The Income Structure of a Freelance Composer
- How I Keep My Work Stable
- Diversification Is the Key
- My Actual Income Structure
- Why I Structure My Work This Way
- My Strategy as a Freelance Composer
- Do You Need Major Artist Credits?
- Why Major Credits Aren’t the Only Standard
- Why I Don’t Focus on Competitions
- When I Do Join Competitions
- What I Value Most in My Work
- Final Thoughts
- ▶ Work With Me
How I Keep My Work Stable
When people hear “freelance composer,”
they often think:
“Isn’t it unstable to rely only on music?”
And honestly, that concern is valid.
The truth is:
👉 Relying on a single source of income is highly unstable.
That’s why I intentionally structure my work with multiple income streams.
In this article, I’ll share how I actually build and maintain a stable income as a freelance composer.
Diversification Is the Key
The most important principle for stability as a freelancer is simple:
👉 Have multiple sources of income
If one stream stops, everything stops — that’s risky.
But if you have several, even if one drops,
your overall income remains stable.
My Actual Income Structure
Here’s how my income is structured in practice:
■ Audio-Related Work (Base Income)
- Hotel audio operation (semi-regular)
- Audio maintenance (irregular)
- Recording assistant work (a few times during certain months)
Instead of relying only on music production,
I build income across all audio-related fields.
Especially hotel audio work provides a stable base.
■ Music Production (Client Work)
- Corporate projects (working with multiple companies)
- Ongoing production contracts
This is the core of my work.
However, relying on a single client is risky, so:
👉 I prioritize working with multiple clients
■ Individual Clients (Repeat Clients)
- Clients who continuously request new work
While acquiring new clients is important,
👉 Repeat clients are far more stable
With established trust,
communication and workflow become much smoother.
■ Platform-Based Work
- Certified creator activities on two platforms
- Official Prize Creator on the streaming app “Colorsing”
These platforms serve as entry points.
Rather than depending on them completely,
👉 I use them as channels to connect with new clients
Being recognized as a certified creator also means
I operate in an environment with consistent opportunities.
■ Other Income Streams (Details Not Disclosed)
There are additional income sources as well.
However,
👉 Some areas lose value if too many competitors enter
So I intentionally keep certain details private.
This is also part of the diversification strategy.
Why I Structure My Work This Way
The reason is simple:
👉 To avoid being affected if one income stream stops
For example:
- Fewer client requests
- Platform policy changes
- Temporary drop in individual commissions
These things happen all the time.
That’s why I design my work from the start with this mindset:
👉 Assume instability — and build around it
My Strategy as a Freelance Composer
Here are the three key principles I follow:
1. Increase Income Sources
→ Include music and related fields
2. Avoid Dependency
→ Don’t rely on a single company or platform
3. Build Long-Term Stability
→ Focus on creating a sustainable foundation over time
Do You Need Major Artist Credits?
This is a common concern from both individuals and companies:
“Is it okay if you don’t have major artist credits?”
My answer:
👉 Major credits are not everything
Why Major Credits Aren’t the Only Standard
Of course, working with major artists is one clear indicator of experience.
However, in real-world projects, what often matters more is:
- Speed of delivery
- Flexibility with revisions
- Smooth communication
- Ability to understand the client’s intent
👉 Being easy to work with is often more valuable
Why I Don’t Focus on Competitions
I generally avoid participating in music competitions (pitch-based projects).
The reason is simple:
- No payment unless selected
- Time and effort may result in zero return
While competitions aren’t inherently bad,
they carry higher risk in terms of stability.
When I Do Join Competitions
That said, I may participate in certain cases:
👉 When invited by companies I already work with
In these situations:
- Conditions are clear
- A working relationship already exists
This makes it a more reliable environment.
What I Value Most in My Work
What I prioritize is:
👉 Providing a reliable and stress-free experience for clients
This includes:
- Clear communication
- Proper schedule management
- Flexible revision handling
I consider all of these part of the creative process.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to measure a composer’s value.
But ultimately:
👉 What matters most is whether you can trust them with your project
Rather than one-time transactions,
I aim to build long-term relationships with my clients.
▶ Work With Me
I’m currently available for:
- Music composition
- Background music (BGM) production
- Arrangement
- Sheet music creation
I can adapt to your needs and budget.
Feel free to reach out:
👉 [Click here to contact me via Nekone Official Website]
