30 Disadvantages of Being an Anime Music Composer (Scored for Struggle)

Thinking of embarking on a career as an anime music composer?

It’s easy to get swept away in the charm:

Flexible working hours.
Opportunities for lucrative contracts.
The excitement of contributing to someone’s favorite anime series.

But there’s more to the picture.

Today, we’re going to delve deep. Seriously deep.

Into the challenging, the difficult, and the downright stressful aspects of being an anime music composer.

Steep learning curve? Undoubtedly.

Significant initial investment in equipment and software? Most definitely.

Emotional stress from conflicting creative visions? Absolutely.

And let’s not forget the unpredictability of the anime industry.

So, if you’re considering stepping into the world of anime music composition, or merely curious about what’s beyond those catchy tunes and anime credits…

Keep reading.

You’re about to get an in-depth perspective on the disadvantages of being an anime music composer.

Contents show

Limited Income Potential Due to Niche Market

Anime music composing is a highly specialized field, often catering to a niche market.

This means that the audience for such music is relatively small compared to more mainstream genres, which can limit the income potential for composers in this field.

While there are opportunities for significant income, particularly if a composer’s work is associated with a popular show or film, these opportunities can be rare and unpredictable.

Furthermore, income can also be impacted by the fluctuating popularity of anime shows and films.

Despite these challenges, many composers are drawn to this field due to their passion for anime and its unique musical styles.

Intense Competition for Scoring Projects

In the field of composing music for anime, the competition is fierce and relentless.

With the growing popularity of anime around the world, more and more composers are trying to break into this industry.

As a result, securing scoring projects can be extremely challenging.

Even highly talented composers may find it hard to stand out amongst the crowd of competitors.

Furthermore, not only do you need to compete with other composers for work, you also need to meet the high expectations set by fans of the anime.

The pressure to produce high-quality music that complements the storyline and enhances the viewing experience can be overwhelming.

Many composers may find themselves dealing with high stress levels due to the competitive and demanding nature of this role.

High Pressure to Deliver Unique and Memorable Scores

Anime music composers are often under intense pressure to deliver unique and memorable scores that can stand out and contribute significantly to the overall emotional feel and storytelling of the anime.

The music of an anime is a crucial part that can make or break the audience’s immersion, so the stakes are high.

Composers are expected to produce music that not only complements the scene but also leaves a lasting impression on the viewers.

The intense competition in the industry further adds to this pressure, as composers must constantly strive to outdo themselves and others to stay relevant.

This constant need to innovate and exceed expectations can be stressful and challenging, and can even lead to creative burnout.

Project-Based Work with Periods of Unstable Income

Anime music composers frequently work on a project-by-project basis rather than being employed with a constant salary.

This can create periods of financial instability, where they may have a lucrative contract one month and no projects the next.

They often have to juggle multiple projects at once to maintain a steady income.

However, this also means they have to deal with the stress and pressure of meeting deadlines for multiple projects.

Additionally, composers who are just starting out or who have not yet made a name for themselves may find it difficult to secure projects, leading to further instability.

Despite the potential for high earnings, the irregularity and unpredictability of the job can be a significant disadvantage.

Need for Constant Creativity and Innovation

Working as an Anime Music Composer requires constant creativity and innovation.

Anime music is a unique blend of traditional, contemporary, and cultural influences, which means that composers must always be on their toes to create soundtracks that not only match the animation but also enhance the overall viewing experience.

This can be mentally and emotionally draining, and the pressure to constantly produce fresh and innovative music can lead to stress and burnout.

Anime music composers often work on tight deadlines, which further exacerbates the pressure.

Moreover, the field is highly competitive, and to stay relevant, composers must continue to evolve and adapt their style, keeping up with changing trends and audience preferences.

This constant need for creativity and innovation can be challenging and exhausting.

Tight Deadlines for Music Composition and Production

Anime Music Composers often face the challenge of completing projects within strict deadlines.

The production of an anime series or film is a complex process that involves numerous stages, and the composition of the soundtrack is an integral part of this.

Composers are typically given a specific timeframe within which they must create and produce the music.

They must work efficiently and creatively to meet these deadlines, and this can be a stressful and demanding process.

It requires a high level of discipline and time management skills.

The pressure to produce high-quality music under tight deadlines can also potentially affect the composer’s creative process.

Intellectual Property Challenges in Protecting Music

Anime music composers, like all music creators, may face challenges related to intellectual property.

The digital age has made it easier for people to download, stream, remix, and share music, often without permission from the original creator.

This means that composers may find their work copied, shared, or used without their consent or without proper compensation.

Furthermore, the international nature of anime means that laws and regulations related to copyright may differ significantly from country to country, making it more difficult for composers to protect their work.

