Meet Andrew Clark | Sound Designer, Photographer | DP

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Not giving up. If there’s one thing I can tell others going forward with whatever business venture or idea it may be, it’s simply don’t give up. I’ve learned that the most challenging times we face are the biggest opportunities to GROW & EVOLVE from making it through them with perseverance. Most will allow even the smallest of challenges to eventually beat them down past their threshold. Most people these days have such a low threshold for challenge and adversity, it’s easy to skate past most of the other players on the field. Doing the tasks that need to be done, even on days when you don’t “feel like doing them” are the moments that you will excell past most. Most only achieve their goals and tasks when it’s emotionally convenient for them. They will only take action when they feel motivated or inspired to do so. The problem with that is that we don’t always feel our best day to day, so it’s most important to push through to get your critical tasks done, even when you don’t “feel like it.” This will be the #1 most important factor for your success in anything you do. Embrace, and learn from your failures. Apply and adapt. Keep going.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I personally specialize in custom sound design for visual media of all mediums, as well as sound/dialogue editing and general short-form content creation. My genre of choice is drama, realism and suspense. I am now also taking on more challenging ventures, such as beginning editing a full-length docu-series, and on the road assisting with production sound and some DP expertise for a new Television series pilot.

I couldn’t be more proud of my achievement of getting a dream business off the ground, and while during a global pandemic mind you. I simply do not quit. I try to maintain to be as relentless and consistent as possible, especially when it comes to something I know I’m destined for. Nothing will stand in my way. Not even a pandemic. This is what I know sets myself, as well as my business, and Teresa apart from others. It’s the simple action of getting up and doing the same thing over and over, and over, and over again.

There is no “smooth road” behind self-success of any kind, on any level. The road I’ve been on for the last 10-11 years has been a constant uphill battle, but it’s all intentional. I decided to put myself through a different experience, to do different things, and eventually be a different person–The person I ultimately wanted to be, instead of who at the time I was becoming.

I went to both college and work full-time for four years straight. I didn’t miss once the whole time. I don’t think most could continue both plumbing full-time while cranking out classes and projects surrounding around an entirely different industry. But that’s what you have to do if you want a real CHANGE and win. You have to be willing to do the stuff 99% of the world’s population simply don’t do. It’s too easy and simply boring to just be comfortable all the time.

It was tough as hell, but it embedded skills in me I still use now and plan on using for the rest of my life. I barely would sleep most of the time due to stress of bills and just always working on something. I had to live above my work (plumbing shop) eventually in the last year of college, and for the first two, I walked a solid mile and a half every day I had class there and back to the train station. I did anything I needed to make sure I won those four years. Regardless of being broken and battered all the time, my perspective was flipped, and life was working “for me.” Aside from the technical skill sets learned, my experience over those 4 years gave me something that would increase in value as it aged, and that was a network. Despite all the personal hardships I endured throughout, I built strong relationships and skill sets, and it would go on to be the brick and motor for the foundation of my creative career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in downtown LA. My favorite thing about downtown is the food and independent business. No matter where you go, you can typically always find some amazing Mexican food at the very least. Whether it’s a food truck or restaurant, downtown LA has it.

First on my list for some iconic LA food would be LA Cafe. I live a block away, on the same street–Spring St. There, you’ll find all kinds of amazing concoctions of food that are super delicious, and a lot of it even plant based! Being a meat eater I had no idea until a few visits into living here. It’s a for sure must-have.

If you’re like me, and sometimes have a difficult time deciding on what to eat, the famous Grand Central Market is another “must do.” Only a couple blocks from where I live, Grand Central Market offers food from all corners of cuisine including Mexican, Seafood, Japanese, Thai to name a few, and for the meat eaters: a butcher to give you any part of a pig that you want. On Sunday’s, we have a Farmer’s Market that takes place up the street that lasts from 9am-2pm, and is another experience recommended.

As you explore through the Farmer’s Market on 5th street, I also highly recommend stopping into the world famous The Last Book Store. This place is nirvana for the book lover anywhere in the world. Practically every genre is covered here, and there’s a special room with all the really rare and high valued literature on display. If anything, it’s just a really cool place to go check out.

McArthur & Echo Park are 2 iconic parks with amazing views and scenery, nice for some great drone photography. It’s free, and free is always good. There is also a large array of rooftop bars and restaurants. One of which is called ‘Perch,’ -one of my favorites. This place has amazing food, service and the views while you eat can be breathtaking.

I live in the Historic Core. The Arts District is another area of downtown. You’ll find a plethora of hip bars and beautiful street art here. And if you’re a shoe lover, there’s a swanky, hidden pop up style shoe retailer called ‘Bodega’ that has all kinds of custom shoe wear from independent fashion, boutique brands.

To start or end your day, the choice of coffee here is also plentiful to choose from. Recommended cafes include Bohemian House of Espresso + Chai and Dayglow are just a couple.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My partner and I have been increasingly inspired by a few key individuals that are responsible for shaping, and continue to shape our habits & perspectives on life and business. A few of those individuals would be entrepreneurs: Andy Frisela, Ed Mylett & Bedros Keuillian. I highly recommend to listen to any one of these men, if not all. Apply the knowledge. They each have incredible podcasts and YouTube channels that educate on entrepreneurism, accountability, and just generally how to continue to achieve, and strive for personal greatness and excellence throughout your life, both business and personal.

Aside from that, my resilient mother, brother, my beautiful partner Teresa (without her there would be no business), and a very, very small group of close friends that have shown me unconditional support throughout my journey and entire life in general.

Website: dopaminmedia.com

Instagram: instagram.com/dopaminmedia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhclark/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dopaminmedia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?viewas=100000686899395&id=100064595392235

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dopamin-media-los-angeles?osq=Dopamin+Media

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0Lms_jpFBc_KT7z_vPROA