The guide every freelancer has always needed — and now it finally exists. A working performer's almanac for the business side of freelance life: direct, lighthearted, and built for the people who actually have to use it.
From your first contract to the apartment you sublet while you're on tour. Answers to the questions a working freelance performer actually has, in plain English.
What "making it" actually looks like — and what nobody warns you about when you get there.
How and when you'll be paid, what to negotiate, and the line items most freelancers forget to track.
1099 vs. W-2. Sole proprietor. Deductions. What an audit really looks like. The non-resident artist working in the US.
Self-employment tax, federal income tax, SALT, QBI, when to pay, how to pay, and what to do when you're behind.
Borrowing wisely, refinancing, repayment plans, and the harder question — was it worth it?
For young, broke, irregular-income artists. IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, capital gains, and starting before you "feel ready."
Country-by-country foreign tax withholding for Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, UK, Spain, Italy, Canada, and the Netherlands.
FEIE, FBAR, the Foreign Housing Exclusion, avoiding US self-employment tax, and the case for a second passport.
What you actually need, where you need it, and the road-warrior options most artists never hear about.
Credit cards as financial infrastructure. Cheap debt. Whether to incorporate (and when not to). PEOs and fiscal sponsorship.
Agents — what they do, how to get one, how to communicate with one, and how to fire one. Plus unions, online presence, and PR.
Travel like a pro. Manage your phone abroad. Sublet smart. Keep your relationships, your habits, and your sanity.
Making It Work should be required reading for all performing artists. Put its suggestions into practice and you'll be lightyears ahead. Amy Northard, CPA · Founder, The Accountants for Creatives
Singers, instrumentalists, actors, dancers, designers, directors, choreographers, conductors, comedians — anyone whose income comes in 1099s.
What to know before signing your first contract. Budgeting, saving, and managing student loan and credit card debt. Getting the most from an agent. And much more.
A drop-in resource for business-of-music, career-skills, and capstone courses. Plug it in alongside your existing curriculum.
Available now in paperback 231 pages · ISBN 9798254608806 · Published by Amazon