While there are international copyright laws and agreements, enforcing them can be a complex and time-consuming process.

This may result in anime music composers spending a significant amount of time and resources on legal matters, rather than on creating new music.

Difficulty Gaining Recognition in a Collaborative Medium

Anime music composing is a highly collaborative process, often involving various creative professionals such as illustrators, writers, and animators.

As a result, it can be challenging for an anime music composer to stand out and gain recognition for their individual contributions.

The spotlight often shines on the final product, with little attention given to the individual components that make up the whole.

This can be frustrating for composers who pour their heart and soul into their work, as they may feel their efforts go unappreciated or unnoticed.

In addition, it can be challenging to build a personal brand or reputation within the industry, which can affect career advancement opportunities.

Long Working Hours During Peak Production Phases

Anime Music Composers often have to endure long working hours, especially during peak production phases.

This is because creating the music for an anime series or film is an intensive task that requires a deep understanding of the storyline, characters, and the overall mood of the series.

Composers may have to constantly revise and improve their compositions to match the creative vision of the directors and producers.

This often leads to working late into the night and over the weekends.

Unlike a regular 9-5 job, this role does not have a fixed schedule and the workload can significantly increase as the project nears its completion date.

This can be exhausting and may lead to a work-life imbalance.

Balancing Artistic Integrity with Commercial Demands

Anime music composers often face the challenge of balancing their personal artistic vision with the commercial requirements of the projects they work on.

They are frequently required to produce music that aligns with the specific creative direction of an anime series, which may not always coincide with their own personal style or preferences.

Composers may have to compromise their artistic integrity to adhere to the demands of producers and directors.

Moreover, they might have to work under tight deadlines and high pressure to deliver a commercially viable product.

This can lead to potential burnout and creative exhaustion.

Despite these challenges, this role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to the creative process of anime production and potentially influence its global popularity.

Cultural and Linguistic Barriers When Working Internationally

Anime music composers, especially those from non-Japanese backgrounds, often face cultural and linguistic barriers when working on international projects.

Anime is a medium deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and its music is no exception.

Composing music for anime requires a deep understanding of the nuances of Japanese culture, storytelling, and even language to effectively convey the desired emotions and messages.

If the composer is not fluent in Japanese, they may struggle to fully grasp the context or meaning of the scenes they are composing for.

This can lead to misinterpretations or missed opportunities in the composition.

Additionally, there may be communication issues with the rest of the team due to language differences.

These barriers can make it challenging for anime music composers to work internationally, as they may require additional time and resources to overcome these challenges.

Stress from Maintaining Consistency Across Series or Films

Creating music for anime involves developing distinct themes for characters, moods, and settings that are consistent throughout the series or film.

This can be a challenging and stressful task, especially for long-running series.

It involves continuously composing new music while ensuring that it aligns with previously established themes.

Furthermore, a composer must also meet the expectations of the directors and producers, adding another layer of pressure.

This need for consistency can limit creative freedom and increase stress levels as composers strive to maintain a balance between originality and familiarity.

Financial Risks of Freelance or Contract Work

Anime music composers often work as freelancers or on a contract basis.

This means that their income can be unpredictable and varies widely based on the number of projects they secure.

Unlike regular employment, they may not have a steady paycheck and have to constantly look for new projects to maintain their income.

There might also be periods of financial dry spells where they have no projects at all.

Furthermore, as independent contractors, they are responsible for their own taxes and do not receive benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, or retirement plans.

This lack of financial stability and security can be a significant disadvantage for many.

Dependency on the Success of Anime for Revenue

Anime music composers often rely heavily on the success of the anime projects they work on for their income.

If an anime is unsuccessful or doesn’t gain much popularity, the composer’s work may go unnoticed and the potential revenue from album sales or downloads can be significantly reduced.

This can lead to financial instability, especially for those composers who are not associated with a large music production company and depend solely on individual projects.

In addition, the composer’s reputation and future job prospects may be negatively affected if they are repeatedly associated with unsuccessful anime.

Therefore, despite the creative satisfaction of being an anime music composer, the financial risks associated with the job can be a major disadvantage.

Legal and Contractual Complexities in Licensing Music

Anime music composers often face legal and contractual complexities when it comes to licensing their music.

They need to negotiate contracts and agreements with production companies, publishers, and other entities.

This process can be complex, time-consuming, and even frustrating, especially if the composer is unfamiliar with legal language or the intricacies of the music industry.

Misunderstandings or disagreements over licensing rights can lead to lawsuits or loss of revenue.

In some cases, composers may also have to deal with issues related to copyright infringement or piracy.

Additionally, they may not have full control over how their music is used, which can be particularly challenging for those who are passionate about their work and its representation.

