of Jason’s recent design fees ⭐️ Moving to a big theatre city, that’s not New York Video Version https://youtu.be/y5PApxbBG_I Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Jason Lynch https://www.jasondlynch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondlynch/ https://www.instagram.com/jasonlynch.design/ Vehicle Expenses Tracke...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 191
Projection designer Sven Ortel talks about career finances. Topics: ⭐️ Being persistent ⭐️ Insisting you get credit for your work ⭐️ Organizing your taxes and writing it down ⭐️ Separating the production budget from the design budget Video Version https://youtu.be/YDxUvU-in4U Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Sven Ortel https://www.svenortel.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/svenortel/ https://www.instagram.com/svenortel/ Is the credit "Projection Design" or "Video Design?" https...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 188
Discussing designer pay and transparency with Broadway, Off-Broadway, and West End lighting designer Isabella Byrd. Topics: ⭐️ Dealing with the IRS ⭐️ Union pension, healthcare, and the union ledger ⭐️ Commercial theatre fees (aka Broadway) versus off-Broadway fees (aka non-profit theatre) ⭐️ CDs, as in Certificates of Deposit Video Version https://youtu.be/HJ1wBWuLwKQ Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Isabella Byrd https://www.isabellabyrd.design/ https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-...
May 06, 2025•2 hr 18 min•Ep. 187
Today is the 5th anniversary of Artistic Finance. A quick thank you to mark the occasion and announcing a non-AEA casting notice for NYC!
May 05, 2025•6 min•Ep. 187
Broadway lighting designer Beverly Emmons discusses commercial theatre practices for designers. Topics: ⭐️ Adding riders onto your contract ⭐️ Theatre Law which aims to protect investors’ money ⭐️ W2 and 1099 and how that impacts copyright for designers ⭐️ The history of the theatre design union - United Scenic Artists ⭐️ Those union contracts, what they protect, and how they’re helpful for expediting theatre negotiations because so many things are spelled out already, so there isn’t need for a ...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 186
Alvin Hough Jr, who’s currently the associate music director of The Lion King on Broadway, talks about career finances and a few things about musical theatre musicians. Topics: ⭐️ Dollar pizza ⭐️ Being a saver, not a spender ⭐️ Living off per diem while touring ⭐️ Rehearsal call versus a performance call ⭐️ Rates of pay for different numbers of instruments ⭐️ The differences between the piano and the keyboard ⭐️ Working a double, in musician speak, and what that means for your pay scale. ⭐️ The ...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 185
Technical director Tab Birt discusses his journey through live entertainment, financial lessons learned along the way, and his dream of trading the stage for a glass artist’s studio in Norway. Topics ⭐️ Glass blowing ⭐️ Not selling yourself short ⭐️ Getting on a stagehands union call list ⭐️ Burning out, being cynical, and the joy of theatre ⭐️ The secret investment vehicle called a ROTH IRA Video Version https://youtu.be/Kh9TP0Gls0s Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Tab Birt ht...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 184
Today’s show is an “ordinary and necessary” episode in which we learn about prepping and filing taxes for freelancer 1099 income. Topics: ⭐️ Documentation matters! ⭐️ Personal expenses versus business expenses ⭐️ Tracking your expenses as you go ⭐️ Missing expenses are the number one way to pay more in taxes. Video Version https://youtu.be/EJBHsud0Iis Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Aja M Jackson https://www.ajajacksonlighting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ajamjackson/ https:...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 183
A guide of financial resources, and where to find them, for freelancers working in theatre or other facets of the entertainment industry. ⭐️ Unions ⭐️ Job boards ⭐️ Scholarships ⭐️ Financial Planning ⭐️ Taxes / Accountants ⭐️ Financial Communities ⭐️ Educational Worksheets & Supplements ⭐️ Community Resources - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ⭐️ Episodes of Artistic Finance - separated out by career focuses Video Version: https://youtu.be/lOlmkn7Obi4 Artistic Finance Website - click on "res...
