Can you walk us through your creative process when starting a new sound design project?

Each creative process is totally different since it varies according to the style and what is required and sometimes it depends on which part of the process I am involved in, but normally I try to generate several listening sessions from the perspective of the consumer of the project and from a production perspective within the project and from my personal perspective I am very critical of the project in order to maximize it to the point that these criticisms become a challenge to improve the project. I share all the feedback and I always try to give the client better tools to be able to maximize beyond what is required to do.

First thing: I begin by understanding the project’s objectives and vision. This involves discussing the intended mood, style, and any specific requirements with the client or team. I also research references and gather inspiration to align my approach with the project’s needs.

Next, I plan the sound design elements I’ll need. This includes deciding on the types of sounds, textures, and effects required. I gather or record raw audio materials, and if necessary, I create custom samples or use sound libraries to build a foundation. In general, I'm getting a feeling for the direction and experimenting with different approaches to take.

This might involve synthesizing new sounds, manipulating recorded samples, or applying various effects and working towards filling out all the blanks the visual might lack sonically. 

Lastly, I refine by adjusting what's needed and mixing & mastering everything ensuring everything sounds great on all platforms and formats.