Managing Multiple Projects Simultaneously to Sustain Career

Anime music composers often juggle multiple projects simultaneously to ensure a steady income.

As most anime series are short-lived, lasting only a single season, composers are frequently seeking new projects.

Additionally, payment for a single project might not be sufficient to make a living, especially when starting out in the industry.

This means constantly networking, pitching and multitasking among different compositions, deadlines, and creative visions.

This can lead to a high-stress work environment and long working hours, potentially affecting the composer’s work-life balance and overall quality of work.

Furthermore, maintaining creative consistency and uniqueness across multiple projects can be challenging.

Continuous Learning to Keep Up with Music Industry Changes

Anime music composers, like other professionals in the music industry, must constantly keep up with the changing trends and advances in their field.

This includes staying updated with new music production technology and software, understanding the evolving tastes of anime audience, and continuously improving their own musical skills.

This continuous learning can be stressful and time-consuming.

Moreover, they also have to adapt their composition styles to fit different anime genres and themes, which can be challenging.

Yet, this commitment to learning and adaption is crucial for maintaining a successful career in anime music composition.

Investment in Equipment and Software for Composition

Becoming an anime music composer requires significant investment in high-quality equipment and software for composing music.

The necessity for top-notch tools like digital audio workstations, synthesizers, audio interfaces, and microphones can make the initial costs very high.

Apart from the hardware, specialized software for audio editing and music composition are also essential.

These software often come with expensive licensing fees.

Additionally, as technology advances, there is a constant need to upgrade the equipment and software to stay competitive in the industry.

This continuous investment can be overwhelming for those starting in this field or those who are struggling to make a steady income from their compositions.

Navigating Diverse Music Preferences of Directors and Producers

Anime music composers often have to navigate the diverse and sometimes contrasting music preferences of directors and producers.

When composing music for a particular anime, they must not only incorporate their own creative input and style but also take into account the expectations and preferences of those in charge of the project.

This can be challenging as it may involve adapting to different music genres, tones, and moods to meet the unique requirements of each anime project.

Not only does this require a high level of versatility and adaptability, but it can also lead to creative disagreements or compromises that may not align with the composer’s original vision for the score.

This can potentially limit the composer’s creative freedom and add to the stress and pressure of the role.

Risk of Typecasting in a Particular Anime Genre

Anime music composers often face the risk of being typecast into a specific genre.

This means that they might become known for creating music for a certain type of anime, like action or romance, and may find it difficult to get opportunities in other genres.

While being known for a specific style can bring consistent work, it can also limit an artist’s creativity and growth.

They may face challenges in showcasing their versatility and may also miss out on a wider range of opportunities.

This typecasting can also mean that they have to constantly produce similar styles of music, which can lead to burnout or a lack of motivation in their work.

Securing and Retaining Intellectual Rights to Compositions

As an Anime Music Composer, one of the major challenges can be securing and retaining intellectual rights to your compositions.

This is largely because many anime production companies and music publishers prefer to hold the rights to the music they commission.

This means that as the composer, you may not retain full rights to your own work.

You might not be able to use the composition in your other projects or earn royalties from its further use.

This can be frustrating and financially limiting, particularly if the composition becomes highly popular.

Besides, it may also restrict your creative freedom and control over your compositions.

Challenges in Evolving with Current Music Trends

Anime music composers are often required to constantly update their music style to stay relevant with current music trends.

As the anime industry evolves, the demand for diverse and unique soundtracks increases.

This often requires the composer to step out of their comfort zone and experiment with new music genres and techniques.

It is not only about creating good music but also about creating a soundtrack that complements the anime’s theme and storyline.

Therefore, the pressure to evolve with the current trends, while also maintaining the integrity of the anime, can be quite challenging.

This can lead to high stress levels and require continuous learning and adaptation.

Uncertainty of Future Work and Career Progression

Anime music composers often face uncertainty regarding the availability of future projects.

Unlike many professions, there is no guaranteed regularity of work in the field of anime music composition.

This is largely due to the project-based nature of the anime industry, where work is often reliant on the production of new shows or films.

This can create periods of intense work followed by periods of unemployment, leading to unpredictable income and job security.

Additionally, career progression can be challenging for anime music composers.

The industry is highly competitive, with many talented composers vying for a limited number of opportunities.

Due to the subjective nature of music and the unique requirements of each project, there is no certain path to career advancement.

Success often depends on a combination of networking, reputation, and the subjective preferences of directors and producers.

Furthermore, even after achieving success on a project, there is no guarantee of future opportunities.

An anime music composer may need to constantly prove their skills and adapt to the evolving trends and tastes in the industry.

This constant pressure to stay relevant and in-demand can be emotionally and mentally draining.

