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sound-designer/references/skills.md
2026-08-14 19:11:18 +02:00

4.8 KiB

Competences — sound designer

Source: ESCO v1.2.1 occupation-skill relations (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/790c8dca-f624-4bdc-ac16-27bc13ead188).

Essential

  • adapt existing designs to changed circumstances (skill/competence)
  • adapt to artists' creative demands (skill/competence)
  • analyse a script (skill/competence)
  • analyse music score (skill/competence)
  • analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions (skill/competence)
  • analyse the scenography (skill/competence)
  • attend rehearsals (skill/competence)
  • coach staff for running the performance (skill/competence)
  • communicate during show (skill/competence)
  • conduct costume research (skill/competence)
  • contextualise artistic work (skill/competence)
  • coordinate audio system programmes (skill/competence)
  • define artistic approach (skill/competence)
  • develop an artistic framework (skill/competence)
  • develop design concept (skill/competence)
  • develop design ideas cooperatively (skill/competence)
  • keep up with trends (skill/competence)
  • meet deadlines (skill/competence)
  • mix multi-track recordings (skill/competence)
  • mix sound in a live situation (skill/competence)
  • monitor developments in technology used for design (skill/competence)
  • monitor sociological trends (skill/competence)
  • operate an audio mixing console (skill/competence)
  • operate sound live (skill/competence)
  • perform quality control of design during a run (skill/competence)
  • plan audiovisual recording (skill/competence)
  • present artistic design proposals (skill/competence)
  • prevent fire in a performance environment (skill/competence)
  • program sound cues (skill/competence)
  • propose improvements to artistic production (skill/competence)
  • record multi-track sound (skill/competence)
  • research new ideas (skill/competence)
  • safeguard artistic quality of performance (skill/competence)
  • understand artistic concepts (skill/competence)
  • update design results during rehearsals (skill/competence)
  • use audio reproduction software (skill/competence)
  • use communication equipment (skill/competence)
  • use specialised design software (skill/competence)
  • use technical documentation (skill/competence)
  • verify feasibility (skill/competence)
  • work ergonomically (skill/competence)
  • work safely with chemicals (skill/competence)
  • work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision (skill/competence)
  • work with respect for own safety (skill/competence)

Optional

  • adapt artistic plan to location (skill/competence)
  • analyse the need for technical resources (skill/competence)
  • calculate design costs (skill/competence)
  • copyright legislation (knowledge)
  • develop drama production process (skill/competence)
  • develop professional network (skill/competence)
  • document your own practice (skill/competence)
  • draw up artistic production (skill/competence)
  • ensure safety of mobile electrical systems (skill/competence)
  • follow safety procedures when working at heights (skill/competence)
  • keep personal administration (skill/competence)
  • labour legislation (knowledge)
  • lead a team (skill/competence)
  • manage personal professional development (skill/competence)
  • monitor mixing in a live situation (skill/competence)
  • organise resources for artistic production (skill/competence)
  • perform soundchecks (skill/competence)
  • prospect new customers (skill/competence)
  • provide technical documentation (skill/competence)
  • read musical score (skill/competence)
  • record music (skill/competence)
  • set up a multi-track recording (skill/competence)
  • set up basic recording (skill/competence)
  • set up equipment in a timely manner (skill/competence)
  • set up sound reinforcement system (skill/competence)
  • technically design a sound system (skill/competence)
  • translate artistic concepts to technical designs (skill/competence)
  • tune up wireless audio systems (skill/competence)
  • update budget (skill/competence)
  • use personal protection equipment (skill/competence)
  • work safely with machines (skill/competence)

Market evidence (job-ad analysis, 32 ads, as of 2026-07-19)

Share of analyzed job ads mentioning the item (threshold ≥ 20 %). Source: JSearch/Adzuna APIs.

Hard skills

  • sound design — 75 %
  • audio design — 22 %
  • technical sound system design — 22 %
  • sound effects library building — 19 %
  • sonic branding — 19 %
  • audio implementation — 19 %
  • audio mixing — 19 %
  • sound effects creation — 19 %
  • audio asset delivery — 19 %

Responsibilities

  • audio asset design — 22 %
  • sound effects curation — 19 %
  • sound identity establishment — 19 %