SONIC DESIGN ✦ Project 1 ✦

 18.11.2024 -9.12.2024 (Week5-Week8)

liuziyu/0367533/Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media

SONIC DESIGN

Task: PROJECT 1

INSTRUCTIONS

Project 1 ：Auditory Imaging 

Assignment requirements:

Write a script, it can be homely, sci-fi, and then dub it

Inspiration：

For Project 1, I was inspired by the comforting and cozy moments of everyday life at home. I wanted to recreate the warmth of an ordinary day - the sounds of waking up, a lazy walk, or the turning of pages in a book.

These sounds remind me of peaceful times, and I think they can bring a sense of calm and nostalgia to the viewer. My teacher encouraged me to pay attention to small details and layer sounds to create a deeper atmosphere, like adding birdsong or the gentle ticking of a clock in the background.

The idea was to tell a simple story with familiar sounds and make it feel personal and comforting. This project is about celebrating the beauty of quiet, everyday life through sound.

Creative process：

For Project 1, I started by downloading sound materials from the website recommended by my teacher. The site provided a wide range of high-quality sound effects, making it easy to find elements that matched the cozy and peaceful atmosphere I wanted to create. Based on my script, I selected sounds such as a kettle boiling, birds chirping, soft rain tapping on windows, pages rustling, and a clock ticking in the background. Each sound was chosen carefully to bring a warm, everyday home environment to life and evoke a sense of calm.

Once I had all the sound materials, I imported them into Adobe Audition and began the editing process. First, I arranged the sounds on separate tracks in the order they appeared in my script. This step was critical to establishing a smooth sequence of events. Next, I focused on layering sounds to create a rich and immersive environment. For example, I combined the sound of rain with faint birdsong and a ticking clock in the background to build depth and realism. Careful attention was paid to how the sounds overlapped and complemented one another without competing for attention.

To improve the overall quality, I applied noise reduction to clean up any static or interference in the sound files. This ensured that the audio was clear and professional. I then adjusted the volume levels for each sound to maintain a balanced mix, ensuring that no single element overwhelmed the others. Using the compressor tool, I balanced the dynamics of the audio, making quieter sounds more audible while preventing louder ones from dominating. Additionally, equalization helped me fine-tune the tone of the sounds, particularly for low-frequency elements like the kettle boiling, so they felt natural and pleasant.

After completing the audio editing, I reviewed the entire soundscape to ensure the transitions were smooth and the atmosphere felt cohesive. Once I was satisfied with the result, I exported the final audio for submission.

This project was a rewarding learning experience. It taught me the importance of sound layering, precision in timing, and attention to detail in creating a realistic and engaging environment. With my teacher’s guidance and the tools in Adobe Audition, I was able to transform individual sounds into a complete story. This process deepened my appreciation for how sound design can evoke emotion and bring a scene to life.

Final Result：

This is my story script：

PROJECT 1 : AUDITORY IMAGING

 

Name : LIUZIYU (0367533)

Theme: Daily life at home

Duration: Two minutes

 

Scene:

The protagonist woke up from the room in the early morning. "Birds were singing outside the window" (background).Then the protagonist got up and walked. "The sound of walking on the floor" (main sound). "The sound of opening the door" (main sound). He walked to the table in the living room and drank a sip of water. "The sound of drinking water" (main sound). Then he put down the cup. "The sound of the cup colliding with the table" (main sound). Then he saw the letter on the table and picked up the envelope. "The sound of the paper being gently turned" (main sound). His fingers opened the seal. "The paper made a slight rustling sound" (main sound). After opening the envelope, "The sound of the letter being unfolded" (main sound). The protagonist chuckled softly. "The gentle laughter of a woman" (main sound). He looked out the window at the children playing in the yard. "The laughter of the children" (background). The protagonist gently closed the letter. "The rustling sound of the paper" (main sound). He put it back on the table. Then he walked to get the key. "The sound of getting the key" (main sound). He opened the door. "The sound of unlocking the door" (main sound). He walked out and closed the door. "The sound of gently closing the door" (main sound).

LINK：https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o38xcfIdoMmY_8YAS6IRslUDk06Ft-Iq/view?usp=sharing

REFLECTION

Working on Project 1 was a deeply engaging and creative experience, as it involved blending storytelling with sound design to bring a scene to life. By crafting a script, I learned how important it is to visualize a narrative not just through words but also through sound. Each element of the ambient audio had to align with the mood, setting, and emotions of the story, which challenged me to think beyond basic sound effects and explore how audio can immerse an audience.  

Throughout this process, the guidance from my teacher was invaluable. They provided insightful feedback on how to enhance the script, ensuring it was clear and concise while leaving room for the sound design to shine. During the sound creation phase, my teacher introduced me to techniques for layering sounds effectively and shared tips on how to achieve balance between the foreground and background elements. Their advice on using tools like noise reduction and equalization greatly improved the clarity and quality of my recordings.  

The process of matching ambient sounds to the script taught me the value of subtle details. For example, adding background noises like footsteps, distant chatter, or environmental sounds such as wind or rain helped create a realistic and dynamic atmosphere. I also realized that sound timing and layering play a crucial role in ensuring that the audio feels natural and seamless.  

Overall, Project 1 helped me better understand how sound design enhances storytelling. With my teacher’s encouragement and expert advice, I was able to push my creativity while mastering the technical skills necessary to create an engaging and immersive audio experience. This project has given me a strong foundation for future creative audio work.