Sound designer for video games Palmer AK

The single most important step in becoming a professional sound designer is creating your demo reel. A demo reel is a collection of your work demonstrating your understanding of sound and how you apply it to visuals. Usually applicants will submit their reel online via a hyperlink or mail a hardcopy to me. In both instances make sure your reel is no shorter than 1-2 mins and contains at least three projects you’ve worked on. Remember, the key here is to demonstrate versatility and skill so you should pick projects that are unique in their content.

My biggest complaint when reviewing reels is that for every 15 only one tries to make a statement. The key to becoming a great sound designer lies in your ability to tell a story with audio. If, in addition, you can somehow create a distinct style that you can call your own (Within the conventions of proper audio engineering, of course. You are ultimately going to be creating material that will be judged against other material in the public eye/ear.) then you’ve put yourself light years ahead of your fellow applicants.

I think it’s great when I get a reel consisting of 6 cartoon spots. Cartoons are a great medium for sound design but sadly have little to do with video games. Most entry level designers don’t have access to real-time game footage and this is widely understood by many audio directors. To compensate find footage from other mediums: cartoons, commercials, trailers, film scenes, video game cut-scenes, etc. but just make sure to spread yourself out. If you pick a trailer, pick something with some weight, and if you pick a cartoon make sure it contrasts your other choices. Audio directors are sick of watching the same battle scene over and over again, instead focus on subtly. Choose a dramatic scene and make sure not to include music if you are applying for a sound designer position. Often enough applicants do a great job creating sound only to blow over it with some MIDI score they wrote. It’s important to understand that music and sfx are always fighting for the same space. Don’t lean too much on the music and lose sight of your reel’s goal. Decide early on what your intention with the piece is and stick to it. If you can convey emotion without the use of music, youre an excellent sound designer.