Inadequate Budgets for Music Production in Some Projects

Anime Music Composers often find themselves working on projects with inadequate budgets for music production.

In such cases, they are expected to produce high-quality music that matches the anime’s theme and enhances its storytelling, but with limited resources.

This could mean fewer studio hours, lower-quality equipment, or less time to compose and perfect the music.

The pressure to deliver high-quality work within these constraints can lead to stress and burnout.

Furthermore, it can also limit the composer’s creative freedom as they may need to compromise on their vision due to budget constraints.

These budget restrictions can significantly affect the overall quality of the music and can also limit the composer’s growth and development in their career.

Potential Health Issues due to Sedentary Lifestyle and Work Stress

Anime music composers spend many hours sitting at a desk or in a studio creating, mixing, and editing music.

This sedentary lifestyle can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Moreover, they often work long hours and under tight deadlines, which can contribute to high levels of stress and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Additionally, the constant exposure to loud music can potentially cause hearing damage over time.

Therefore, while the role of an anime music composer can be rewarding creatively, it can also pose significant health risks if not managed properly.

Difficulty Breaking into the Anime Industry as a New Composer

As an anime music composer, breaking into the industry can be quite difficult, especially if you are new.

The anime industry is highly competitive and often prefers to work with established artists who have a proven track record.

As a new composer, you would need to work hard to gain recognition and establish a professional network.

This could mean taking on low-paying or even non-paying projects to build up your portfolio.

You may also face the challenge of adapting your musical style to fit the unique aesthetics of different anime genres.

Additionally, you may need to understand and incorporate Japanese musical elements, which could require additional learning and practice.

This industry also requires a high degree of creativity and originality, as well as the ability to work under tight deadlines.

Balancing Personal Projects with Client-Based Work

Anime music composers often face the challenge of finding a balance between their personal projects and client-based work.

Composing music for an anime series or film can be a time-consuming process, requiring a deep understanding of the storyline, characters, and overall mood of the project.

This can leave little time for personal creative pursuits, as the demands of the client and the tight production schedules often take precedence.

In addition, the creative vision of the composer might not always align with that of the client, leading to possible conflicts.

This can sometimes lead to a feeling of creative stagnation, as the composer is required to prioritize the client’s vision over their own.

Despite these challenges, the role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the creation of a beloved anime and potentially reach a large and passionate audience.

Adjusting to Varying Audio Quality Standards in Animation

Anime music composers are expected to work with varying audio quality standards.

Different animation studios, and sometimes even different projects within the same studio, may have different expectations and standards for audio quality.

This inconsistency can make the job challenging.

Composers must adapt their compositions to suit the audio quality of the animation, which may mean making compromises in their work.

Additionally, the quality of the audio production equipment and software can vary greatly from one project to another.

This might require the composer to learn how to use new tools and technologies frequently, which can be both time-consuming and stressful.

Dealing with Feedback and Criticism from Fans and Critics

Anime music composers often face relentless scrutiny and criticism from fans and critics alike.

Unlike some professions, their work is put out into the public sphere for widespread consumption.

This means that every piece of music they create is subject to public opinion.

While constructive feedback can be beneficial, dealing with harsh criticism can be demoralizing and stressful.

Furthermore, anime music composers may also have to deal with the pressure of creating music that not only complements the anime but also meets the high expectations of its fan base.

This can often lead to long hours of work and revisions, which might result in stress and burnout.

Overcoming the Isolating Nature of the Composition Process

Anime music composition often involves long hours of solitary work.

Composers may spend days, weeks, or even months secluded in a studio, crafting the perfect score for an anime series or film.

Unlike other roles within the anime production process, composing doesn’t involve much teamwork or collaboration.

This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, or lack of motivation.

While some composers thrive on the solitude, for others, the lack of social contact can be a significant disadvantage.

Furthermore, with the rise of remote work and digital technologies, many composers are even more isolated as they often work from home or a personal studio.

This isolation can be mentally taxing and can affect a composer’s emotional well-being.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

An unfiltered exploration of the disadvantages of being an anime music composer.

It’s not just about creating catchy tunes and vibrant melodies.

It’s dedication. It’s perseverance. It’s navigating through a labyrinth of creative and industry-specific hurdles.

But it’s also about the satisfaction of hearing your music on a popular anime series.

The joy of bringing characters and stories to life through your compositions.

The thrill of knowing you played a part in enhancing someone’s viewing experience.

Yes, the journey is arduous. But the rewards? They can be incredibly gratifying.

If you’re nodding along, thinking, “Yes, this is the challenge I’ve been seeking,” we’ve got something more for you.

Dive into our detailed guide on the reasons to become an anime music composer.