Conversations with Sara Matsui-Colby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Matsui-Colby.

Sara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2016, I learned about marketing and branding as an actor and how it’s important to advocate for oneself rather than just waiting for things to come my way. Around that time, I also stumbled upon Canva and started designing marketing materials for myself. I’ve always loved making art and crafting, so this became a purposeful creative outlet. 

When I started designing for myself, friends noticed and commented how they loved my work. So, in 2019, one insisted on paying me to create a postcard for her, even though I said I’d do it for free. Then, through referrals, I started getting clients besides my friends, and soon, I found myself creating a rate sheet and launching a website. 

The demand for custom designs kept growing, but knowing the financial challenges we creatives face, I also started a DIY Canva template shop. This way, those who prefer a more hands-on approach but still need a simple layout for a postcard, resume, or one sheet (just to name a few) could get an affordable design without breaking the bank. 

My clients are not just on-camera actors but include voice actors, stand-up comedians, public speakers, and audiobook narrators. They’re in different markets worldwide, so it’s always exciting for me to learn about their specific and unique needs and develop a personalized solution. 

So today, not only do I create custom marketing materials and DIY templates, but I also offer marketing strategies and consultations. I have also started a blog and newsletter and am posting more on social media to help answer general questions I get asked often. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge was just starting a business from scratch and balancing that with my acting, voice-over, and audiobook career. My work and services are pretty unique, so I had very little to compare it to. And I still don’t know of anyone who designs and offers marketing strategies to performing artists. 

I struggled to find a streamlined process for my clients and myself, so there have been many trials and errors. But at the same time, because my service and process are so different, I have also been very free to find new ways to help my clients and to take a more personal approach. I’m very grateful to my clients for being so supportive and giving me great feedback so that I could continue to improve. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In the beginning, I got many requests for one-sheets, hence the name ‘Actor One-Sheets,’ so you could say I specialize in and am known for that. But I would say that I specialize in personalized marketing solutions, and my collaborative approach sets me apart. 

My business grew from clients seeking my help designing their marketing materials and coming up with solutions and strategies. That’s why I offer a free 15-minute discovery call to all potential and repeat clients. This call lets us discuss their unique marketing goals and budget, ensuring we find the perfect solution together. Even during the design process, I’m always checking in with my client to make sure we’re still on the same page and that their essence and brand are coming through in the design. If they also have representation or a business coach, I encourage my clients to share our work with their teams too. 

I create physical and digital postcards, resumes, one-sheets, electronic press kits, and other unique media. Although I currently list only the most ordered services, I am always open to requests. One client even asked me to design a complete pitch bundle and handle the packaging and shipping! That was a lot of fun, and I’d be open to doing that more often. 

I am mostly proud of being able to help others. As a performing artist, I know how confusing and frustrating it is to pitch yourself. Having gone through and learned a lot myself, I am happy that I can offer solutions as a one-stop shop. However, it’s really my client’s talent, courage, and perseverance that are getting them the careers that they want. I just help package that. 

What matters most to you?
Empathy and compassion matter most to me. I try to lead with them in my personal and artistic life. I think a lot of good can be done in the world if we come from that place and can all benefit from it. There’s much to learn if we listen with open hearts and minds, and there’s much that we can heal within ourselves and in others. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.actoronesheets.com
• Instagram: actoronesheets

Image Credits
Richard Shiu Photography
Sara Matsui-Colby
Regina Perrone
Isabelle Sitterle