Multi-faceted
Learning how to create and manipulate "sounds" is key to being an effective sound designer. As a sound designer, I am influenced by just about everything I hear. I loved the sound of the trains in Japan. I found an old set of handbells that sounded amazing, and added them to my own SFX libraries. I also taught myself how to play shakuhachi ( a traditional Japanese bamboo flute) in an effort to explore new sounds and textures.
Recording music on-location and in the studio is one of my favorite things to do. Of course, after the session, you have a plethora of new sounds to manipulate. I am constantly trying to better myself whether it is taking a course on Hindu singing, or getting my pro tools certification, or studying Japanese. Somehow, I feel having all of these disparate elements coalescing influences my work as a post audio engineer / sound designer.
Composer/ Sound Designer
Born in Gulfport, Mississippi in 1969. My first instrument was trombone, then to piano, then to guitar. I have always loved music, and begged my mom to give me piano lessons when I was a kid. From playing in bands, I began to try recording. Eventually working in various studios in the Atlanta area. I have had the chance to record everything from punk rock bands to traditional Hindu prayer music to country to latin/salsa music. All of this "MUSIC" recording led me to POST audio. I am lucky, in that, I feel comfortable as a sound designer as well as an audio engineer. Having years of experience working in recording studios as an engineer / musician / producer helps me to see the "Big Picture." Whether it is the perfect foley sound or the perfect sound track, I feel that being as multi-facted as possible will help make the audio the best it can be.
Lights, Camera, Sound
I would catagorize myself a Post Audio Engineer/Sound Designer. I wear those hats at different times during a typical day. I feel comfortable sorting through tons of SFX just to get the perfect SAAABOOOSH! I also feel comfortable setting up microphones and dropping garbabge cans from a 3rd story window. At the end of the day, it is all about finding that perfect "SOUND" to make the visual really POP or KABLAM or SHEEEEKAAAADOOOOOM!
It's fun.