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In this video, I share what I believe are 10 habits to develop as a beginner sound designer. These are 10 habits that I have been and still continue to develop. If you can practice these on a daily basis, you will be well on your way to improving your sound design skills and relevance in the audio industry.
1. Create something every day
One of the most important habits for a beginner sound designer is to create something every day. By dedicating time to sound design on a daily basis, you can harness your creativity and develop a consistent workflow. Whether it’s designing a unique sound effect, experimenting with synthesis, or recording a sound around your home, this habit will allow you to explore and refine your skills continuously.
2. Ear Training
Developing a keen ear is vital for a sound designer. Regular ear training exercises can help you become more attuned to subtle nuances and variations in sound. Engage in activities such as identifying frequencies, recognizing different sound sources, and discerning spatial characteristics. By sharpening your listening skills, you will be better equipped to create immersive and realistic soundscapes.
My favorite way to practice ear training is by using Soundgym.
3. Build out your personal SFX library
A comprehensive sound effects (SFX) library is an invaluable asset for any sound designer. Make it a habit to build and expand your personal collection of SFX. Seek out high-quality samples and recordings, categorize them effectively, and keep them organized for quick access. Curating a diverse range of sounds will provide you with a rich palette to draw from, enabling you to create unique and compelling sound effects that are uniquely yours.
4. Have dedicated sound design sessions
Allocate dedicated time for sound design sessions, free from distractions. This habit will help you establish a focused and productive mindset. During these sessions, immerse yourself in creativity, experiment with different techniques, and explore innovative possibilities. By setting aside specific periods for sound design, you can train yourself to work efficiently and consistently.
5. Redesigns & Re-creations
Engaging in redesigns and re-creations can be an excellent learning exercise for a beginner sound designer. Select a scene from a level from a video game, or any other media content, and challenge yourself to reimagine and recreate the audio elements. This habit allows you to dissect and analyze the original sound design, while also providing an opportunity to inject your own artistic interpretation into the mix.
6. Analyze and deconstruct sounds from games
Video games offer a wealth of sound design inspiration. Make it a habit to analyze and deconstruct the soundscape of various games. Listen attentively to the environmental sounds, character actions, and music. Pay attention to how different elements interact and complement each other. This practice will enhance your understanding of interactive audio and enable you to incorporate similar techniques into your own projects.
7. Record your own SFX from scratch
While pre-existing sound libraries are valuable, recording your own sound effects from scratch can add a personal touch to your work. Cultivate the habit of capturing sounds from your surroundings using field recording techniques. Experiment with different microphones, record in various environments, and explore unconventional sound sources. This habit will allow you to infuse your projects with unique and authentic sounds.
8. Synthesis
Familiarize yourself with the art of sound synthesis. Whether you use subtractive, additive, or granular synthesis, learning to create sounds from scratch opens up endless creative possibilities. Develop the habit of exploring different synthesis techniques, experimenting with parameters, and manipulating waveforms. By mastering synthesis, you can design custom sounds that perfectly align with your project’s requirements.
9. Stay up to date
The field of sound design is constantly evolving, with new techniques, tools, and technologies emerging regularly. Make it a habit to stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in the industry. Follow industry blogs, join online communities, and attend conferences or workshops. This habit will ensure that you remain at the forefront of sound design practices and enable you to incorporate cutting-edge techniques into your work.
10. Continuous learning and improvement
Finally, as a beginner sound designer, embrace the habit of continuous learning and improvement. Seek feedback from peers and industry professionals, participate in collaborative projects, and never stop experimenting. Set goals for yourself, identify areas for growth, and actively work on expanding your skill set. This habit of lifelong learning will help you stay motivated, adapt to new challenges, and elevate your sound design expertise.
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