Years later, I invested in my first DAT recorder, a Sony TD7, and started my recording journey. I spent a lot of time exploring ways of recording sounds. Having not much by nature, I was forced to be very creative doing my recordings. Before I hit the record button, I spent a lot of time listening to what I aimed to record, finding the sweet spot of the sound and trying to record it in a way no one ever had before. Many friends who got to know me over the years and who have had the chance to work with me compare me to a photographer and the positioning of my recording mics to working with camera lenses. My microphones are my ears, and I aim to capture the sound the way I hear it in my head. Many years ago, when I have been invited by my friends at Heavyocity to work on the Damage Drum Library, I was given the chance to record sounds the way I hear them. We all perceive sounds different and have developed unique ways of recording. But I strongly believe that leaving the traditional ways, opens a chance to everyone to be different and stand out.

I know that recognizing specific frequencies by ear can be a challenge, but just like anything else, you can start training yourself at it. For example, if you‘re working on a movie trailer (like I do a lot) or a movie project, you need to begin by spending a lot of time listening to music that is directly related to the project you‘re working on. Remember, the envelope is constantly being pushed by engineers, composers, and sound designers, and you can‘t get stuck on one of your favorite soundtracks from ten years ago. You must pay attention to new stuff to do your best to be on top. That‘s one of the keys in helping you to become a successful sound designer. Technology is improving every day, and no matter how good you are, there will always be room to improve yourself. Over the years, I was asked many questions about how I organize my sounds, how I come up with ideas about what to record next, which school I would recommend getting to the point I am now, and how to break into the business and make a living.

When it comes to creative ideas, whether I‘m working on a trailer release or another volume of my cinematic catalog for my distributor, I use a simple technique: I search the schedule of movies to be released in the upcoming years and look at the posters promoting the movies. Those give you a lot of information about what to expect sonically from the movie. For a sci- fi movie, for example, I would start to create all the sound design elements you associate with this genre. When closing your eyes, they will simulate exactly what the poster represents – from space ambience to moving spaceships with various engines and sizes, plus all kinds of weapons, mechanical hydraulic doors, computer communication sounds. Releases like that will be easier to search for by editors who work on TV shows or movie trailers. They are working under constant pressure, and the more organized and creative your release is, the more chances your sounds have to be easily found and frequently used.

There‘s no blueprint on how to get into the business. One way could be trying to get some internship position – in case you live in an area where there are movie or TV studios. You can always offer your free assistance in order to get closer to people who are already doing what you aim to do. Try to become friends with them, and if they spot talent in you, you will most likely get the chance to enter the door and improve yourself. But even if you live in a different part of the country or the world, nowadays, you have more chances to be spotted and recognized than ever before. The days you had to send in your demo are over; the future is in your hands, and all the tools are right in front of you. You can use your social media platform to introduce yourself to the world and show people what you can. If you have something special and unique to show, there‘s a big chance someone will recognize that and get in contact. I remember, the day after I released my first video „How I do what I do“, I got an email from a friend at Steinberg showing me that Hans Zimmer had shared my video on his page. You have no idea how I felt at that moment, knowing from numerous friends or business partners of Mr. Zimmer how hard it was to impress him and get his attention. If I can do this, why can’t you? What‘s holding you back? Remember: It’s all about recommendation in this business and you can achieve anything you want; it‘s all in your hands, and it‘s all about how much and how hard you‘re willing to work for it.