Explore the creative process and learn how to create a signature style in stock music with Shutterstock music composer Michelle Carter.
When composer Michelle Carter moved to Los Angeles from a small Canadian town, she had no idea what would be in store for her. The move came at a spontaneous moment in Michelle’s life, and with no real plan—she simply took the opportunity.
After years of working in the music industry as a singer and songwriter, Michelle sought a change that allowed her more flexibility and freedom to explore her work as a composer. And that’s how Michelle Carter got started at Shutterstock Music, where she composes music for customers around the globe.
Click here to discover how to become a Shutterstock Music contributor.
We caught up with Michelle at her home in Studio City to speak about her creative process, and what brought her to this part of her life. This is Michelle’s Story.
Artist Series with Shutterstock Music Composer Michelle Carter
Her relationship with music wasn’t the only thing that was a massive change in Michelle Carter’s life. A little human came into her life, who inspired her sound and melodies. In Michelle’s Artist Series, we get a glimpse into that relationship and how Michelle’s balanced a creative career and this new chapter of her life.
Michelle Carter as a Composer on Shutterstock Music
As a Shutterstock Music composer, Michelle creates unique sounds using a variety of instruments in her studio in LA. The artist self-describes her sound as “ethereal sci-fi,” a description we absolutely love. On Shutterstock Music, Michelle’s sound fits into a New Age category with ambient and cinematic sounds that are a perfect fit for film scores and video productions. She also recently created a set of mythical lullabies, approved by the little human in her life.
Advice for stock music composers
For a while Michelle taught music, and one of her biggest pieces of creative advice for her students was to do what they liked.
Stay true to your voice, and eventually, the right people will find your work and allow you the creative flexibility to create music that inspires you.
Images on-location during Shutterstock Presents. View the Los Angeles footage used to make this video here. To discover more Artist Series videos, click here.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these articles:
- Shutterstock Presents: Artist Series
- Introducing Shutterstock’s New Annual Music Subscription
- PremiumBeat’s Chase Horsman on Creating Stock Music Using Guitars
- PremiumBeat Composer Oliver Lyu on Creating Music for Stock
- Everything You Need to Start a YouTube Channel