It’s all too easy to look around at peers and colleagues, especially in creative fields like sound design, and feel like you’re always a step behind. We often compare our current abilities to the polished, seemingly effortless work of others, forgetting one fundamental truth: no one is born with innate knowledge or skills. Everybody has to learn everything they know. While this may sound painfully obvious, it’s easy to forget that everybody who is good at something, whether it’s sound design, technical production, or any creative endeavor, started somewhere.
As a parent, watching my children learn and grow is a constant reminder of this truth. I often find myself marveling at my kids as they absorb new information every day, stumbling through tasks until they master them. Their journey isn’t about inherent brilliance. It’s about persistent effort, curiosity, and the willingness to make mistakes. As adults, we sometimes lose sight of that process. We assume that our skills should have come naturally or that the pace of our learning should match our expectations. But in reality, every skill is built over time through trial, error, and dedication.
In our work, especially in the realm of sound design for video games, the pressure to be immediately proficient can be overwhelming. The industry moves fast, and there’s a constant demand for innovation and technical excellence. Yet when we pause and reflect, we realize that every accomplished professional was once in our shoes—uncertain, experimenting, and learning. The difference between someone who appears effortlessly skilled and someone who is still developing their craft is not a matter of talent alone, but also of time and discipline.
So next time you find yourself discouraged by comparison, remember: that person was once exactly where you are now. Their journey is proof that mastery is not an inherent trait, but the result of consistent learning and practice. Allow yourself to take pride in the incremental progress you make along the way.
Let this realization be both a comfort and a call to action. Rather than measuring your worth by the accomplishments of others, focus on the process of learning and growing in your own right. With time, patience, and a commitment to continuous improvement, there is nothing you cannot learn.
Happy designing!