Mastering the Art of Sound Design: The Top Three Skills Every Pros needs

As a seasoned sound designer, particularly in the post-production and feature film industry, the pursuit of perfection in sound design can often feel like a never-ending journey. In this article, I will share my viewpoint on the three most crucial skills every sound designer should aspire to master to excel in their career.

Understanding Contextual Sound Choices

One of the most critical aspects of sound design is understanding how sound should be used in the context of the visuals. Sound designers often have to decide between realistic and imaginary or exaggerated sounds. While it might seem ideal to have every scene sound like what we hear in real life, this approach can result in a monotonous and unengaging experience.

Take, for instance, the iconic "Red Tail Hawk" stock sound commonly used in desert films. While it might be a realistic sound, its overuse can quickly become stale. The key is to determine what sounds enhance the narrative and what might detract from it. As an example, in the TV series "Togetherness," the lead character, a sound designer himself, had to decide whether to record a real coyote for a scene or stick with the narrative-driven sound design. Often, the sounds that work best are those that feel right in the context, not just because they are realistic.

Mastery of Tools and Pressure Management

Another essential skill in sound design is the ability to use your tools efficiently and quickly, especially under pressure. The phrase, "Great sound deliverables are both brilliant and on time," often rings true in the industry. Stellar sound designers are not only creative but also highly adaptable and resourceful.

For instance, as a sound designer, how swiftly can you navigate your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)? Are you familiar with the tools that are predominantly used in your industry? My teacher at film school once said, "Great sound deliverables are both brilliant and on time" emphasizing the importance of being both creative and punctual.

If you are a recordist, how well do you know your equipment and microphones? If you are a mixer, are you adept at using your mixing console and making templates and routing efficiently? As an editor, it's essential to know your sound libraries as well as the ones you purchase or exchange with other sound editors. Some editors may have over 10 individual folders just for doors depending on the material of the door and the distance from the camera. This knowledge allows you to deliver the specific sounds needed quickly and efficiently.

Understanding Studio Politics and Interpersonal Skills

Lastly, understanding studio politics and interpersonal skills is crucial in the sound design field. It's important to know when to push back and when to let things go. Often, it's better to present multiple backup designs to clients or directors. This provides more flexibility and direction, reducing the number of iterations needed to reach the perfect sound design.

Personal tact is critical in an industry that is largely about who you know. At times, you might not agree with your director or supervisor, but knowing when to argue and when to let it go is a valuable skill. Preparing multiple designs helps in satisfying client expectations and allows for a smoother collaboration process.

In conclusion, mastering contextual sound choices, tool efficiency, and interpersonal skills are the top three skills every sound designer should focus on. These skills not only enhance your work but also provide a competitive edge in the industry. By honing these skills, you can achieve world-class sound design in your projects.