This article was born out of an idea for a GDC audio talk proposal. Another one of my proposals was selected so I thought I’d turn the core idea of this one into a DS post in case it’s of use to the community. Do you use macros in your music/sound production? If the answer is yes, then this article isn’t for you. Given January's theme is all about time management, I feel … [Read more...]
The Inner Workings of Work
In my relatively short career, I’ve been fortunate to work in a variety of roles within different frameworks (freelancer, startup, in-house and a contract employee). Whilst we sometimes hear people discussing what specific roles are like, we don’t often hear about these different frameworks and how they compare. I thought it might be interesting to share my … [Read more...]
Failure in the Pursuit of Perfection
I can’t stand articles that begin with a definition. So please, forgive this imperfect opening to what should really have been a perfect article. Most definitions of the term “perfectionist” agree that it describes someone who “refuses to accept any standard short of perfection”. I feel that the colloquial use of the term describes someone who “will be dissatisfied with … [Read more...]
“On Thin Ice”: A Sampling Session Retrospective
Guest Contribution by Chris Burgess There are two points to this article. The first is, if you see something you want to do, get out there and make it happen. The second, being that when an opportunity presents itself to you, be aware enough of your surroundings to scoop it up (and then record some awesome sounds). What follows is an account of my attempt to record dry ice … [Read more...]
The Most Powerful Tool in Your Toolbox
Guest Contribution by Richard Gould ...and a hold-over from last month's "Voice" theme I didn’t realise it until recently, but I’ve been a sound designer for most of my life. I may have only discovered the term “Sound Design” a few years ago, and I may have just graduated from studying the craft of sound design itself, but like most of us, I’ve been designing sounds since I … [Read more...]
Considerations for Creative Field Recording
On developing your ear... I purchased my first field recorder in 2010. Ever since it’s become a vital tool in my sound design process. As a result, I now hear the world in a completely different context. I hear a palette of colors, textures, and techniques with which I can capture many weird and wonderful things. Sometimes I record for the sheer joy of it, out of … [Read more...]