Working Alone in the Studio
As a solo Deaf freelancer translating documents, videos, and content into ASL, the work can feel a little lonesome—especially when I’m holed up in my studio with just the lights and camera on me.
After filming, I rewatch myself to make sure everything is clear and accurate. Then it’s off to the laptop, where I transfer the videos and open Final Cut Pro to trim, edit, and polish.
Depending on the client’s request, I might:
- Replace the background
- Adjust colors
- Tweak the lighting so I don’t appear to be “glowing”
Once the video looks good, I upload it to the cloud, send the client the download link, and attach my invoice.
Ta-da. Done. Then I wait—knowing payday is coming. Of course, if needed, I’ll do a redo. I take pride in my work and always aim to deliver my best.
Collaboration and Valuable Feedback
Sometimes projects require a bigger team, especially when the video will be widely published. That often means bringing in an ASL reviewer, who ensures clarity, accuracy, and correct sign choices before giving the final approval.
Working with different reviewers and coaches has given me feedback I never received before—and it’s been invaluable.
One big lesson: my facial expressions (NMS). I realized they sometimes unintentionally changed the meaning of messages. It was a habit I hadn’t noticed, but now I know how much it impacts clarity.
I’ve also partnered with professional video editors, who shared tips to improve my technical setup. For example, one pointed out the shadows in my background. Since my home studio is small, removing shadows meant moving closer to the camera—but that also limited my signing space.
Technical Breakthroughs
Recently, I made a major discovery: manual camera settings beat Auto White Balance every time.
Shadows in the background had been causing my camera to constantly readjust, which changed my skin tone throughout recordings. This created editing nightmares—especially with green screen effects.
Switching to manual settings was a game changer.
Lighting was another upgrade. At first, I used bright LED lights to minimize shadows, but they reflected too much on the green screen. Following a client’s video editor’s advice, I switched to softer lighting.
The results?
- A more natural on-camera look
- Easier editing
- A stronger presence as “the talent”
The Ongoing Journey
As a solo Deaf translator, there’s always something new to learn.
Being coachable, professional, and open to feedback has been the key to:
- Delivering higher-quality work
- Strengthening client relationships
- Building long-term collaborations
What I value most is working with others who share the passion for making projects accessible in ASL with high-quality videos and translations.
Building a Business From Home
If you’re looking to build something from home, translation services are just one path. Personally, I also work in:
- High-ticket sales
- Coaching and mentorship
- Health and wellness products
- Sign language interpreting services
And if translations aren’t your thing? You can still create a business by selling products or offering services people already use and need.
Let’s Connect
If this is something you’re interested in, comment below or send me a message. I’d love to connect and learn more about your goals!
