MY FAVORITE TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR
GAME AUDIO SUCCESS
I didn't get to where I am on my own. On this page, I've listed some of my favorite software, books, and other content that helped me build my game audio career.
**Some recommendations have affiliate links.**
I have purchased and used all of these products myself and believe in them strongly.
If you are interested in anything on this page, purchasing it through my link will help support me in creating more free content for game audio freelancers. It's a win-win!
TOOLS
"The best investment is in the tools of one's own trade"
Benjamin Franklin
ALL-IN-ONE BUNDLE
Simply the best sound design deal on the internet!
1.6 TB (+10,000 WAV files) of top notch sounds + all future uploads for just $25?!
Marcel and Libby from Free to Use Sounds are traveling the world collecting sonic goodies and you can not only have access to everything they've done but everything they ever will do for this absurdly low, no-brainer price.
RATE CALCULATOR
Calculating your rates is as important a topic as any in the world of game audio freelancing.
That's why I'm appalled to see how many people have no idea how to do this.
Use my game audio rate calculator and the directions from my blog about setting your rates to get this right the first time and rest easy knowing you're making sustainable money with your services.
WIX
Your website is your own private piece of the internet, the most powerful tool ever created by human beings. Do not underestimate the importance of your personal dot com!
I've tried several website builders and find Wix the easiest to navigate, especially for those who simply want to get their basic portfolio online. I created this whole website myself with Wix and I suck at that stuff, so trust me when I say you can do it too!
BETTER PROPOSALS
"That is by far the most professional proposal I have ever received from a potential contractor."
- Real quote from a customer after seeing my proposal
If you can get people to say "wow" you will also get them to say "yes."
Better Proposals will help you do that. It makes gorgeous proposals that will impress your customers and help you land more jobs.
PIPEDRIVE
As a freelancer, you network with dozens if not hundreds of people every year. Following up and staying in touch with all those contacts is difficult but essential to staying top of mind and being called when the next project comes up.
A CRM (Customer Relationship Manager) keeps leads from slipping through the cracks, thus losing you money. My preferred CRM is Pipedrive.
If you are still starting or don't have that much business yet, I'd recommend using a free CRM like the one from Hubspot before allocating part of your budget to these tools. Pipedrive is powerful but probably not worth it if you're not easily making enough money to cover the cost.
BOOKS
"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island"
Walt Disney
HOW TO WIN FRIENDS & INFLUENCE PEOPLE
This is it, people. This is the book. (No joke, my wife and I refer to it as "the book")
Dale Carnegie delivers a supremely enjoyable master class and a half on human relationships that, simply put, will absolutely change your life for the better.
For me, this is the #1 must-have, must-read text for success in your business and personal life.
THE 4-HOUR WORKWEEK
Master your career by mastering your life. This massive best-seller from Tim Ferriss has it all and has provided me with consistent value for years.
Learn how to "work" less and live more by thinking and strategizing in a whole new way. A very inspiring book and one of the few I've re-read multiple times.
BUILDING A STORY BRAND
Simply the best book I've ever read not only about branding but also the fundamentals of communicating with your customers.
As sound designers and composers, we are natural storytellers, and having the topic of branding presented as a story is what first helped me to truly understand the power of a well-defined brand.
