SAE Expression College alumnus, Studio Owner and Platinum Recording Engineer, Andrew Flores, shares his experiences of transitioning from the classroom to working in the Audio industry.
What skills did you take from the classroom to your professional experience?
The classroom taught me discipline. It takes a lot to work to perfect an area of study. SAE Expression College taught me how to work with others. Personality can be the deciding factor when landing a project/job. I also believe that networking is key. You have to be ready to know what to say and when to say it. I made it a priority to keep a large network that artists can tap into. Whether they need videos, album artwork, or a vast variety of production tools, I can supply it. Networking alone has greatly contributed to my success.
What are some challenges you have faced in the audio industry?
Some of the biggest challenges I have faced were starting a business from the ground up. I didn’t have anything handed to me. I invested under $500 in a simple set up while I was at school so I could practice what I had learned at home. I started charging once I had a solid service, and reinvested everything I earned back into the business. Engineering was a lot of trial and error, but it was all worth it. I’ve had the success of creative a lucrative business at little expense.
What have some of your successes been?
I became a Platinum recording engineer this month with the song called “Valentino” by 24kGoldn. It was both a Billboard Hot 100 and featured in the HBO TV show, Ballers. In addition to 24kGoldn, I’ve had the pleasure of working with notable artists such as $tupid Young, E-40, Blueface, Nefthepharaoh, Iamsu, and Golden State Warriors’ starter, Jordan Poole.
How important is your personal brand and how you market yourself?
Personal branding is very important. You have to have a solid personal brand in order to properly market yourself, find clients, and maintain them. You are a business. For example, my Instagram follows certain themes and guidelines I created to support my own brand. I designated a spot in the studio where artists can take photos with my logo. Artists love to let people know that they’re working, so it markets itself. Being clear on what you have to offer and having a well-rounded, put together business goes a long way.
What advice do you have for aspiring audio engineers?
Be open to opportunities – if you truly want to be an engineer, then you have to go all in. Some of the biggest opportunities I’ve had were completely out of the blue, and most were put together at late hours after a 16 hour shift. Your name means everything. The little things you can do in a session to accommodate an artist goes a long way. If you work hard, are good at what you do, and people like being in the room with you, word will spread like wildfire. Studio etiquette is key.
