SWOT

I have chosen 4 artefacts that show varying skills for the role of a sound designer and I have provided a SWOT analysis alongside a brief summary of each below:

Strengths

These artefacts allow me to showcase my knowledge and understanding of various DAW’s and their plugins such as EQ, Reverb etc and when to apply them. They will allow me to show my use of automation and how it relates with and without visuals as well as attention to detail. All artefacts will allow me to show good organisation and workflow of sessions and files.

Weaknesses

I feel that with these artefacts, I will need to be extremely strict with time management as with the level of detail required, they will be time consuming and I need to be mindful that I do not spend too much time on one and then rush to complete another.

Opportunities

As with all projects, these will help me develop my knowledge, understanding and skills further as well as learn new techniques. I also intend to use my peers to listen to my work for extra feedback as this is something I haven’t done before.

Threats

Possibly the biggest threat is ensuring that I leave enough time to book facilities like the studio, mobile recording equipment and also reaching out to performers. I’ll need to be mindful of holidays and potential strike days and ensure that I build in enough time to compensate in case this happens. I will make use of down time such as catch up weeks and self-directed learning classes to make up for this.

Artefact 1 – ADR & Foley

This artefact highlights my skill, knowledge and understanding of automation and how it enhances visuals in multimedia. Using this technique on simple things such as panning and volume, reinforces the visual given to the audience as it gives scope to the placement of characters or objects, e.g. volume increases when coming closer to camera, gives perspective of car driving left to right. Possibly the main skill that’s tested with this is sync and timing as it’s recorded live tor video so you need to make sure that you’re spot on in order to make it immersive and realistic to the mind.

Artefact 2 – ISP

Through this artefact, I will be able to display my knowledge of both Ableton and ProTools as both DAW’s were integral parts of this project. By choosing an electronic track to work on, I will be pushing myself out of my comfort zone and developing my knowledge of MIDI and electronic instruments. Another reason for choosing this artefact, is it demonstrates that sound design doesn’t always require visuals in order to evoke?). It allows the listener to have an experience unique to them by giving them the opportunity to visualise what they wish.

As this project was completed across 2 DAW’s, it shows good file management and workflow that made sure files were easily found and accessible.

Artefact 3 – Spatial Recording & Reproduction

This artefact will allow me to delve into different and more technical ways of recording by using a higher number of mics and various techniques such as a Decca or Fukada tree. With choosing to record a Big Band or Orchestra, it will help me develop my skills as a sound designer, as with a larger ensemble, I’ll need to be conscious of positioning of mics and balancing of the mix to ensure each instrument is heard. This will also allow me to develop my skills in EQ by sculpting overlapping frequencies to create space for them to be heard in the mix.

By having this to ensure this be playable not only as a stereo recording but in 5.1 surround sound, it will be challenging but rewarding to learn the skills necessary.

Artefact 4 – PDP

This artefact will allow me to showcase my skills in promotion and marketing. It showcases my communication and networking skills as I had to reach out to a variety of people whether that being charities to work with, production companies or clients to come and record episodes. It shows my knowledge and understanding of contracts between parties and well as copyright (in terms of the logo) and how to compensate people for their work. It will also allow me to showcase that even if you have an idea about a direction for promotion sometimes it doesn’t always work out which I feel is also a valuable lesson.