Feb 12, 2025•46 min•Ep. 182
A panel of live event lighting and media professionals having a Q&A about career finances. ⭐️ Theatre Lighting Designer Christina Watanabe ⭐️ TV Lighting Designer Mike Grabowski ⭐️ Media Designer Zak Borovay ⭐️ TV Gaffer Seán Linehan Topics: ⭐️ Taxes ⭐️ Agents ⭐️ Contracts ⭐️ USA 829 / LORT Contracts Youtube Version https://youtu.be/ojmSqEkGqi8 Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance LDI https://www.ldishow.com/ Christina Watanabe https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-watanabe/ ht...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 181
An interview with television lighting designer Josh Hutchings about how intimate and taboo it is to discuss finances. Topics: ⭐️ Compound interest ⭐️ Not having a financial plan ⭐️ Investing early and consistently ⭐️ It’s an industry based on relationships ⭐️ How intimate and taboo discussing finances is ⭐️ Making a financial life plan with the help of professionals Video Version https://youtu.be/6hFYG8HHQ0Y Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Illumination Advocates https://www.il...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 180
A discussion of various financial independence topics for people working in the creative industry. Topics: ⭐️ Improving Financial IQ ⭐️ The “starving artist” narrative ⭐️ Empowering confidence in personal financial decisions A live episode recorded at LDI in collaboration with Amy D Lux / Lobolux Design's Financial Independence Club. Video Version https://youtu.be/Nqo4Z7UREKE Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Kinetic Lighting https://kineticlighting.com/ LDI https://www.ldishow....
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 179
Learn about the process of designing and producing live shows for music artists with our Los Angeles based guests: lighting designer and programmer, Erica D Hayes and COO and Show Director at Wasted Potential, Zach Berget. Topics: ⭐️Balancing the creative vision of an artist with the logistical realities of large-scale budgets. ⭐️ The workflow behind developing these narratives and visual elements. Video Version TBDhttps://youtu.be/H2sMFfOzyB4 Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance W...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 178
Theatre director Oliver Butler discusses the state of pay for theatre directors. Topics: ⭐️ Director Fees at Non-Profit Theatres in NYC ⭐️ Giving credit to the non profits that pay above the SDC minimum. ⭐️ Actionable steps to address the issue both for individuals and institutions. ⭐️ Discussing theatre pay honestly and in public so we don’t uphold the myth that it’s livable. Video Version https://youtu.be/8uT8SPDBXnk Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Oliver Butler Instagram Vi...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 177
Theatre designers and their agents come together for an in-depth discussion on navigating agent-designer relationships, contract negotiations, and strategies for fair compensation in the theatre industry. Topics: ⭐️ Preparing for contract negotiations ⭐️ Challenges and solutions when negotiating ⭐️ Meeting and building relationships with agents ⭐️ Advice for early, mid-career, and high-profile designers Youtube Version https://youtu.be/y8rnJ1BPO8E Patreon Version - with PDF Class Supplement http...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 176
Lighting designer Travis McHale talks business and finance as a theatre designer. Topics: ⭐️ Self filing taxes ⭐️ Negotiating rates ⭐️ Reasons to be investing ⭐️ Paying off mortgages early ⭐️ The magic of compound interest ⭐️ Stress and negativity of credit card debt Patreon Resource Version https://www.patreon.com/posts/175-creative-are-117433546?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Video Version https://youtu.be/7psS_ebQ...
Dec 10, 2024•2 hr 4 min•Ep. 175
A conversation with lighting designer Don Holder. Topics: ⭐️ Advice for young designers ⭐️ Managing finances as a freelancer ⭐️ Advantages of filing taxes as a C Corp Video Version https://youtu.be/YXHdU1JVmRE Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Don Holder https://www.donaldholderlighting.com/welcome/portfolio/index.html https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/donald-holder-25700 The Lion King https://lionking.com/ Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spide...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 174
An interview with Amanda Gougelmann, part of the Software Support Team for ACT Entertainment and freelance stagehand. Topics: ⭐️ Networking for advice ⭐️ Finding the market rate for a job ⭐️ Invest in yourself and your future ⭐️ Having multiple jobs to smooth over slow times ⭐️ Getting a job by starting a relationship at a trade show ⭐️ Donating and raising money for causes while still paying the bills Video Version https://youtu.be/oZ59YbvGNLI Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance ...
