In this episode of the Artistic Finance podcast, lighting designer and host Ethan Steimel sits down with Carolyn Wong, a New York-based lighting designer, to discuss the ups and downs of her freelance career. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Carolyn shares her strategies for maintaining a sustainable career while navigating the unpredictable world of freelancing. Ethan Steimel is a frequent podcast host at LDI, and will return once again this year with Financial Independence For Creatives, featuring lighting designer Amy D. Lux.
Watch the Carolyn Wong interview here.
Listen to the Carolyn Wong podcast here.
How It All Began: A Jacob’s Pillow Connection
Ethan opens the episode by sharing a personal anecdote about how he and Carolyn first met at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, where Ethan was working as an intern and Carolyn was touring with dance companies as a stage manager and lighting designer. During her visit, Carolyn took the time to meet with Ethan, review his lighting portfolio, and offer valuable advice about moving to New York City as a freelancer. This meeting had a lasting impact on Ethan, who credits Carolyn’s kindness as one of his early wake up calls that people in the lighting community know the demands of the career and go above and beyond to share their knowledge with early career professionals. It was a full-circle moment for both as they reconnected on the podcast to reflect on their freelance journeys.
Investing in Yourself
Carolyn emphasizes the importance of investing in yourself, a key takeaway from the episode. Whether it’s upgrading skills, purchasing new equipment, or attending professional development workshops such as those at LDI, Carolyn believes that spending money on growth is essential for long-term success. "What are we saving for if not to help ourselves be fulfilled and the best we can be?" she asks.
By continually investing in herself, Carolyn has been able to remain current in the fast-paced world of lighting design, positioning herself for bigger opportunities while maintaining passion for the work.
Keeping Living Expenses Low
Another theme Carolyn discusses is the value of keeping living expenses low. As a freelancer, she explains that managing personal finances is crucial to having more freedom when choosing projects. This echoes advice from financial experts like Dave Ramsey and Warren Buffett—lowering your expenses gives you flexibility and the power to make decisions based on fulfillment, not just financial necessity. As Carolyn points out, this strategy allows her to take on projects that may not pay the most but are creatively or personally rewarding.
The Sustainable Hustle
The conversation also touches on the idea of the "sustainable hustle." Carolyn acknowledges that freelancing in the theatre world can be challenging, but it’s vital to pace yourself and make choices that contribute to long-term sustainability. She reiterates the importance of networking, sharing the advice: "It’s always better to be in a theater and seen than not being in a theater." Whether you’re there to work, support a friend’s production, or even just stopping by, being present in the theatre world opens doors for future opportunities.
Ethan echoed this advice, referencing previous guest Broadway lighting designer Peter Kaczorowski, who emphasized that networking and visibility in the industry play a key role in finding work. As Carolyn notes, staying active in the theatre scene, no matter the context, is crucial for staying on people's radar and continuing to build professional relationships.
Navigating Financial Privilege
Carolyn also touches on the role of privilege in her career. She acknowledges that having certain privileges, like access to financial support, has made it easier for her to navigate the demands of freelancing. However, this is not the case for everyone. Ethan brings up a blunt example from his own experience at the Jacob’s Pillow Internship, which, in 2012, paid $500 for 104 days of work—a rate that amounts to just $0.37 per hour for an 11-hour workday. While the stipend has increased to $2,500 in 2024, this still amounts to only $24 a day, highlighting the ongoing inequities within internship programs.
The episode touches on broader themes of privilege and access in the arts, an ongoing conversation in almost every podcast episode. There’s been progress since the pandemic forced a reassessment of labor conditions in theatre, but there is still a long way to go in creating equitable opportunities for all.
College Savings & Tax Planning
Ethan adds an informative note on tax planning strategies for freelancers. He references the benefits of a College Savings 529 Plan, which offers tax deferral and can now be converted into an IRA if the funds aren’t used for education. While he had initially recommended brokerage accounts for greater flexibility, he points out that the 529 Plan’s ability to turn into an IRA offers freelancers a strong backup plan if their education future is unknown. He also touches on tax benefits for state-specific brokerage accounts, recommending to research them for any freelancers navigating their own finances.
Looking Ahead
To close the episode, Ethan mentions next week’s show, where Carolyn will return for the broadcast of the live recording from LDI. She’ll be joined by other esteemed designers, including Ebony Madry, Ariel Benjamin, and Dani Deutschman, to discuss the cost of lighting design software and the future of technology in the industry.
Carolyn Wong is a New York-based lighting designer whose portfolio includes projects from intimate theatrical productions to internationally touring work. Favorites include Children of Eden (Manhattan Concert Productions, directed by Tony Yazbeck), Let Me Mingle Tears With Thee (Pacific Northwest Ballet / Jessica Lang), and Rockin’ Road to Dublin (US Tour). She currently works as the Worldwide Associate Lighting Designer for Disney’s The Lion King. She is an alumna of Oberlin College, and a native of San Francisco, California.
Ethan Steimel is a lighting designer and host of Artistic Finance, a weekly podcast where theatre designers discuss personal and industry finances.