Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Almgren.
Shane, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story of how I ended up in Nashville in the first place is crazy enough that I published a book about it—”Desperados: The Insane True Story of Undercover Missionaries, Counterfeit Rock Stars & the Music Hoax of the Century”—that’s currently being adapted into a movie.
I arrived in Nashville in early 2000 to pursue music. After several years of grinding, I finally landed a publishing deal – and then a record deal — with my now-ex-wife’s indie label in 2004. I was playing, writing and touring full time – living the dream…until the market crash in 2008.
By 2009, my ex’s publishing company was going under. She came into my studio one day while I was recording and just said, “You need to go find a job tomorrow.” And that was it.
I’ve always been artistically inclined and one of my side hobbies was producing tracks for starving artists and bands on a shoestring budget who could barely afford the 50% Friends & Family discount I’d give them. They would need album covers, press kits, band flyers, t-shirts, business cards and whatnot – so I’d just design those and throw it in for free. Over time, I started getting a bunch of design referrals.
When my ex came into my studio the next day to ask if I’d gotten a resumé together yet, I’d told her I’d get right on it…as soon as I finished up the dozen or so design projects on my To Do list. About halfway through the list, a light bulb went off in my head — instead of going out. and trying to find an EMPLOYER, I should go out and try to find more CLIENTS. That’s how my design business got started.
The first year, I freelanced almost entirely on Elance (now Upwork). My second year, I joined a BNI (Business Networking International) group in Franklin – network marketing. Slowly and steadily my business grew – mostly through referrals. My policy was to always under-promise and over-deliver, which kept clients coming back. Within a few years, I cracked the Top 100 designers in the world on Elance (out of 2 million+ – I think I was ranked #84). Since that was a global platform, I ended up with clients on every continent except Antarctica.
Another personal policy I always live by is “Say yes, and then figure it out.” I’d get asked if I could build websites or edit videos, and I’d say yes…and then go spend the weekend learning how to do it. Over time, the graphic design business expanded to branding, website design, audio and video production, voice over, and book publishing. That’s how we ended up at “Multimedia” today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! I’m the first entrepreneur in my family, so I didn’t have anyone to show me the ropes. I had to learn everything the hard way. A ton of small businesses fail because the owners maybe good IN the business but not ON the business. For the first few years, I was basically trying to figure out both at the same time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our motto: “Don’t ask if we think outside the box. We won’t have any idea what box you’re talking about.”
Shane Almgren Multimedia & Entertainment is a boutique creative design studio in Nashville, TN.
“Boutique” means we’re small, sophisticated or fashionable (according to the dictionary, not our neighbors), and specialized.
“Multimedia” means our specialty is graphic design, logo design & branding, web design, music & audio production, video content, voice over, copy writing & editing, transcription, printing, and independent book publishing services.
“Nashville” refers to the southern, Middle Tennessee town that used to be known for great country music, but is best known today as the drunken bachelorette party capital of the world, being perpetually under construction, and terrible country music.
One of the most consistent bits of feedback we get is that we under-promised and over-delivered…ahead of schedule.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The easiest way to find me is through my website: www.shanealmgren.com. I’m always taking on new clients, so just reach out!
Pricing:
- All our services are $105/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shanealmgren.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanealmgren/
