Martha Merriell Chang
So, what do you do again?
I'm a freelance copywriter and voice talent. I enjoy both equally! As a writer, I get to help clients solve their creative challenges and hopefully just make their workday better by offloading some of their burden. My client list is about half agencies and design firms, and half direct company relationships. I enjoy being a freelance voice talent -- meaning I don't have an agent -- because it allows me to be really flexible with my fee structure. I know from my agency time that budgets are not always what we wish they were. I do a variety of commercial, industrial and game character work.
What inspires you?
Nature -- hiking, gardening, swimming, running. I need to be outside. (Come on cold front!)
The incredible amount of music in this town - both listening to and creating it.
My family - Mike & Vivian
How lucky are you and why?
I think luck is all about perspective. If I practice gratitude, I feel lucky. If I forget and start being a Debbie Downer, everything seems like I'm cursed. Happiness, luck, peace...they're all decisions.
What do you love about Austin?
At least in the communities I run in, it''s STILL a small town. I love all of the connections I've built over my years here and running into friends everywhere I go. The people I love are like a network of jewels across the city, and I'm so grateful.
I love the easy access to nature, the creativity, TACOS, BARBECUE, the music, UT, Longhorn sports...
I love that there are so many people working to be healthy in body, mind and soul, and so willing to share about it.
What were the major turning points that got you where you are?
Wow... okay, well. 1) Majoring in Voice at UT, which led to 2) Switching to Advertising and getting that degree.
3) Getting my first job in advertising, which led to my doing voiceover work and studio singing for Pepsi ripomatics. 4) Getting laid off from that job, which led me back to Austin. 4) Going freelance because I was sure I would eventually transition to life as a full-time musician 5) Failing at that, and finding a balance of doing everything I love. 6) Getting married to an amazing guy and having a really stellar kid.
What helps you access your creativity?
Just doing the work. Show up every day and do it, and trust that it will come. It's repetition and practice.
What are a couple of your most memorable projects?
It's not so much the projects I remember. It's the people I've gotten to work with. I truly value the relationships and the experience more than the work itself. (I also remember the assholes.)
Give me 2 truths and a lie about you.
I have very crummy eyesight.
I cannot do a cartwheel. Yet.
I sang the Mr Gatti's jingle.
What’s the most fun part of your job?
As a writer, it's taking a bunch of complicated stuff and making sense of it. And digging to the essence of a problem and coming up with a new idea.
As a voice talent, it's reading the client and producers and translating their input into a hopefully great performance. I feel it's my job to keep the session light and positive, while also being very efficient with everybody's time.
As a singer, it's connecting with people -- the band and the audience -- and sharing the love.
What’s your favorite date night place in Austin?
Alamo Drafthouse Village!
If you could shadow anyone for a day, who would it be?
Will Farrell. Or Julie Andrews. Because who didn't want to be Julie Andrews growing up?
Fill in this blank: If I were Mayor of Austin, I would _____________.
Repeal August.
Franklin’s BBQ or Salt Lick BBQ?
Neither -- Opie's in Spicewood, and Ruby's or Stiles Switch in Austin.
Favorite place to hear live music?
I really like the new C-Boy's and the listening room at Strange Brew. I have to say Ginny's Little Longhorn, because I can stumble home. But the Continental Club and Maria's are my sentimental favorites.
What do you wish someone had told you 10 or 20 years ago?
Nobody's watching, so go have more fun. And go get some exercise because it will keep you from stabbing account people.
__________
Check out some of Martha's work on her website, chickcreative.com.