Nov 29, 2024•30 min•Ep. 173
An interview with Ulrike Storch: a business coach for circus performers. Topics: ⭐️ Whether or not to work for free ⭐️ Marketing and social media curating ⭐️ A frank look at rates and negotiations ⭐️ Authenticity in professional communication Video Version https://youtu.be/EGFtaB6ii1c Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Stagelync Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAF-8SJHUCk&t=6s&ab_channel=StageLync Ulrike Storch https://linktr.ee/sellingcircus https://www.ulrikesto...
Nov 26, 2024•56 min•Ep. 173
Alex Pendleton, manager of Netgear’s ProAV Systems Engineering department sits down with Ellen and Ethan to talk personal finances. Topics: ⭐️ Paying yourself first ⭐️ Investing as much as possible ⭐️ Long term investing apart from news cycles Video Version https://youtu.be/KiZcsADzSqE Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance LDI - Free registration with promo code ARTISTICFINANCE https://www.ldishow.com/ LDI AF Recording - The Art of Tailoring A Show https://sched.co/1odhj LDI AF Reco...
Nov 21, 2024•27 min•Ep. 172
On today’s show we go across the pond to the UK. We meet the co-founders of Women in Lighting. It's a project by Light Collective run by our guests Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton. Amy D Lux guest hosts this interview. Topics: ⭐️ Balancing Money Goals & Lifestyle Goals ⭐️ Starting your own company and following your passions ⭐️ Building a global project that connects 78 countries, and counting Video Version https://youtu.be/9KcEKBeA3lw Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Wom...
Nov 18, 2024•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 172
Ellen and Ethan interview Los Angeles based lighting designer, programmer, and video director Erica D Hayes. Topics: ⭐️ Following the money ⭐️ A high school internship leading to a career path ⭐️ Contracts are only as good as the people they’re made with ⭐️ Speed of payments as a contractor with Net 30, Net 45, and Net 60 ⭐️ Joining IATSE 728, The Union Dedicated to Motion Picture Set Lighting Video Version https://youtu.be/WBo6MsgPxoU Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance LDI - Fre...
Nov 14, 2024•39 min•Ep. 171
An interview with two of the union organizers who helped Drunk Shakespeare join the Actor’s Equity Association. Ella Fent from the Chicago production and Clara Kundin from the Phoenix company talk about the long day's journey into unionizing. Topics: ⭐️ Reasons for unionizing ⭐️ Navigating the process of joining AEA ⭐️ The benefits gained through union membership ⭐️ Advice for other theatre workers considering unionizing Video Version https://youtu.be/G5i2aXVQNPI Artistic Finance https://linktr....
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 171
Lighting and visual production designer Kat Borderud sits down with Ellen and Ethan to talk about handling finances as a touring LD and programmer. Topics: ⭐️ Needs versus wants ⭐️ The ebb and flow of rates ⭐️ Freelancers learning finances on the go ⭐️ Working prep in the rental shops that build tours Video Version https://youtu.be/qQ5AcRshTSE Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance Kat Borderud https://www.katborderud.com/ @katmagik The Art of Tailoring A Show https://sched.co/1odhj ...
Nov 07, 2024•40 min•Ep. 170
Performer and musician Matthew LaBanca discussing his upcoming solo show Communion, in which he tells the story of getting fired from his music teaching job by the Catholic Church when he was reported for being gay. Topics: ⭐️ Finding a lead producer using the internet ⭐️ Producing a non-profit off-Broadway mini contract ⭐️ Theatre careers are about relationships, so have integrity because it’s a magnetic trait ⭐️ It’s a solitary career, so let people into your process sooner than later to have ...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 170
Ellen and Ethan talk with Emily Malone, head of live events at Disguise, known for hardware and software for events and installations, like the Sphere in Las Vegas. Topics: ⭐️ Determining rates ⭐️ Saving for overhead ⭐️ Saving for retirement ⭐️ Benefits of networking We also discuss the Vegas Sphere, Adele’s Munich Show, and Philadelphia Cream Cheese Video Version https://youtu.be/p2ZI0DUH0O4 Artistic Finance https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance LDI https://www.ldishow.com/ Emily Malone https://www...
Oct 31, 2024•29 min•Ep. 169
