DONIC DESIGN - Project 2 -

 SONIC DESIGN - PROJECT 2 -

23.09.24 - .0.24

week 1 - week 

DONG XINBEI / 0359733

Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

INSTRUCTION

Figure 1.1 MIB

PROJECT 2

In Project 2, students are tasked with creating an immersive storytelling experience through sound. The first step is to create a detailed audio storyboard, which not only involves planning the sound elements but also organizing the sequence, timing, and layering of sound effects. Each sound must have a clear purpose—for example, footsteps can convey a character's movement, wind sounds can establish the atmosphere, and sudden noises might hint at a plot twist. Through these elements, students aim to produce an audio piece that is coherent, rhythmic, and visually evocative.

I have chosen to create an audio story based on The Little Mermaid, bringing to life the emotional journey of the mermaid through sound. The story will focus on key moments, including her enchanting first encounter with the prince on the sea, the magical yet painful transformation into a human, and the poignant ending where she chooses selflessness over love. Through carefully designed soundscapes, such as the tranquil underwater world, the turbulent storm, and the bustling human kingdom, I aim to immerse the audience in the mermaid's world and evoke the emotions of wonder, longing, and sacrifice.

ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH

First, I will use online resources and information to craft the story, ensuring that the background and plot align with the original work while also providing rich material for the audio production. 

I have created a story framework that outlines each important scene and turning point. This framework also provides clear direction for the arrangement and design of the audio, making the entire project more cohesive and organized.

Figure 2.1 Story frame

DIGITALIZATION

During the recording process, I try to adjust my tone and pace according to the emotional shifts of each scene to ensure that the emotions of each character are clearly conveyed to the listener. By reading the story aloud, I can better grasp the rhythm and emotions of the story.

Recording the story myself allows me to present the structure and emotions more effectively. After recording the voices, I will use the methods my instructor taught me to adjust the quality of the sound.

Figure 3.1

 

Figure 3.2

Figure 3.3

After recording the audio, I use Adobe Audition to adjust the sound effects. I also refer to music and sound effects on online platforms and Freesound, selecting suitable sounds to incorporate into the final project. This enhances the auditory experience for the audience.

Figure 4.1

Figure 4.2

After completing the audio editing, I carefully select and add photos that correspond to each audio scene. These images not only visually present the storyline but also add richer layers to the narrative, creating a harmonious interplay between sound and visuals. By precisely aligning the audio with the visual elements, I can craft a seamless and captivating multisensory experience, allowing the audience to immerse themselves more deeply in the content and gain a profound understanding of the story's emotions and meaning.

Sound recording in Google Drive

FINAL OUTCOME

Figure 5.1 Final outcome in YouTube

Reflection

In the project, I created an audio story based on the classic fairy tale "Daughter of the Sea". The challenge required me to convey the plot and emotion entirely through sound, without the use of speech or dialogue. At first, this limitation stressed me out, but it also stimulated my creativity. I first analyzed the core plot and emotional tone of the story, focusing on which sound elements would best convey the atmosphere of each scene. For example, the sound of the waves is used to express the tranquility and vastness of the ocean floor, while the music and noise of the human world represent a strong contrast with the mermaid world.

During the actual production, I recorded some of the basic sound effects myself and looked for additional material on Freesound. I imported all the sound effects into Adobe Audition, and carefully edited and layered them to ensure that the sound transition was natural and hierarchical.

This project gave me a deep understanding of the narrative power of sound. Through the careful design of sound effects, and the use of sound images to build a complete story. I am satisfied with the end result, not only because it fulfilled my expectations, but also because it made me more familiar with the techniques of sound design.