Ask an IDLancer: Meet Alex!

Meet Alex Mitts— Certified IDLancer, voice actor, friend, cool guy, and freelance instructional designer.

Here at IDLance, we believe in the power of real stories and real people, and real people using real stories to talk about how great we are.

Seriously though, we could not be more proud of our community of freelance instructional designers and this blog series gives us a chance to show ‘em off a bit.

Ever had that one friend who corners you to discuss the intricacies of their prized collection of antique doorknobs? We can all relate! Well, we're a bit like that too – we're proud of our people, and just like those doorknobs, each IDLancer is a unique and wonderful work of art. Coincidentally, these guys also need regular dusting and oiling.

Without further ado, we present Alex Mitts:

What attracted you to join the IDLance community?

Honestly, it first started because I knew this was the direction I wanted to go in, but I stayed because of the community. There are LOTS of eLearning groups, slack channels, and forums out there. But this one is truly special.

Would you recommend IDLance as a great place to contract for? (You better, or else a knuckle-sandwich is coming your way. But don't let that influence your decision, of course………..).

Yes. The people contracting you are literally a message away.

How does the feedback you receive throughout the project help you learn, grow, and be proud of yourself as an ID?

I used to take feedback personally. Over time, I grew thicker skin, and I realized that “killing one’s darlings” (a saying originated by Stephen King, I believe) is part of the process. It’s like those folks who make beautiful, elaborate cakes. SO much work – and it’s just going to be eaten. And I have adopted the mindset that we, as IDs, make learning cake: Beautiful, elaborate, experiences that are often meant to be consumed only once.

Is a hot dog a sandwich?

If it puts its mind to it, it can be anything it wants.

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

In the criminal justice system, dendrological-based offenses are considered especially deciduous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite branch known as the Special Vegetation Unit. These are their forests.

What’s the weirdest item currently in your workspace?

It is coincidentally my favorite item – my Little Shop of Horrors water bottle.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their freelance career in instructional design?

Learn everything you can and do so obsessively. There are so many aspiring IDs who are trying to dip their toe in the water and just don’t fully commit. By being a maniac about instructional design, you will be head and shoulders above the rest of the people you might be competing against to break into the field.

What is your go-to source of inspiration when you hit a creative block?

My timer. If I’m blocked and tell myself to sit down for fifteen minutes to just trudge through, that usually does the trick. And even if it doesn’t, that’s okay – fifteen minutes staring at a blank page that ends up blank at the end of that fifteen minutes means that the block is real and not just me avoiding work.

What’s the worst training experience you’ve ever had?

I used to be a 7th-grade English teacher. You’re supposed to have a “master teacher” to watch you and guide you through a few months of teaching in your final term. Like on-the-job training with an experienced teacher shadowing you. Well, I got hired as a long-term sub, and that experience counted as my student teaching.

Only, I didn’t have a “master teacher.” I showed up, watched the current administrator “teach” for two days, and then he said, “You’re their fourth teacher this year. If you can make it to the end of the year, you have a job.” Sure enough, I did. But “sink or swim” is not my favorite type of training experience.

Define what success means to you in 5 words or less.

“You made that look easy.”

How has your experience working with IDLance impacted your personal or professional growth?

I have met so many people who have helped me along and have “talked me off the [professional] ledge” so many times. It’s not an easy gig, and it’s not always easy to work through problems on your own. This community has been invaluable in keeping my head above water while I figured out where I fit in and what I do best to serve clients.

You have to spend the rest of your life living inside one movie. What is it?

Empire Records.

Is Bigfoot real? Show proof.

Bro, just leave him alone. He’s just trying to vibe.

We want to send a gigantic thank you to Alex for taking the time to participate in this series. Alex is an absolutely crucial component of our community, and he’s always available with great advice or a kind word. As you may have guessed from his answers, he’s whip-smart, funny, and a pal to everyone he meets.

Plus, he’s got a great voice!

Alex, we’ll let your hot dog answer slide this time because it was inspired, but we were looking for a resounding, “NO.”

If you’re interested in joining Team IDLance and possibly winning a one-on-one portfolio review with our Co-Head Honchos, click here to learn how!